The Morundah Carpathon, hosted by the Narrandera Fishing Club and the Morundah Community Committee, was conducted over the weekend, commencing lunchtime on Friday 30 October through to lunchtime on Sunday 1 November. Luckily the weather behaved itself as the 123 registered participants did battle with the Carp within the Colombo and Yanco Creeks. Over the three days, 319 Carp, weighing 562 kilograms, were extracted from the creek system. Those that registered, besides living in Morundah, Narrandera and Corobimilla, hailed from Coolaroo, Seymour and Westmeadows Victoria, Corowa, Cootamundra, Temora, Wellington, Wagga, Leeton, Urana, Coleambally, Whitton and Lake Cargelligo. The various category winners were announced at the presentation on Sunday and awarded to: OPEN DIVISION (biggest single carp) Sandra Brown and Chris Melmoth of Wagga 16 YEARS AND UNDER (biggest single carp) Izayah Lyons of Narrandera OPEN DIVISION (biggest Redfin) Chris Poole of Narrandera OPEN DIVISION mystery length carp Tess Moore of Morundah (Tess is 4 years old). A very impressive looking plasma cut commemorative metal wall art piece, donated by Conway Welding and Fabrication of Grong Grong, were given to each of the three category winners. Four $25 gift cards were issued to lucky wrist band winners, and they were Toby Orme, Declan Ragen, Amelia Ragen and Ami Collins, all of Narrandera. Also a bounty of $1 for each Carp caught was paid out to all the lucky fisher people. Congratulations were extended to the winners and to those who registered and participated during the weekend’s events. The raffle winners were first and second prize to Rob Jones of Leeton and third prize to Dustin Wickey of Narrandera. The feedback from those that participated was again similar to last year very positive with the promise that they would definitely return again in 2027 and encourage their friends to come along as well. A pleasing factor on the whole was the high number of families and children that attended; in fact 59 of the 123 people that registered were in the 16 years and under age group. Registration charges were purposefully kept at a minimum in order to attract more people to become involved, particularly families. The registration cost was $25 for a single, $40 for a family, and 16 years and under admitted for free. Competition director, Des Edwards, extended his thanks, firstly to the event sponsors - NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) ‘Gone Fishing’ initiative, the Narrandera Fisheries Research Station staff, the Morundah Community Committee, Conway Welding and Fabrication, Liberty Service Station, Fred Cole Betta Electrical and the Narrandera Fishing Club. Des also acknowledged the contributions from the Narrandera Community Radio Station, FM91.1 Spirit FM, and the Narrandera Argus, who canvassed the event during the past couple of months, as well as a big thank you to Peter Anthony from Process Printers who did an amazing job in the set up and printing of all of the posters, tickets and forms. Des also thanked those who participated in the event with a special shout out to the Morundah Community Committee members who ran a canteen for the three days (still the best bacon and egg roll I’ve eaten since last year’s Carpathon), and who worked tirelessly, not only over the weekend period but during the several months leading up to the event; to Martin Asmus from the Narrandera Fisheries Research Station who gave up his free time to attend the final weigh in on Sunday morning and help with the Presentation - all assistance given was very much appreciated. The Narrandera Fishing Club will meet with the Morundah Community Committee in the coming weeks to reflect and debrief on the weekends events as well as tie up any loose ends. This meeting will be helpful in the planning of future events.
