As part of the competition, the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Wimmera Landcare hosted a Wild Action performance on Sunday.

Presenter Chris Humfrey had 16 animals on display for children to touch and hold.

Authority community delivery manager Joel Boyd said the event was extremely successful.

“We had more than a thousand people there,” he said.

Mr Boyd said the aim of the performance was to broaden the appeal of the fishing competition and provide activities for people not interested in fishing.

“Chris is an ambassador for the CMA and he helped promote our efforts and the importance of protecting wildlife,” he said.

“He is a fantastic presenter and the show attracted a lot of people from the wider community.”

Mr Boyd said animals at the show included sugar gliders, geckos, frogs, pythons, lace monitors and birds.

“The children at the event were very enthusiastic and it was impressive how careful and gentle they were when they handled the animals,” he said.

“We try to offer a lot of opportunities for young people to get involved with wildlife in their community.”