All systems go for Jeparit comp
The Jeparit community is preparing for a boost to the town’s economy and morale ahead of its annual Easter fishing competition.
Jeparit Anglers Club leaders were dismayed to cancel last year’s event due to COVID-19 restrictions but are pleased it is all systems go for this weekend.
The fishing competition has been one of the town’s major events and money-spinners since it restarted after the 2011 floods.
Committee member Yolande Hutson said the competition, in the Wimmera River on Easter Saturday, was great for the region, particularly the town’s supermarket.
“The supermarket missed out on last year’s event, as well as a footy season,” she said.
“It will be great for them – it’s a small shop in a small town. They’ve ordered extra bread and supplies and are ready for the weekend.
“It will be great to get out camping again, too. A lot of people have been coming for years and they are excited to be coming back again.
“We’ve also had more people join the Facebook group, so it’s exciting there’s a whole lot more people interested in the event.”
The Jeparit Easter Fishing Competition will run from 7.30am to 3pm.
It is a bank-only competition, judged on weight, with anglers hoping to catch the biggest redfin, golden perch, silver perch, catfish or cod. There will also be a carp competition. Anglers will compete in senior and junior divisions, vying for a share of a prize pool worth thousands of dollars.
The senior winner will collect $2000 and the junior winner $500 plus a swag.
“There are also kayaks, an accommodation voucher, Engels, Eskies, rods, chairs and so on – a whole heap of prizes,” Mrs Hutson said.
“We were lucky this year because a lot of the groundwork was already done.
“A lot of the people who donated prizes and goods last year said they were happy to hold them over for this year’s event.
“That made it easier for us to plan and we didn’t have to chase up a heap of prizes, which was good.”
The first 150 juniors to register for the competition will collect a showbag.
For the first time, participants can register online at register.jeparitanglersclub.com.
“This year we will also have a square reader for the first time, which means we can do card payments,” Mrs Hutson said.
“People still have to collect their rod tags but it will make the process quicker.”
Registration
People can register in person, or pick up registration packs, at the angling club rooms at Jeparit Golf Club from noon to 6pm on Friday or from 6.30am on Saturday.
Mrs Hutson said once registered, people would receive a brochure with information including a map of eligible sections of river, competition rules, prizes and contact numbers.
Camping is a popular Easter activity and many Wimmera-mallee residents and visitors enjoy the opportunity to spend a few nights by the Wimmera River.
“People have already started setting up their camps and the campers will start to roll in tomorrow, if not earlier,” Mrs Hutson said.
“The river is looking good at the moment. It was looking a little low, but we’ve had some flows.
“The weather looks like it’s going to be on our side too, which is great.”
Mrs Hutson said the committee would run a raffle to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
“We’ve always done that, we like to give a good donation to the appeal,” she said.
“The fire brigade won’t be doorknocking in Jeparit this year but they will bring the truck down to the campsite for donations.”
Presentations, at this stage online, will be from 3.30pm.
People can join Jeparit Anglers Club on Facebook or visit jeparitanglersclub.com for more information.
ACE Radio, through The Weekly Advertiser, MIXX FM and 3WM, headlines a list of competition sponsors.