Sport
27 January, 2025
Keen fishers invited to participate in annual classic
THE Normanton Barra Classic in the Carpentaria Shire is being held again this year over the Easter long weekend, with budding Douglas Shire fishermen being urged to head up and take part.
The event is now into its 31st year and attracts participants from all over Queensland and interstate.
The classic’s current organiser Greg Cameron said “the aim of the event is to ensure the rules make it a fair competition no matter age, race or fishing from the bank or boat everybody has the same opportunity”.
“It’s all about promoting catch and release and sustainable fishing techniques. The rules sound like a lot but as long as everybody is on the same page and follow these then anyone and everyone has the same opportunity to be a prize winner,” he said.
“As with most competitions it does get competitive however it’s all about having fun and creating a fun-filled weekend and enjoying the region and what it offers.”
The income generated from the event goes back into the local Normanton community.
“These community organisations include essential services such as the local kindergarten, local health services and the Normanton State School. Since 2020 the barra comp has donated $30,500 back into community groups,” Mr Cameron said.
“Last year we were able to donate $35,000 back to community groups in the shire. Last year we also donated to the Royal Flying Doctors as this is a service that is invaluable to remote communities.”
“We get approximately 400 nominations across all age groups which is slowly growing each year. We keep the nomination fees low so that everybody across all demographics can take part. In the last few years, we have had competitors from all over the state plus interstate. Getting competitors to come in from other regions is one of the main aims as well so we can promote the region and bring in more business to the local region.”
Mr Cameron said the event was very affordable.
“On purpose we keep the nomination fees low – $30 adults, $15 for junior and $5 for little kids. This is because of the demographics of the region and that we rely on sponsorship to help out to cover the costs and prizes. We could increase these but I think we would see a big drop in local numbers and that is something I don’t want to see as the event is for everyone,” he said.
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