PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Brett Ross performing cultural dances with the youths attending the Aboriginal Youth Cultural Gathering in Deniliquin. A concept put forward by workers at the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Lands Council, the two day event was hosted at Four Post Camp.
NEWS:
• Teachers campaign for change in government - The Deniliquin and Finley Teachers’ Associations actively campaigned for the Perrottet Coalition Government to not be returned to power in the March election. The campaign was based on the concern that the “Perrottet Government’s refusal to staff schools appropriately is impacting on children of Finley and Deniliquin”.
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• $106m for hospital - The NSW Coalition played its trump card in its fight to win back the seat of Murray. In making its first Deniliquin specific election promise, the Liberals and Nationals came out with their best offer. The Coalition promised $106.3 million to build-up the existing Deniliquin Hospital into a new, two-storey facility if re-elected on March 25. Staff accommodation would be included in the design. Labour said it could not match the offer.
• Jackson gears up for Deni debut - Jackson Jefferies was preparing to making his competitive debut at Deniliquin, after launching his career in the sport almost 12 motnhs earlier at the Homebush Rodeo. His debut would coincide with a new point scoring system called the Western Rivers Rodeo Series. A first of its kind, the series would run across the Deniliquin, Finley and Homebush rodeos. Bonus prize money was on offer to those who competed in all three events.
• Helen is back, but the Coalition is out - Helen Dalton was returned to the seat of Murray as an Independent with a 12 percent swing in a stunning election result which also saw a change of government in NSW. The former Shooters Fishers and Farmers party representative claimed victory just two and a half hours after polls closed. The sitting MP was ahead in every Deni district booth, almost doubling the count of NSW Nationals candidate Peta Betts in her hometown.
• Missy Higgins, James Johnston to join fan faves on Muster stage - An all-Australian line up littered with first time Ute Muster performers was announced for the 2023 event. The line-up would feature some of the country’s biggest names in country and pop music - : Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole, Andrew Swift, Casey Barnes, Catherine Britt, James Johnston, Jayne Denham, Jessica Mauboy, John Williamson, Lee Kernaghan, Missy Higgins, The Whitlams, Black Stump Band, Travis Collins and loal artist Zara Lindeman.
• 50 years of service to RCH - 2023 marked 51 years since Deniliquin and district started officially raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. The local effort was established by the Deniliquin RSL Club, and has since passed to an ever dwindling committee of volunteers who toil away with the club’s support. Involved for each one of those 51 years has been Fay Mills. Although Fay says it’s only 50, because she refuses to count that one year she could not physically be there to help on Good Friday itself.
SPORT:
PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Bryce and Kane Horne won the Unlimited Inboard Naturally Aspirated Expert Echuca Perfomance category of the Southern 80 Ski Race for the second year in a row. Pictured are Bryce and Kane Horne with their father and observer Stuart Horne and Agrovation driver Chris Doonan.
• Toc makes move back to Murray - Tocumwal Football Netball Club defected from the Picola & District Football Netball League. The Murray Football Netball League held a special meeting to welcome the club back in to its league after nine years with the PDFL. Murray Football Netball League general manager Dale Norman said the club had requested to come across from “a desire to remain affiliated with AFL Victoria and the benefits that come with affiliation”.
• Success at 8Ball carnival - A number of Deniliquin locals, most in the twilight of their sporting careers, tasted a modest success in Maryborough when they won their division of the Victorian Country Cup Eight Ball Carnival. Kevin Campbell, Cliff Eagle, Chris Burn, Neil Goudie and Rob Daly, along with two Portland friends Brian Jenkins and Lionel Pevitt, finished the two day carnival with a very close victory. Representing the Goldfields 8Ball side, the team finished second on the ladder at the end of the early rounds
• Divison 5 premiers - Deniliquin RSL’s Division 5 bowlers tasted Campaspe Bowls premiership glory following a thrilling grand final victory at Mathoura. RSL defeated Moama 47-40, with one rink win apiece. Division 4 also met the Moama Steamers for the grand final, but in that match up Deni were denied the flag.
• Midweek champions - The Deniliquin Bowling Club’s Division 3 side were crowned Midweek Pennant champions on Friday when they comfortably accounted for Moama in the Campasbey bowls Midweek Pennant grand final at Rochester. It was a mighty effort from this team, as they only won their final home and away match by two shots to just sneak into the finals.
• Wedgies crash the Par-Tee - It was the Wedgies who mastered the difficult scoring conditions to claim their first Premier League Golf Premiers Plate. Wedgies ran out easy winners over the ParTee Poppers, 140-117. In accepting the trophy, Wedgies captain Vince Kelly thanked his side for the commitment they showed over the extended season and the camaraderie they provided
• Deni table tennis champ to represent Australia - Table tennis champion Judy James has been selected to represent Australia to play a tournament in New Zealand in April. At the same time, the nationally ranked player was working on getting a local tournament and coaching lessons off the ground. The then 68 relocated to Deniliquin two years earlier, and has played table tennis most of her life.
