The Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge will be run by a community committee, with all proceeds going toward restocking the Edward River (Kolety) or associated local projects.
Event coordindator Andrew Jefferies said February 10-12 has been set aside for the new look event.
Specific details of the event however, including capacity limits and prizes, are yet to be confirmed.
In the meantime, tickets for the major raffle have been released to kick start the fundraising efforts.
First prize is a 75 inch flat screen television valued at almost $2000, donated by Deniliquin Betta Home Living Superstore.
Northside Car Solutions sponsored the $1700 60L ARB Elements weatherproof fridge freezer up for grabs as second prize, and third is a range of goodies from Middy’s Deniliquin valued at $1000.
Each ticket, priced at $5, represents two fingerlings to be released into local waterways.
“All money raised through the raffle and the Challenge weekend itself will fund catfish and yellowbelly fingerling releases specifically,” Mr Jefferies said.
“As a not-for-profit event, our only goal is healthy rivers and ensuring fishing can enjoyed for generations to come.
“That is especially important now with the black water events being predicted because of the current floods.
“A catfish breeding program has already been introduced for the Deniliquin lagoons system, but is new to the Edward River.
“We will be channelling the funds raised back through the lagoons restoration group (the Deniliquin Kolety Lagoon Landcare Group), who have done an amazing job already.
“There could be an opportunity for some of the funds raised to support their associated projects, like more fishing platforms like those at the Werrpanakata Fish Park, or as leverage for dollar for dollar funding.”
Raffle tickets are available now at Deni Betta Electrical and Outdoors, North Side Car Solutions, Middy’s Electrical Deni, Deniliquin Yamaha, Deni Party Hire, Deni Tyre Service and Deni Auto Glass.
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