Jamie Walsh of Tyreright Forbes recently took part in a fishing trip with people from country NSW and Queensland on the Fly River in Western Papua New Guinea. As part of the fee for the fishing trip operators dropped off 200kg of used clothes, medical supplies and school stationery to each village along the way. In addition, the Tyreright head office donated t-shirts and footballs to the local community. Jamie said the look of happiness on the faces of the children was unbelievable. This ensures that not only the tour operators benefit from fishing tourism, but the villagers as well.
The fishing guides come from the villages resulting in flow on effects for the local population. More than 156 black bass were caught on the trip. “We can’t wait to return,” said Jamie. “Next time we will be taking extra items to give to the villagers.”