Organisers blown away by the success of fishing challenge

By Jacquie Marshall

Feb 14, 2023

The boat, motor and trailer package was won by Scott O'Keefe. Photos by Grace Jefferies.

Although the fishing was a tad quiet, the inaugural Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge was a huge success.

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Organisers say the support for the event was overwhelming.

Reaching their capped entry numbers, entrants were comprised of locals and visitors who travelled from areas such as Sunbury, Torquay, Bairnsdale, Horsham, Central Victoria, Hay and everywhere in between.

The most coveted of the weekend’s prizes - a $15,000 boat and motor package from Deniliquin Yamaha - was won by Bendigo visitor Scott O’Keefe.

Another $30,000 in sponsored prizes was also given away, with local anglers and raffle ticket holders sharing some of the spoils.

It included local youngster Savannah Mitchell who won the junior lucky registration prize - a Fishing Kings kayak.

Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge coordinator Andrew Jefferies said the committee was pleased to see the prize go to someone like Mr O’Keefe.

“He’s such a battler and such a worthy winner,” Mr Jefferies said.

“He has been saving for a boat and entering other fishing comps hoping to win one, and now he has at our start up challenge.

“We are so happy for him.”

Taking to the Edward River fishing zone on Saturday and SUnday were 300 entrants and 101 sponsors, who all supported the successful new format.

“And we would have had between 600 and 700 people supporting the raffles each night, which is huge,” Mr Jefferies said.

“As well as those who had entered, locals came down to support the raffle and have a good night.

“That is exactly what we wanted to see.”

The major raffle was also a sell out with more than $20,000 being raised from raffles alone over the three days of the event.

“All proceeds from the raffles will go towards fish restocking and rejuvenation of habitat, and other projects the Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group have on their agenda.

“We can’t thank the local businesses enough for their support, we’ve been blown away.

“Every prize was either donated or bought locally from businesses in town.”

Mr Jefferies said the challenge would return next year, also with a capped entry limit to ensure the event remains a success.

“The fishing challenge will remain a capped event to 300 entrants for next year, so we expect heavy demand when tickets are released.

“We need to keep the numbers down on the river so we don’t impact other river activities.

“And the format was a winner, so we don’t want to change what works.”

The formula of having a central location to town and the river at Memorial Park and having social raffle evenings was well received by locals and visitors.

Mr Jefferies said entrants also appreciated having five meals included as part of their ticket price.

He said the event was only a success because of the support shown.

“We are so grateful and overwhelmed by volunteers and helpers, local businesses, caterers and all those who participated on making it a wonderful first year of our event,” he concluded.