Narrabri High School’s Year 7 students recently took part in an exciting Careers Immersion excursion to the Narrabri Fish Farm, gaining valuable insights into the growing aquaculture industry.
Students were guided through the experience by local fish farmer and owner, Mr Rick Cunningham, well known in the region as ‘The Catfish Man.’
Throughout the visit, Rick and his team, along with two university students completing work experience from Sydney University, introduced students to a range of aquaculture career
pathways.
These included fish breeding, hatchery operations, environmental management, and the farming of native Australian fish species.
Students were able to tour several key areas of the farm, including the hatchery, the quarantine room, the yabby breeding room, and the extensive fish dams.
As the largest hatchery-based aquaculture farm in New South Wales, the Narrabri Fish Farm breeds golden perch, silver Perch, Murray cod, yabbies, eel-tailed catfish – being the first in Australia to successfully breed this species.
The farm supplies fish to restaurants, fishing clubs, and restocking programs across Australia.
During the tour, students saw Murray cod being fed, observed a variety of native fish species, and learned several interesting facts about yabbies.
A highlight for many was participating in the Narrabri High School Year 7 yabby race, which brought plenty of excitement and laughter.
It was a highly engaging and informative experience for all involved.
Narrabri High School extends its thanks to Rick Cunningham and his team for their time, expertise, and warm hospitality.
