The CASPA Northern Territory Education team recently hosted a fishing day at Mandorah Jetty, creating a memorable experience for young people in the program. The day wasn’t just about fishing, it was about building relationships, developing life skills, and finding joy in new experiences. Activities like these play an essential role in helping young people strengthen their resilience and gain confidence.
The adventure began with a ferry ride, setting an exciting tone for the day. Once onshore, the group gathered for a safety briefing and decided who would be in charge of bait preparation, a task unanimously handed to Josh, a Therapeutic Care Worker (TCW) and Charlie, a mentor.
The first catch of the day set the energy high: a small cod was safely returned to the water before Josh reeled in a giant trevally, sparking friendly competition among the group. Bridget, a House Coordinator, followed up with a moon fish, showing that the day wasn’t just for the young people, everyone was in on the fun.
Despite a sudden downpour, spirits remained high. The group huddled together, lines cast, determined to land another Giant Trevally. Young person Daniel* demonstrated focus and teamwork as he cast the net for live bait, keeping everyone supplied throughout the day.
Elsa*, another young participant, tackled the challenge of landing “the big one” with determination. Using a hand reel, she showed persistence as she battled a metre-long fish, narrowly missing her catch. Undeterred, Elsa re-baited and hooked an elusive giant trevally, only for her line to snap! A thrilling moment that had the whole group cheering her on.
After a morning of excitement and a few snapped lines, the group took a well-earned break. Lunch was shared with CASPA Operations Manager Lance and local Elder Lorraine, who joined in the storytelling and laughter. In the afternoon, the young people voted to stay a little longer, continuing their search for the elusive trevally while exploring the beach for mud mussels.
While the giant trevally may have escaped, the day was far from a loss. The young people left with more than fishing skills. Experiences like these help them build confidence and strengthen their relationships. They also experience the joy of pushing their boundaries in a supportive environment, better preparing them for a future of independence.
*Names have been changed for privacy.
