OzFish Experience – Evans Head
The first OzFish experience campout was held along the beautiful banks of the Evans River and brought together 30 members from seven different NSW OzFish Chapters, a rare opportunity!
We spent the early mornings on the water before getting stuck into an exciting day learning from experts about the ways that we can increase our impact as anglers on local fish habitat restoration projects on local waterways across NSW.
When the evening rolled around, we sat around the campfire, shared dinner together and caught up with mates and met new ones from nearby Chapters.
It was a great chance to learn from other members about their local OzFish projects, share stories and lean on each other for advice and inspiration.
The project
Over the next three years (2025-2027), OzFish will host a series of campout weekends along the NSW east coast, bringing together members from nearby chapters for an unforgettable experience.
Funded by the NSW Environmental Trust with support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, these events will bring members together for a weekend of fishing, camping and connecting with fellow anglers all in the name of better fishing and healthier waterways!
Chapter members will hear from restoration managers, industry experts, and First Nations leaders on topics relating to riparian restoration, water quality, invasive pest species, litter management, and community leadership.
The knowledge gained by Chapter members will then be put into action for future Chapter-led environmental restoration projects in their local area, such as water quality monitoring projects, riverbank riparian tree planting or tackling litter initiatives.
A recap of the weekend
Coastal bush regeneration
Northern Rivers Ecological joined us on Saturday morning to demonstrate the process of assisted regeneration techniques in a section of littoral rainforest adjacent to Evans Head Beach, an ecologically endangered community along NSW coastlines. Remnant populations of littoral rainforest stabilise the back of the sand dunes, minimising the impacts of coastal erosion and acting as a buffer, catching litter and trapping sediment and nutrient runoff before entering the beach or nearby estuary.
Assisted regeneration is a land management practice that helps the ecosystem recover as nature intended by removing the presence of invasive plant species, which in turn supports the natural growth of native species. Often, when we think of “restoration”, we think of planting trees as the first solution. So learning about assisted regeneration and how to properly identify and remove invasive weed species was new for a lot of members and something to think about for future riparian restoration works along local rivers.
Community leadership
After lunch, we gathered under a shady tree by the river for Emma Stone’s discussion – Landcare Coordinator from the Border Ranges – Richmond Valley Landcare Network.
Emma discussed the custodianship of local community-led projects and challenged OzFish members to consider how we carry out chapter-led projects – like thinking holistically when it comes to project design, what are the factors we need to consider when identifying the habitat or waterway issues, who in the community should we consider consulting about this issue, what are effective communication strategies and how do we utilise the resources available to us, rather than reinventing the wheel each time.
We had a special visit from Cassie Price, CEO of OzFish, who shared the history of OzFish and the incredible growth in a short number of years. Cass reflected on the true impact of rec anglers driving local fish habitat change and the magnitude of what it means for our fish and waterway health.
We also heard from Pete Pryor, an OzFish legend and Clarence Chapter President about his time volunteering with OzFish over the years, leading projects in the Clarence and the positive impact that has had when working collaboratively in the community.
Water quality sampling and an afternoon of beers and bugs
Dr. Brendan Cox from River Ecology Australia brought along water samples from three different sections of the Richmond River for Chapter members to try their luck as scientists and get their hands dirty with testing water quality parameters like pH, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen.
Interestingly, one of the samples was taken from a site near the Tuckean Swamp, an area that was once likened to the Kakadu of the East Coast. OzFish is working to restore the Tuckean floodplain by opening floodgates and allowing water back into areas that were historically drained for agricultural use.
The pH levels at the Tuckean Swamp have been recorded at 2, which is the same level of acidity as lemon juice! We can start to understand why fish and other aquatic species haven’t been back for a while.
We wrapped up the afternoon of water sampling, grabbed a beer and camp chair and learnt how to identify waterbugs (otherwise known as macroinvertebrates), that live within estuarine and freshwater systems.
Not only do waterbugs make up to 44% of an Australian bass’s diet, making them super important for fish species, but they can also tell us a lot of information about the condition of the river without the need for expensive water quality sampling.
Learning to identify species like mayflies or caddisflies, which have a low tolerance to poor water quality, is a good indicator that the system is in a healthy condition. Unlike some of the hard-shelled shelled more tolerant species like slaters and waterboatman, which could potentially withstand an acidic pH like those in the Tuckean Swamp. Something to consider when casting around from the banks next time!
Campfire yarns with Simone Barker, local Bandjalang woman
As the sun began to set, it was a privilege to gather around the campfire next to the river with Simone Barker, a local Bandjalang Traditional Custodian. Simone shared her lived experience growing up in the area, noticing changes in water quality and the encroachment of invasive plant species like the coral tree along the banks upstream.
Simone spoke about her connection to the area and continuing her dad’s legacy of looking after the local environment, taking only what we need, not targeting certain fish species too heavily, and how that inspired her to become involved with other environmental action groups.
Feedback from participants
Margie Lippiat – Richmond River Chapter member
What did you enjoy the most about the campout?
The whole event was great – it’s hard to single out just one part, because we enjoyed the diversity of the events, as well as meeting everyone from different areas.
What prompted you to join this event?
We just love camping, and what an opportunity to meet some like-minded people in a relaxed setting in a lovely spot- Evans. It made me take time out!
What prompted you to join OzFish?
When we joined Ozfish we had just moved to Ballina, and were interested to learn more about fishing, crabbing and oystering in the region and everything associated with these activities. We also read about Ozfish’s work, and were keen to support their endeavours in any way we could. For the first 2 years, our support was only by way of paying our membership, but even this small monetary contribution we figured was beneficial.
What sort of member events would you like to see in the future?
We would really enjoy more camps. The opportunity to hear the science involved in river systems is great. We are keen to learn more about the oyster project and get involved in some.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of joining a member event?
Getting involved in any event is rewarding on many levels. Meeting new people, learning new information and skills, and then putting those skills into practice is always a positive and affirming practice. I guess I would say – you have to be in it to win from it, and it seems to me there are many wins at an Ozfish event.
Nick Sawyer – Manning River Chapter member
What did you enjoy the most about the campout?
I enjoyed the fact that I knew leading into the weekend I was going to spend time with like-minded people who care for the environment we all enjoy so much. I knew I was going to make new friends and be able to talk about common interests. I also enjoyed learning about environmental practices/knowledge-based learning in the bush/environment.
What prompted you to join this event?
The fact that these opportunities are rare meant I didn’t want to miss it.
What prompted you to join OzFish?
I believe they are doing a good thing and have a solid moral/ethical standpoint on issues which I also care about deeply. Knowing there is someone in the space trying to make change made it a simple decision to donate a little time and money to a good cause.
What sort of member events would you like to see in the future?
Events like this. Having people who specialise in a specific field come to talk to us was inspiring and educational. I would say that was one of the best parts of the whole event. Being able to sit and listen to passionate people makes it easy to learn and share the information learned.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of joining a member event?
I would highly recommend they get involved, they will learn a lot and leave the event with a smile on their face and with more knowledge than they came to it with for sure.
Melissa Ringland – Clarence River Chapter
What did you enjoy the most about the campout?
I equally enjoyed the company of like-minded people, the information/training sessions and the choice of venue – the Reflections Park at Evans Head was well situated right on the river.
What prompted you to join this event?
I joined the event to meet other Ozfishers and learn more about how we can work together to help improve our fish habits.
What prompted you to join OzFish?
My husband had joined as he is a passionate fisher as well as keen to protect and improve fish habitat, so I too wanted to get involved and lend a hand.
What sort of member events would you like to see in the future?
I’d like to see more cross-pollination of each Chapter, I’m keen to learn what other chapters have been doing and what has been successful/not successful, so we can consider this for our own chapter.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of joining a member event?
Come along if you want to meet some great people, learn more about our fish habitats and enjoy having a few laughs together.
Wayne Ringland – Clarence River Chapter
What did you enjoy the most about the campout?
Socialising with fellow ozfishers. Learning a bit about bush regeneration.
What prompted you to join this event?
The expectation of fun and learning with a chance of fishing.
What prompted you to join OzFish?
To help in making our fisheries more fishy.
What sort of member events would you like to see in the future?
Visiting sites where Ozfish has had an impact and fish in the area.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of joining a member event?
Come along and have some fun.
Article written by Taylah Kirk, Senior Project Officer – Chapter Capacity & Young Leaders Program.