News & Media

Fishing safely and responsibly will be the key themes as the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) runs a fishing workshop specially targeting the Sydney Korean community this weekend (October 27)

DPI Community Relations Manager, George Mannah, said the workshops teach the importance of safe, responsible and sustainable fishing to people from a non-English speaking background.

“The workshop is organised through Willoughby City Council and run by fishing and water safety experts from NSW DPI, Fishcare volunteers , Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW and Surf Life Saving NSW for members of the Korean community in Sydney,” Mr Mannah said.

“Our Asian communities are high-risk for fishing and swimming incidents and we believe that education is the best way to ensure that all Australians, no matter what their language or cultural background, can enjoy fishing in a safe and sustainable way.

“Fishing is a passion that crosses language barriers and cultural boundaries and wetting a line is a healthy, relaxing and family friendly activity for all Australians.

“These workshops teach fishing and swimming safety with an emphasis on rock fishing, rules and regulations, responsible fishing and conservation.

 “Information on fishing, fishing safety and water safety will be provided in various languages for all participants, with prizes to be won, including life jackets, fishing and rockfishing safety gear.”

Earlier this month over 120 adults and children from the Chinese community participated in a fishing and swimming safety workshop organised through Willoughby City Council.

The workshops are run in partnership with the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and Water Safety Advisory Council and Ministry for Police & Emergency Services.

Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW Chairman, Malcolm Poole, said these workshops are aimed at Saving Lives and reducing drowning related fatalities in NSW by 50% by 2020 and are funded under the NSW Government’s Water Safety Black Spot Fund.

“Participants learn about the important facts when being near or in the water, and are given translated information on rock fishing and fishing safety, being safe at the beach, fishing rules and regulations, and caring for our waterways,” Mr Poole said.

The workshop will be run from 10am – 3pm on Saturday, October 27 at the Dougherty Community Centre, 7 Victor Street, Chatswood.

The cost is free, with a BBQ lunch provided.

For more information on the workshop, contact George Mannah on 02 8437 4915.