ABORIGINAL children from the area will get the chance to wet a line at a special Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fishing workshop run in partnership with Lake Illawarra Local Area Command (LAC).

The DPI and Lake Illawarra Police will conduct the fishing workshop on the foreshore of Lake Illawarra tomorrow (Wednesday) for Aboriginal children aged eight to 14 years from the Coomaditchie communities.

Children from the Illawarra Koori Men’s Support Group holiday program will also be taking part in the program.

Funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust is being contributed to run this fishing workshop and as such, there is no cost for children to get involved in this fun day of activities.

Inspector Steve Johnson, Lake Illawarra Duty Officer, is encouraging children to come along.

“These workshops not only offer Aboriginal children fishing skills, they also teach them social interaction skills and provide a great opportunity for the parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles to share their knowledge,” Inspector Johnson said.

“During the workshop the kids will be able to engage with Fishcare Volunteers and NSW DPI staff to learn about NSW fishing rules, fishing safety, conservation of fish and their habitats, knot tying, line rigging, baiting and casting techniques and retrieval of fish.

“Police Officers and Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) will also be providing valuable assistance and experience on the day.

“Each child taking part in the workshop will receive a rod, reel, tackle box, hat, and also a sample bag to take home with them.

“This dedicated fishing workshop for Aboriginal children is a fantastic opportunity for them to enjoy a day of organised activities, learn a few new skills, take away a greater understanding of fishing and the management of our fisheries resources – and most of all have fun,” Inspector Johnson said.