Laughter returns to local playgrounds
Deniliquin’s parks have been filled with the laughter of keen youngsters ready to play on the equipment.
To them, it has felt like an age since they were allowed to play outside with Coronavirus restrictions closing all playgrounds at the beginning of April.
But stage one of easing restrictions meant that as of Friday, May 15, outdoor equipment could be used with caution.
Edward River Council had its parks and playgrounds reopened by Sunday.
Deniliquin’s Deanne Stevens said she was pleased to take her children out again.
‘‘It is great to see our parks open and being utilised by families,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s been fantastic to get out of the house and let the kids run around, play, explore and interact with other children.’’
Her five year-old and three yearold daughters, Mia and Emme Booth, were excited to visit Scott’s Park, affectionately known as the ‘Rocket Park’.
‘‘It is exciting. I wanted to go on the zip line and see my friends because it is so much fun for me,’’ Mia said.
‘‘I like going to the park and going on the swings. It is so much fun on the swings,’’ Emme added.
More Coronavirus related restrictions are expected to be eased in coming months.
Camping, recreational travel and holidays will be allowed from June 1 in regional NSW, thanks to a further relaxation of Coronavirus restrictions.
The changes were announced on Wednesday, and Deniliquin could reap the benefits as a prime destination for those travelling post isolation.
Guidelines explain if you are a NSW resident, you can visit anywhere in regional NSW for recreation and holiday purposes.
Some caravan parks and camping grounds will be open, but you must call ahead to confirm any bookings and National Park visitors should check nationalparks.nsw.gov.au to learn more. People must also follow physical distancing, good hygiene practice and understand public health advice is still in place.
Interstate visitors can also travel to NSW for a holiday, but must follow the rules of their home state or territory when returning.
McLean Beach Holiday Park manager Pam Sutton said an influx of visitors will be good for Deniliquin’s economy.
‘‘It would be fantastic to see an increase in travellers to Deniliquin because it is what we, and the economy, need right now,’’ she said.
‘‘We have had more enquiries from Victoria than New South Wales, so we might not see much happen until Victoria’s travel restrictions ease.
‘‘We are prepared and ready as we can be. We are excited and looking forward to getting some travellers and having people move around the Deniliquin area.’’
Mrs Sutton said Deniliquin is the ideal environment to relax, even as the mercury drops, and to try and forget about the isolation we’ve all had to endure.
‘‘Deniliquin is one of the best places in Australia, it is central to a lot of things, quiet, relaxing and part of a welcoming community, all located on the magnificent Edward River,’’ she said.
‘‘It is just a waiting game now and I think some will be hesitant with other states and territories still closed.
‘‘But it will be great when people start coming in, using Deniliquin’s businesses, and supporting us as a small community.’’