IN a bid to create the biggest fishing day ever, Jack Bamford speaks with a tone of genuine excitement about what he has in mind for September 6 at Kyneton’s Lauriston Reservoir.
All in the name of mental health, Mr Bamford says he wants to make the casual and calming mood of fishing one for people to talk about their problems and how they are dealing with it with strangers.
“The truth of the matter is, I’m not doing anything special,” he said.
“When I came up with the idea of fishing for mental health, I’ve always gone to the bush with the kookaburras and fishing and I took it for granted, and people take it for granted.
“But now it’s all laptops, phones and computers, and it’s not about grabbing a fishing rod and going over to chat to a total stranger.
“A problem shared is a problem halved, and that’s what I’m about, having a barbecue, having some music as well.”
Mr Bamford’s Fishing for Mental Health day will come at a small cost of $10 per head, which will include rods, bait, drinks and a barbecue, as well as live music from local bands Redgum and Lost Souls and mystery prizes on the day.
The 2024 edition was a success, but Mr Bamford is keen for more people to attend, particularly around the Mitchell Shire area, with the likes of Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Dom Bonanno also attending.
“Last year, I averaged between 60 to 110 people for fishing trips. My fewest was 28 and that was because I did it with Victoria Police on a Wednesday. This time I am expecting a couple of hundred people, but it doesn’t matter if I get two people. If the message gets out to one, I have done my job,” he said.
“I’m excited. Bendigo Bank has been great from the start. I’ll be using their marquees and flags. Their small change grants have been great, and they’ve gone above the call of duty, because they believe Mental Health for Fishing is a winner.
“The Neighbourhood House Romsey and Lancefield are right behind me, as well as many small businesses such as Aussie Disposals in Sunbury, Romsey Hair Hub, IGA are donating the meat and so are Country Gourmet Meats in Gisborne. There’s so much support, it’s incredible.
“I have prizes for the biggest fish and smallest fish, which will win a new fishing rod; a raffle which is donated by Aussie Disposals in Sunbury, who is part of it. That will include a new rechargeable lantern and a fishing rod as well. We’ll also have the joke of the day, which will also win a new fishing rod, and we’ll let the crowd judge it.”