Once again, Indigenous community kids had the chance today to hook the big one, with the third 'Off the Hook' Fishing Competition taking place across the Top End today. Gunbalunya, Maningrida, Minjilang, Ramingining, Warruwi, Yarralin and Pigeon Hole all participated today, with Galiwinku and Numbulwar rounding off the event next weekend. Ten Communities in total will participate through the support of nine police stations. By the time Galiwinku and Numbulwar phone through their final numbers next weekend, it is anticipated that over 450 children will have signed up with their 'Sponsor Cop' and had the chance to land the biggest fish of the day. Piloted by AFP Superintendent Andy Warton in 2009, this is the third time the competition has been run across the Top End, and Superintendent Warton hopes to expand the competition interstate next year, encouraging multi jurisdictional participation across the north of Australia. "Off the Hook is a Northern Territory Police driven community engagement initiative aimed at encouraging dialogue between youth and police in remote indigenous communities. The event was piloted in December 2009 as part of Taskforce Themis with the participation of 5 Northern Territory communities and 60 youth. "The initiative has clearly been accepted by several remote Indigenous communities with the current event involving over 450 Indigenous youth across ten remote communities. While the initiative was piloted at police stations involved in the Northern Territory Emergency Response, it has now been expanded to police stations in Indigenous communities right across the Northern Territory. "The vision for 2010 is to expand Off the Hook to involve police and indigenous communities across Northern Australia from Western Australia across to Queensland. Feedback from members of the indigenous communities strongly suggests that the interaction between police and youth is having a positive impact" said Superintendent Warton. Very generous sponsorship and support from business including BCF, Got One, Fishing & Outdoor World and A-Mart All Sports who kindly donate a range of prizes such as fishing rods, handlines, tackle, stickers, etc, along with the support of many community stores enable the competition to continue. The competition is a favourite with local kids and a great day was enjoyed by all. Media Contact Sarah Gotch 8901 0280