YACTAC and Refreshing Rivers were at the Jerilderie Fishing Club’s Kids Fishing Day supporting a creative activity with a waterway theme. YACTAC commissioned Indigenous artist and Jerilderie local, Ros Lockhart, to make wood cut-outs of eel-tailed catfishes (Tandanus tandanus), to be painted by community on the day, and create an installation in town.

The activity aimed to promote the eel-tailed catfish, a species which once dominated the Billabong, Yanco, Colombo and Forest Creeks. Currently eel-tailed catfish are considered an Endangered Population (NSW Government’s Threatened species list). Their decline is due to a range of impacts including invasive species, habitat degradation, cold water pollution and fishing pressures.

All ages were involved in catfish painting, from little three-year olds to a burly fisherman in his sixties!

“What a fantastic day out at the annual Kids Fishing Day, perfect weather, family friendly activities, good tucker and making the most of life on the Billabong Creek,” said YACTAC’s Andrea Mitchell.

Ninety-one children registered in the competition with a total of 24 fish caught; one silver bream, two golden perch, seven Murray cod and 14 carp.

“A big thankyou comes from the Fishing Club to all the helpers on the day and sponsors who made the event such a great success,” said Jerilderie Fishing Club.

Watch out for the eel-tailed catfish installation which will be displayed in town once complete.