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<\/p>\nTHE Riverview Fishing Classic has marked its tenth year by raising $13,350 for the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (OGSLSC) during the annual event at Riverview Family Caravan Park in Ocean Grove.<\/p>\n
What began in 2014 as a friendly wager between three fishing boats has grown into a major fundraiser, contributing more than $80,000 to the lifesaving club over the past decade.<\/p>\n
Riverview Fishing Classic president Jim Pound said the event started when a few keen fishermen filled their boats with fuel and placed a friendly bet on who could catch the most fish.<\/p>\n
Their catch was later shared with campers at the caravan park for a small fee, with the proceeds donated to the OGSLSC.<\/p>\n
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“The following year, we reached out to businesses that holidayed in the area, not just local businesses, and they were happy to donate and support the lifesaving club,” Pound said.<\/p>\n
“Since then, the event has continued to grow, attracting more sponsors and bringing our community together.”<\/p>\n
This year’s competition featured 12 boats and 35 fishermen who landed a total of 193 fish, including 103 whiting, 77 flathead, five mackerel, and a variety of other species.<\/p>\n
The winning boat, Team Fotheringham, topped the leaderboard with 35 fish.<\/p>\n
Volunteers cooked the catch for campers, who also took part in raffles with prizes donated by generous sponsors.<\/p>\n
Pound said the event is about more than just fishing; it’s about community and giving back.<\/p>\n
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past decade and grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.”<\/p>\n
The funds raised were presented to OGSLSC president Lyndie Freestone to help support the club’s lifesaving efforts along the Ocean Grove coastline.<\/p>\n
Organisers plan to build on the event’s success in the coming years by expanding sponsorship opportunities and strengthening community involvement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Riverview Fishing Classic has marked its tenth year by raising $13,350 for the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (OGSLSC) during the annual event at Riverview Family Caravan Park in Ocean Grove. What began in 2014 as a friendly wager between three fishing boats has grown into a major fundraiser, contributing more than $80,000 […]<\/p>\n