The NT’s Premiere All Women Fishing Tournament
Secret Women’s Business Barra Challenge, fondly referred to as SWB, began over a glass of wine (or two!) back in 2007 to fill a void in the female angling competitive arena. At the time the Territory lacked a forum for women to learn the sport of angling and boating in an environment that was comfortable for budding and experienced anglers. Initially starting out as a privately run event, Jo and Mel worked tirelessly to deliver a tournament that encouraged women into the sport of fishing and to promote women into the great Australian outdoors. This annual event is held at the majestic yet treacherous Corroboree Billabong with the competitors camping billabong-side, where in the evenings the women converge on a make shift stage for the evening’s entertainment.
SWB has always boasted good attendance with the first few years delivering around 100 competitors and 30 teams. SWB are proud to see many of the original teams still fishing the tournament today despite the tournament growing and exceeding expectations!
Handing over SWB to the Palmerston Game Fishing Club in 2009, the tournament took a different path being now a true not-for-profit tournament and the only women’s fishing tournament in the Territory aligned with a registered fishing club. Tents were packed up and the hosting venue moved to Corroboree Park Tavern in 2012. This provided camping facilities, donga accommodation together with shower and toilet amenities and most importantly, a swimming pool where the women can wash away the hard days fishing. Numbers have fluctuated to 42 teams and over 150 competitors with these numbers now capped (for environmental sustainability purposes).
SWB, with full insurance and public liability certifications, is the only women’s tournament in the Territory fully insured. SWB also remains the Territory’s premier all-women’s only tournament with no male participation on the boats in any capacity. SWB Barra Challenge is also a certified 5-star NEATFish accredited tournament being the environmental certification for tournament fishing. SWB priority focus remains as the encouragement of women into the sport of angling but in a safe and environmentally sustainable fashion. Our tournament promotes active lifestyles for women and an opportunity for the women to get together forming friendships that will last a lifetime.
Want to Get Involved?
Expressions of interest into the tournament are released each year around late January and run through to April. If you would like to be placed on the mailing list, email swbchallenge@gmail.com or follow us on facebook for regular updates and timelines.
Event Co-Ordinator
Kris Noble swbchallenge@gmail.com
Want to Get Involved?
Expressions of interest into the tournament are released each year around late January and run through to April. If you would like to be placed on the mailing list, email swbchallenge@gmail.com or follow us on facebook for regular updates and timelines.