Local youth spent some time by the water in Burnett Heads last week, not only to reel in some fish but to also create relationships within the community.
With funding from the Queensland Recreational Fishing Grants, Bundaberg Regional Council led the fishing event for disenfranchised youth facing mental health issues.
“Our goal is to engage with disenfranchised youth and hopefully spark a love for the great outdoors and kindle some new relationships while learning how to fish at the same time,” Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said.
“Primarily this event is about addressing issues like low self-esteem, social interactions, motivation and those sorts of things.
“So it's not actually about fishing, it's more about these activities providing a platform for youth to come together and to meet with members of the community so they can have those interactions and form relationships and connections.”
Grace Hunter from Youth Justice said the event was a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills in a new environment.
“They are out with other peers and they are out in the open getting fresh air, being out on the water is a chance for them to forget about what is happening at home,” she said.
“They get to learn new skills- some of our young people have done a little bit of fishing, but they don’t know how to tie knots properly and they don't know what to do with the fish.”
Participant Tyrone Shaw said the event was a great opportunity to mix with other people.
“We get to know one another and it's fun to get to learn some new skills and get some fish,” he said.
Other stories:
