Handing over the fishing rod
AFTER 12 years at the helm of Inland Waterways, co-founder Matt Hansen has stepped aside as president to free up some time for family.
Mr Hansen made the decision early last week to hand over the reins but with the enthusiastic committee wanting to push on with its annual Burrendong Classic, he agreed to continue in his PR role for that event.
“It’s been a great ride – nine Burrendong Easter Fishing Classics, heaps of new cars, camper trailers and Engel fridges given away, hundreds of thousands of fingerlings stocked, fish rescued in drought alongside great mates, and hundreds of snags and homes for native fish put in the river,” Mr Hansen told Dubbo Photo News.
“Fishways have been fought for, and illegal fishers and netters fought with, GPTS (Gross Pollutant Traps) and river rubbish clean ups, a River Repair Bus born that has just been replicated down in Mildura, 570-odd editions of the local Dubbo Catches fishing column, and stacks of other river health projects.
“I’ll keep on representing our region and all NSW recreational fishers on the NSW fisheries councils, but our little boys are growing up in front of my eyes and it’s time to clear the plate a bit and have a family focus while our kids are still kids.”
Mr Hansen said it’s great news
that the committee has elected to run the 10th annual Lake Burrendong Easter Fishing Classic next year and thanked everyone for their support over more than a decade which has seen the importance of fish habitat and local rivers pushed into the spotlight thanks to the committee’s efforts.
“Congratulations to Wayne Gilbert who stepped into the president’s role. With Mick O’neill staying on as vice-president and Jared Hocking as treasurer.
“I wish the ongoing volunteer committee, all the incredibly generous sponsors, and everyone from the Classic family all the very best for the future.”