Young people across Inverell, Tingha, and Ashford will have greater access to free activities, community connection, and outdoor experiences during the upcoming school holidays through a new initiative from Pathfinders’ Inverell Family Youth Support Service (IFYSS).
The program includes the Youth Week Fishing Competition 2026, alongside a series of free, community-based activities designed to bring local families together and support young people aged 12 to 24.
Youth Week Fishing Competition
Running from 8:00am Friday, 3 April to 5:00pm Thursday, 16 April 2026, the fishing competition encourages young people to get outdoors, explore local waterways, and engage with their community.
Participants can submit photos of their catch for the chance to win a range of prizes, including a major wilderness experience. The competition is free to enter, with multiple entries encouraged.
The major prize, an Outpost Expedition Package valued at $1,800, has been generously donated by Severn River Outpost. The prize includes accommodation, meals, and a guided fishing experience, showcasing the natural beauty and tourism opportunities within the region.
We’ve had incredible support from our community, with prizes including: Rod and reel combos, hats and shirts from Motackle and Outdoors, an Abu Garcia MaxPro rod and reel combo and a large Shimano tackle bag kindly donated by Project Fishing Inverell, prizes and resources from the NSW Fisheries and a voucher from Inverell Sporties.
The official competition code word will be released on the Pathfinders Facebook page on 2 April 2026.
School Holiday Programs Across the Region
In addition to the fishing competition, Pathfinders will deliver a range of free school holiday programs across Inverell, Tingha, and Ashford. These programs will offer activities such as cooking, craft, and water play, along with a free lunch at all locations.
The programs are designed to provide safe, inclusive spaces for children, young people, and families during the holiday period, while also encouraging positive social connection.
Ashford School Holiday Program
Ashford Aboriginal Land Council Building, Albury Street
Thursday, 9 April and 16 April
10:00am – 2:00pm
Tingha School Holiday Program
Tingha Public School, 54 Ruby Street
Wednesday, 8 April and 15 April
10:00am – 1:00pm
Head Lice Treatment & Workshops – Tingha
Tingha Public School, 54 Ruby Street
Wednesday, 8 April and 15 April
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Head Lice Treatment & Workshops – Inverell
Breakfast Club Building, 16 Waratah Avenue Tuesday, 14 April
10:00am – 2:00pm
The free head lice treatment and workshops aim to support local families’ health and wellbeing, helping to address a common barrier to school attendance.
Get Involved
For more information, to register for the fishing competition, or to learn more about local activities, contact Pathfinders Inverell Family Youth Support Service on (02) 6720 8888 or email ifyss@pathfinders.ngo.
