July 5, 2023
As Australia celebrates NAIDOC week, VRFish celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and what fishing means to them.
Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club is based in North East regional Victoria in the township of Shepparton and is the state’s first ever Indigenous Fishing Club. Since launching in 2020, the club has grown rapidly to over 100 members. The club is proudly Aboriginal owned and operated and provides activities on Caring for Country and Culture through fishing, dedicated to strengthening health & wellbeing, natural resource management and cultural heritage.
The club have quickly become known in the Shepparton area as being a collection of ‘hardcore fisho’s’, and many locals have sought out their knowledge of fish species and their unique habits. This intimate knowledge has helped many improve their fishing practices and has increased their catch numbers.
The club host an annual fishing competition and participate in various fishing competitions a throughout the calendar year. The club also offers unique fishing experiences available for all to enjoy. These fishing experiences aim to educate and inform the wider community on local Aboriginal customary fishing practices.
In collaboration with Goulburn Valley Water (GVW), the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club are transforming two decommissioned reservoirs into fishing lagoons for the local community. The reservoirs are located on Yorta Yorta Country in Merrigum, a small town on the outskirts of Shepparton.
VRFish acknowledges the acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
VRFish declares a public commitment and supports work toward achieving genuine reconciliation between indigenous and non indigenous Australians now and in the future.
