The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, March 4, 2020

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Vol.22 18No. No.34 27 Vol.

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Wednesday, January 2016 Wednesday, March13, 4, 2020

Angling for support BY SARAH MATTHEWS

W

hile anglers from across Australia are gearing up for Horsham’s iconic fishing contest, event leaders are urging Wimmera residents to support an event that injects thousands of dollars into the region’s economy.

The Weekly Advertiser Horsham Fishing Competition, a highlight on the region’s events calendar each Labour Day long weekend, draws participants from far and wide to compete for glory and a $60,000 prize pool. Event chairperson Adele Rohde said competition organisers were thrilled to attract entrants from Western Australia, South Australia, NSW, Tasmania, Queensland and the Northern Territory for Sunday’s contest, which showcases the Wimmera River. She said, however, entries from Horsham municipality were waning. “Traditionally the ratio had been 60 percent locals and 40 percent other,” she said. “This year we have 370 entries from Horsham and Haven, out of 900. “It’s certainly starting to be a trend of more people travelling from outside the area to compete than locals. “People come from all over the place, even really good fishing places, like Cohuna, near the Murray River. “So the competition is obviously a great drawcard and tourism attraction, but local entries are dropping. “Getting local numbers is what makes the event viable and if the event is going to keep going and keep drawing people in then it does need local support.” Mrs Rohde said she understood the competition was on a long weekend, meaning many residents took an opportunity to travel out of the region to attend other events. “But if you are going to be around and you’re looking for an activity then we encourage you to think about coming down to register,” she said. “And if you’re not interested in fishing on the day but still want something to do, we are welcoming additional helpers. Every bit makes a difference.” About 900 people have signed up for this year’s competition, with entrants picking up stakes – to mark their territory on the day – from Horsham Apex Shed on Satur-

day morning. “Stake pick-up was successful. We got through the majority of the line in 10 to 15 minutes,” Mrs Rohde said. “Entries are probably tracking a little lower this year than last year, but not by a huge amount.” Mrs Rhode said committee members would take registrations up until competition day on Sunday, and on the day from 6am until noon. People can register at the Apex shed today and tomorrow between noon and 6pm, and at Horsham Soundshell from 9am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday. “We do get people sign up the week before, or even the day of, because they’ve been sitting on the fence about it,” Mrs Rohde said. “The weather plays a big role in people’s decisions. We are lucky because the forecast is a positive one.”

Family focus

Mrs Rohde said junior entries were up again this year, which she attributed to changes to the competition to entice younger entrants. “That’s where we see Horsham Fishing Competition differentiating itself from other competitions, it has a real family focus,” she said. “We are encouraging young people to get out of the house and do something fun in the great outdoors.” Competition partners Wimmera Landcare and Wimmera Catchment Management Authority will bring back ‘favourite wildlife champion’ Chris Humfrey and his Wild Action Zoo. Humfrey will be at Horsham Showground at 1.30pm, Weir Park at 2pm and present a live show at Horsham Soundshell at 3.30pm. All juniors and tiddlers who catch a fish longer than 30cm will take home a prize. Mrs Rohde said she was proud of the prizes on offer in all categories this year. “We get feedback after each competition and people have said outdoors equipment like camping and fishing equipment is what they are looking for,” she said. “That’s what we’ve worked to put together.” Continued page 3

ROLLING OUT THE WELCOME MAT: Holy Trinity Lutheran College students Monique Shevlin and Stella Schmidt wave in day-one crowds at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days yesterday. Aboard a four-wheel surrey bike, students from the Horsham school pedalled their way around the 16-hectare site to offer patrons and exhibitors cold drinks and refreshments. They will get back into gear today when another full program of events hits the field days as part of its family-focused day. This will include a live stage show from children’s entertainers Mik Maks, Horsham College’s student showcase and a children’s fashion parade. The 2020 Wimmera Machinery Field Days will conclude tomorrow, with an inaugural Wimmera Machinery Field Days Ag Machinery and Equipment Auction in the morning to provide bidders an opportunity to snag a variety of items including sprayers, tractors and harvesters. Story, page 5. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

IN THIS ISSUE • Yarriambiack projects windfall • Wimmera prepares to relay • Football-netball countdown

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