November:

Nineteen local primary school students performed well at the recent NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival in Sydney. Students from Deniliquin North, Deniliquin South, Edward, Bunnaloo, Mathoura and Moama represented the Riverina at the carnival, with every single competitor achieving a personal best in at least one event, but unfortunately none progressed to the next stage. Pictured (on left) is Deni South’s Vivienne Thompson, who was selected as one of the Riverina flag bearers.

Edward River Art Society’s move to the Multi Arts Centre in Deni’s CBD to create a permanent gallery was celebrated with an official opening. Sole occupancy of the Multi Arts Centre was granted to ERAS by Edward River Council. The opening coincided with a Christmas themes exhibition launch. Pictured at the opening are Adam Wettenhall, Cr Craig Druitt and Tim Burge.

Six Deniliquin High School teachers were selected as HSC markers in 2024 - one of the most important roles in the country. Michelle Hindriks (chemistry), Alex Glowrey (biology), Brenda Norman (PDHPE), Anita Ingram (extension maths), Nicole Jenkins (community and family studies) and Robyn Kiley (advanced English) are among 13 from Deni High qualified as HSC markers. This honour benefits the school in that they can bring back learnings from exam responses to guide classroom teaching.

The district community rejoiced at the news that Deniliquin Airport would be one of three to share in $15 million in upgrades. Funded under the Regional Development Trust, the grant is expected to deliver the long awaiting runway extension for the facility. In announcing the funding for Deni, White Cliffs and Bourke, Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the combined funding would support increasing runway lengths, widths and weight limits, meaning larger planes with bigger loads can be accommodated.

Thirty-one Murray cod weighing a combined 102kg were released into the local river system thanks to the Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge’s Adopt-a-Cod program. It is designed to replenish the river with breeding males and females, with fish sponsored by businesses and individuals. Pictured at the release are sponsor Peter Henson and challenge coordinator Andrew Jefferies.

Vince Kelly has once again conquered the Tour de Cure, raising $11,000 for cancer support and research, and specifically the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre. He completed the three-day Victorian Discovery Tour ride between Halls Gap and Melbourne. The ride presented a physical and mental challenge for Vince, who had to overcome fears after being involved in a nasty crash while riding to train and participate.