From the Department of Primary Industries

Monday 4 August, 2008

FAMILY FISHING FESTIVAL RETURNS TO KENNINGTON RESERVOIR

Victorian families can catch a new hobby at Sunday’s free Family Fishing Festival at Bendigo’s Kennington Reservoir, Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper announced today.

Mr Helper said the August 10 event would build on the first festival held at the reservoir in 2007.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to provide ample fishing opportunities for all Victorian families,” Mr Helper said.

“Last year more than 200 children and their families attended the Kennington Reservoir festival which coincided with Fathers’ Day.

“They enjoyed a range of activities including fishing sessions guided by members of local
angling clubs, informative workshops with Fisheries Officers and knot tying classes with Fishcare volunteers.

“This year’s festival will include all of these popular activities and will be supplemented with casting clinics, fish cooking demonstrations by local chefs, face painting, a jumping castle, the ever popular Flathead Fred show and displays from local producers and organisations.”

Mr Helper said all participating children in this year’s festival would receive a free Go Fishing in Victoria bag.

“Specifically designed for budding young anglers these include a tackle box, jigsaw puzzle, fun fishing information cards for eight popular fish species and colourful lures,” he said.

“Catch-and-keep-sized rainbow trout, including large ‘Premier’ sized fish over one kilogram in weight will be released into Kennington Reservoir just prior to the event, which will increase the chances of landing a good catch on the day.

“Additional trout will also be released during the festival and participating children will be able to help liberate these fish into the water.”

Mr Helper said families were strongly encouraged to pre-register to reserve workshop places
which were limited.

Kennington Reservoir is one of five Premier Lakes being developed across the state as part of the Brumby Government’s $3.2 million Go Fishing in Victoria investment in recreational fishing, which aims to increase participation in fishing, particularly among families.

Sunday’s Kennington Reservoir Family Fishing Festival starts at 9am; to view a timetable of festival events or to learn more about the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative visit
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/gofishing

To pre-register for the workshops ring the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

For more information about the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative and Family Fishing events in 2008 visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/gofishing or call 136 186.