RECORD TURNOUT FOR 2025 TILAPIA TOURNAMENT HELPS PROTECT WATERWAYS

Published on 13 October 2025

Tilapia Tournament Action 2025.jpeg

Warrina Lakes came alive over three days from 2-4 October as families and anglers of all ages gathered for the annual Tilapia Tournament, a much-loved Cassowary Coast tradition that brings the community together year and after year in support of local environment protection.

A record 710 participants took part in this year’s family-friendly event, reeling in a total of 604 tilapia — an invasive pest fish species that threatens aquatic habitats.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Mayor Teresa Millwood said that by removing tilapia from the waterways, the community was playing an important role in helping protect native species and improve the health of Warrina Lakes. All tilapia caught were deep-buried on site to ensure proper disposal of the noxious pest.

“The Tilapia Tournament shows how local events like this can have a real impact, not just by removing tilapia from our waterways, but by bringing people together to learn, work as a team and care for our rivers and lakes for years to come,” Mayor Millwood said.

Mayor Millwood along with Councillors Nick Pervan, Renee McLeod and Jeff Baines were on hand during the event, supporting community members to catch as many tilapia as possible and discussing opportunities to enhance Warrina Lakes as a community and environmental asset.

“Warrina Lakes is a great open space, and once you have been there you can’t wait to return,” Councillor Pervan said.

“Seeing families, including mums, dads, aunties, uncles, and grandparents down there and catching fish shows how much the community and in particular the kids love attending each year,” he said.

“We had travelling families from Brisbane who stopped for a fish while holidaying in the region, and plenty of families travelled from Tully and Mission Beach as well.”

Councillor Baines presented 32 prizes over 18 categories, celebrating the skills and enthusiasm of the region’s youngest and most dedicated anglers.

The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of 32 local sponsors, who contributed over $9,600 in prizes and managed activities such as face painting and a sausage sizzle.

“I would like to say a huge thanks to all those who helped make this event great, in particular the sponsors and Council staff,” Councillor Pervan said.

“Special thanks to Bek & Joe’s Donuts, Innisfail Mini Rail for providing the barbecue, and Goodstart Early Learning for helping to create a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.”

As the last fish were measured and disposed, one message resonated clearly — community events like the Tilapia Tournament not only bring people together, they help safeguard the Cassowary Coast’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

 

Prize winners

  • Spencer Torrisi – Tilapia Tadpole 5 Years and Under Longest Fish: 29 cm

  • Elani Di Maria – Tilapia Tadpole 5 Years and Under Longest Fish: 28 cm

  • Quinn Odgers – Tilapia Tadpole 5 Years Most Caught Fish: 29

  • Elani Di Maria – Tilapia Tadpole 5 Years Most Caught Fish: 13

  • Benson Lizzio – Tilapia Trapper 6-12 Years Most Fish Caught: 25

  • Nellie Odgers – Tilapia Trapper 6-12 Years Most Fish Caught: 30

  • Reef Dickson – Tilapia Trapper 6-12 Years Longest Fish: 31 cm

  • Jessica Tammiku – Tilapia Trapper 6-12 Years Longest Fish: 28 cm

  • Kristopher Pervan – Tilapia Teen 13-18 years Most Fish: 34

  • Kristopher Pervan – Tilapia Tamer Most Fish Overall: 34

  • Bailey Aldridge and Cameron Gorlick Tilapia Teen 13-18 Years Longest Fish 29 cm

  • Ella Picini – Tilapia Teen 13-18 Years Most Fish: 7

  • Ella Picini – Tilapia Teen 13-18 Years Longest Fish: 28.5 cm

  • Reef Dickson – Tip-Toe Longest Fish Overall: 31 cm

  • McSwann Family – Friday Family Prize Overall Fish: 23

  • Aria Anastasi, Isla Gauchi, Chase Stanley, Lucian Di Carlo – Safety and Sportsmanship 

  • Goondi State School – Best School 

Special recognition was given to participants who demonstrated exceptional consistency, persistence, and encouragement throughout the three days of competition. Those honored with these awards were Jameson Martin, London Mooka, Jack Hoddle, Jaxson Kunes, Cody Ferrau, Maddison McSwan, Lincoln Bugeja, Abbi Spence, Jayden Cotteral, Ryan Stoter, Anthony Kyle, Thomas Ridolfi, Reilan Martin, Leo Nelson, and Sienna Rust.

For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email

enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

 

Tagged as:
Back to top