Maningrida casts about for funds

15 December 2015

Adam, Barney, Wingfield and Jess - JUST A TOUCH, A TOUCH OF BARRADISE.

BY JO KILLMEISTER

On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October NTES Maningrida Emergency Response Volunteers ran a fishing competition called Maningrida 2015 Bust Up Fishing Comp - Tinnies, Tackle & Tides.

Prior to the comp boats were fuelled, tides checked, secret spots logged, tackle and rods at the ready and a lot of talk was going on in the community on who was going to win this year.

We had 16 boats enter from Maningrida with 72 competitors out on the water at 6am for Barra Day Catch and Release, returning by 6pm. There were lots of fish caught on Day 1, but no metre barras, although some came close with 95cm. It was a great day for everyone to get together and have some fun, get a bit competitive and reel in some large catches.

Day 2 was Reef Day, with big and varied species caught in tough, windy conditions. All boats made it back safely to the ramp by 3pm.

This year we were sponsored by TJM, Sea Swift, BCF, Airnorth, Darwin 4x4, Fishing & Outdoor World, XXXX, NT General Store, Jarvis walker Marine, Rhino Rack, Engel Australia, Reidys Lures, Bransfords Tackle, Arnhemland Barra Lodge, Halco Tackle, Sun Protection and Buff Headwear. Without these amazing sponsors, some that have been sponsoring us for many years, we would not be able to run the comp and give out these wonderful prizes for so many categories.

The volunteers worked hard doing a lot of pre-event legwork, providing baconand- egg sandwiches at the ramp from 4.30am on both days, being Sober Bob, scoring, and taking photos.

This event is run every year to raise money for essential equipment for NTES Maningrida Emergency Response Group to assist Maningrida and the wider community in the event of emergency situations like road accident rescues, boat rescues, cyclone and storm damage, fire and land search.

This year we raised $7000 which we plan to use to buy a defibrillator, pay for our satellite phone, and to build a shelter for training purposes to use throughout the wet season.

Highest Points Overall: Tomsey - ONE MORE NO MORE.