Elite anglers from the Australian Fishing Championships (AFC) are preparing to deliver two free kids fishing academies to youngsters in Hamilton and Horsham this October.
This is an exciting opportunity to learn from the best tournament anglers in the state, alongside local fishing legends from the Hamilton Anglers Club.
National "Gone Fishing Day" on Sunday 10 October 2021 will see the Academy take over the shores of Lake Hamilton as an accessible, inclusive COVIDsafe event - pending government restrictions.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Bruach Colliton said it’s exciting to see a free, fun, outdoor event specifically tailored for young people come to the Southern Grampians.
“The fishing academy a fantastic opportunity for our youngest residents to get outside and enjoy nature, and for many, to try their hand at something new,” said Cr Colliton.
“Over 2 hours, kids aged between 5 and 16 will undertake workshops and get hands-on, learning knot tying and rod casting, about fish species and lures, fishing environments and safety. Each participant will get an AFC Level 1 Certificate at the end of each session”.
Based on casting ability, a child from both Hamilton and Horsham's Kids Academies will be invited to represent their town at the AFC Series event due to be held at Rocklands Reservoir in 2022. This elite fishing competition and TV series, will be broadcast on 7mate to 450 million households, across 16 countries, in four languages, later in 2022.
“The international-broadcasting of the AFC Round at Rocklands next year really has the ability to promote the area as a prime fishing destination and travel location, which will not only benefit Balmoral but the entire Greater Hamilton region,” continued Cr Colliton.
“This event is brought to the region through Southern Grampians Shire Council’s events attraction program, in association with event attraction partners, Sports Marketing Australia”.
Thanks to volunteers from the Hamilton Anglers Club and Hamilton Aquatics Club, there will be a free sausage sizzle for participants and accompanying families. Numbers are limited so bookings are required to secure places.
The Academy is free to participate in thanks to sponsorship from Southern Grampians Shire Council and Horsham Rural City Council which will host their Academy on Saturday 9 October 2021.
Registrations are free but numbers are limited, book via Eventbrite to secure a place in the session that suits your or your child's age group!