NSW Gone Fishing Day is back for 2022 and recreational fishing clubs and organisations are encouraged to apply for grants to host fishing activities on Sunday 9 October.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director General Fisheries Sean Sloan said applications for grants of up to $2,000, as well as Gone Fishing Day packages to help host a local Gone Fishing Day event are now open until Tuesday 6 September 2022.
“Recreational fishing clubs, organisations and community groups are eligible to apply for grants of up to $2,000 to purchase items required to run Gone Fishing Day events, such as casting and fishing workshops and information sessions, on or around 9 October 2022.
“The grants can be used to purchase fishing gear, bait, food and soft drinks and equipment hire etc.
“Activities to restore fish habitat, through replanting and/or weeding creek banks, on Gone Fishing Day are also eligible to apply.
“Clubs can also apply for Gone Fishing Day packages consisting of rod and reel sets, bags, giveaways and advisory information for participants attending events,” Mr Sloan said.
Gone Fishing Day events and activities are supported by NSW DPI and the Recreational Fishing Trust and is a part of a national initiative organised by the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation.
“Gone Fishing Day is a great way for the state’s one million fishers to connect and introduce their friends and family to their valued pastime,” Mr Sloan said.
“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t fished before or if you’re the keenest of anglers, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone.”
DPI will also be hosting free community fishing events at Ballina, Lake Macquarie, Batemans Bay, Sydney, Narrabri and Cowra on Sunday 9 October to encourage everyone to get on the water and wet a line.
Application forms and grant funding guidelines are available on the Gone Fishing NSW Day page.
