Recognised as part of our history and heritage, outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hunting, harvesting food, gathering firewood, prospecting and rock climbing remain an integral part of our everyday life and culture.
However, these activities face mounting pressure due to locked gates, closed campsites, restrictions on boating access and bans on hunting, horse-riding, fishing and more.
In an effort to defend the outdoor lifestyle enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Victorians, Trelly’s owner Steve Threlfall has joined forces with a group of concerned Shepparton citizens and the like-minded Electrical Trades Union to organise a rally advocating for the protection of bush activities.
Mr Threlfall, well-known in the community for his passion for the outdoors, said the rally aimed to demonstrate to the government and MPs from all sides how much people cherished outdoor activities.
“Our bush activities are under attack,” Mr Threlfall said.
“If this attack on outdoor pursuits continues, it won’t be long before we adopt extreme measures like some other countries and ban catch-and-release fishing.
“We must unite to safeguard our way of life. Bring your entire family to show support and help protect the bush from detrimental politics and woke ideology.”
The Electrical Trades Union has allocated $2 million to campaign and defend outdoor recreational activities, with support from the Outdoor Recreational Activities Group in these campaigns.
“Both the union and the Outdoor Recreational Activities Group will raise awareness and, hopefully, sway the minds of decision-makers affecting our lifestyle,” Mr Threlfall said.
“With your assistance, we can make a significant difference. We’ve established a QR code petition for those unable to attend the rally to sign.
”As a group, we will be presenting the petition to the current government and any sitting members undecided on these issues.
“Please QR in and sign the petition if you can’t attend. We aim for 40,000 signatures and have currently reached 20,000.”
The rally will take place at Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton, this Saturday, December 9, from 10am to noon.
Attendees can enjoy a sausage sizzle, coffee van, fly-casting demo, children’s entertainment, sparkle tattoos and competitions.
“Join us to show your support, stand up and defend our right to enjoy the great outdoors,” Mr Threlfall said.
“Let’s ensure our legacy remains intact for the health and wellbeing of our future generations.”