The de Withs are a well-known family in Katherine. Trent de With runs the Rod and Rifle Tackle World along with his parents, who bought the store more than 30 years ago.

“Dad spent so much time going into the local fishing store he ending up buying the place.”

That was in 1987, the year Trent was born; making Trent “the first Territorian in the family”.

His father Warren, who’s from Lismore, and mother Debbie, from Brisbane, met in Darwin through work before moving back to Lismore where they had their first son, Brenden. After about a year the family moved to Katherine when Warren was transferred to manage Woolworths. It didn’t take long for Warren to include his family in his passion for fishing and camping.

“As a kid we went fishing and camping almost every weekend. My favourite spot was Timber Creek and the Victoria River. Fishing, massive escarpments, spectacular landscape, and wildlife, this place has it all. We loved it,” said Trent, now 32.

Trent also has fond memories of cycling down to the Katherine River with his mates after school and spend lazy afternoons swimming and fishing.

While the increased croc population has made swimming somewhat less attractive these days, he continues the tradition of camping and fishing with his partner Naomi and son Hunter.

“The great thing about living here is you don’t have to drive very far out of town and you’re surrounded by bush with not a single other person around. Heading outdoors is part of the town’s fabric. It’s an essential part of Katherine life.”

Trent admits that sometimes the weather in Katherine can be brutal but he loves the build-up, watching the storms rolling in – the thunder, lightning and howling winds. He also likes being able to sit around a campfire during the dry when it’s cooler at night.

“I love this freedom that you have in the Territory. My partner and I travelled round the world for nearly two years, experiencing other place and cultures, but this is where we want to be. It’s great for an adventurous spirit.”