It's time for anglers to sort out their gear and prepare for the annual Grabine Lakeside Freshwater Fishing Competition, which runs from Friday to Sunday, August 23-25.
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Registration starts from 7am on the Friday and costs $25 per person, with $5 from each entry being donated to the Crookwell Community Trust.
There's $20,000 worth of prizes and the great news is that you don't even need to catch a single fish to be in with a chance to win the major prize, as it is drawn as a raffle from the entry forms.
You do need to be present on the Sunday afternoon when the raffle is drawn to claim the prize.
The waters of Wyangala are renowned for their enormous Murray cod.
You can catch good-sized golden and silver perch here, and if you are lucky you might even reel in a colossal catfish or two.
Native fish are all catch and release with photographic entries, so you need to ensure you have a digital camera (or phone) and brag mat.
There are some whopping big carp lurking in the depths, which are classed as pest fish, so if you want to enjoy some angling and help the environment at the same time, have a go at targeting this species.
Just be sure not to return them to the water!
There are prizes for longest carp and biggest bag of carp caught over the weekend.
Reflections Grabine Lakeside Holiday Park offers great camping and on-site cabins, and the park is pet friendly, has children's play areas, kiosk, a shop and barbecue facilities.
You can also camp at the Bigga Recreation Ground for up to three nights for free.
There are no powered sites, but you do have access to hot showers and toilets.
The Bigga General Store is a short walk away and is open seven days a week, offering a great range of groceries and takeaways. The friendly staff also provide ice, fishing gear, fishing licences and bait.
- For more information on the fishing tournament: www.grabinefishing.com.au/tournament-info, www.facebook.com/Grabine FishingTournament/ or email: grabinefishing@gmail.com
- Reflections Grabine Lakeside Holiday Park phone: (02) 4835 2345, Bigga General Store phone: (02) 4835 2234; Bigga Federal Hotel phone: (02) 4835 2219; Bigga Golf Club phone: (02) 4835 2260
Wire sculpting workshop
Crystal Brook Gardens and Lavender Farm is proud to host a wire sculpting workshop with renowned artist Leanne Kelly on Sunday, August 4.
Learn how to transform wire into a delightful basket. Leanne is well known for her dramatic flair with wire and the ability to create intricate and beautiful designs out of a variety of raw materials, including plain and barbed wire.
She regularly exhibits at the Crookwell District Art Gallery and has a devoted following of fans. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a master sculptor and learn some top tips from someone who is one of the best wire workers in Australia. Participants will need to bring their own stout protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles. Please also bring pliers and wire cutters.
- Bookings are essential. Phone 02 4843 3333, or email judith@lavenderatlaggan.com.au. All tickets $110. Price includes morning and afternoon tea, light lunch and all materials needed to make a basket wire sculpture