The state government distributed thousands of free fishing rods to primary school kids in an attempt to engage young Victorians in fishing, and while some kids love their rods, others have ended up on Facebook marketplace. So, did the program work?
The Victorian Fisheries Authority states the money for the program comes from the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Fund, which is raised through fishing license fees.
Kinda makes it an investment of sorts…
This article is the first time I heard about this!
I enjoyed fishing as a kid so this would have been right up my alley but still, wtf.
Increases sun exposure. Great.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
“The kits inspire kids to discover this active, healthy pastime and provide the information and equipment they and their families need to get started," said the minister for outdoor recreation, Steve Dimopoulos.
His mum, Adele, hopes it could be the start of a new outdoor hobby for Zach, who spends a lot of time inside on devices.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said the program has been “hugely successful,” based on feedback from teachers, students and social media.
The Victorian Greens have since announced their MP offices would be made available as “drop-off points” for parents wanting to get rid of rods received through the program.
Over the years, Mr Pillinger has been involved in a similar but separate program run by his club, an annual day where kids and people with disabilities are taught to fish and gifted their very own rod, which he describes as extremely rewarding.
“A lot of funding goes into junior football, little athletics, all sorts of other sports, but the fishing rods thing seems to have struck a nerve for people.”
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