Police swarm on CBD
A large contingent of police were patrolling in the CBD on Saturday morning.
The high visibility operation related to compliance of the NSW COVID-19 Public Health Orders, which will continue throughout lockdown.
The PASTORAL TIMES heard rumours of an anti-mask protest, with the Deniliquin Waring Gardens the possible location.
Between August 13 and 19, police issued fines to 15 different people for breaching either face mask or stay at home orders.
The rules — which can attract fines of between $500 and $3000 if breached — are in place until at least September 10, after the NSW lockdown was extended in both metropolitan and regional NSW Wednesday last week.
Murray River Police District Chief Insp Jy Brown continues to encourage anyone who is confused about the rules to go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/
covid-19, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 to speak to staff or officers at Deniliquin Police Station.
Daffodil Day
cancelled
It’s normally one of the most anticipated charity events in Deniliquin, but there will be no daffodils to kick off spring this year.
COVID-19 restrictions have forced Deniliquin’s Cancer Council of NSW fundraising committee to cancel Daffodil Day plans.
The group would normally sell daffodils and sweet and savoury treats from the Deniliquin Kiosk, complemented by a morning tea fundraiser at Denise Phillips’ My Shop around the corner in Napier St.
Local fundraising coordinator Irene Davies said having to cancel is a shame, but we
may get our fix later in the year.
There is a chance the fundraising activity might be held after lockdown, but that is yet to be confirmed.
Facelift begins
Once month after it was revealed Rivers was recruiting staff to work at a new Deniliquin store, the company has started transforming the former Target building in Deniliquin.
PTee correspondents noted internal shop fitting work started at the Cressy St building last week.
By yesterday, the store’s easily recognisable logo and shop signage had been installed.
There is no official word on when the store will open, but it seems to be coming along quite well.
Target Deniliquin closed on March 27 this year, after the company rationalised the number of stores it had across Australia.
While some were transferred to Kmart Hubs — like in nearby Echuca — Deni’s was one of 75 closed by parent company Wesfarmers Group.
New number
Deniliquin CanAssist has a new contact number.
Those in the community needing support while undergoing treatment for cancer can contact the organisation on 0455 097 676.
Support is usually provided in the form of fuel and accommodation vouchers, to assist with the cost of having to travel for treatment. Utility bill support is also available.
You may have also spotted some new billboards for the charity group around town. They have been installed with thanks to some generous sponsors.
Third connection There’s yet another Deniliquin connection to the popular TV show The Block.
We’ve previously reported that former local and now Melbourne-based plumbing business owner Nick Benson was employed by brothers Josh and Luke Packham for this year’s show.
Then we discovered that fellow contestants Kirsty Lee Akers has appeared at the Deniliquin Ute Muster.
In the most recent episodes we’ve seen John and Luke working with Bayside City Council to make alterations to their home, which many of the contestants believed would not be approved.
Heading up the relevant department at Bayside is none other than former Edward River Council general manager, Adam McSwain.
While it’s not been shown the boys have liaised directly with Mr McSwain as director environment, recreation and infrastructure, we’ll claim the connection anyway.
More like spring
Spring has finally sprung . . . or at least it will tomorrow.
To celebrate the start of the new season, Mother Nature will put on her best.
We can expect to see sunny days with tops of 24°C today and 25°C, but with lows of 6 and 5°C respectively. Thursday and Friday will be warmer, with tops of 27°C both days and lows of 10°C and 15°C respectively.
There is a 90 per cent chance of rain on Friday though, with showers expected to continue Saturday when the mercury will drop again to a top of just 17°C.