Local youngsters rejoiced when the popular Deniliquin Skate Park was re-opened to the public this week.
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After the final touches - aka landscaping - were completed last week, access was granted on Tuesday afternoon.
Even though boundary safety fencing is still in place, Edward River Council did not want to wait any longer to let the users in.
Council secured a NSW Places to Play grant of $500,000 last year for the project, which was completed by Independent Concrete Construction.
The design was developed in consultation with the community in 2022.
It aims to reflect the natural landscape setting of the living lagoons ecosystems, and even with the fences up we think it’s met the brief.
We’ll have more on the project in Tuesday’s edition.
Safe crossing memories
All the talk of a safer crossing for students and other pedestrians using the north Deniliquin crossing has stirred up some memories for some long time locals.
Bill Hetherington contacted the Pastoral Times after reading our latest report - which detailed work done by Edward River Council to upgrade the underpass - with memories of when the underpass was first created.
“That brings to mind for myself and others who were members of the Lions Club here in the 1950s, the same issue was brought up particularly for the school kids getting to north school,” he said.
“So with the leadership of Norm Barnett the club built a crossing under the Brick Kiln Bridge which is still in use today.
“All work was done by Lions Club members and was a safe crossing
“Only yesterday (Monday) I happened to meet up with Norm and we both recalled the project approximately 67 years ago.
“A lot of foresight shown by a community service club.”
Business noms close today
Today is the last day to nominate for the Deniliquin Business Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards.
Nominations opened earlier this month, and will close today.
With some new categories introduced to represent a wider range of industries this year, there are 19 individual and business award categories.
Turn to page 4 for the full list or go to deniliquinchamber.com.au to learn more and to use the online nomination form.
Support Nav, and Yield will match it
There’s never been a better time to support Navorina Nursing Home by making a donation.
On the back of Navorina launching its furniture appeal, Yield Insurance has pledged to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 in total.
It applies to donations made to Navorina between now and July 30.
Community fundraising and business donations to date have allowed Navorina to purchase some new furniture, but it says more will be required to meet the needs of residents.
If you can help, call Navorina on 5881 3944.
More chances to see Town Hall
Edward River Council is offering three opportunities to see inside the historic and beautifully refurbished Deniliquin Town Hall this month.
Open Days have been held monthly since the iconic building was reopened, normally the second Saturday of each month.
But this month the Town Hall will also be open on July 20 and July 27.
Each Open Day is from 9am to noon.
It’s an opportunity to come and take a closer look at the piece of architectural history and a chance to meet the new volunteer team.
This venue was officially opened 1876 and given its second life in 2023.
Want to be a firefighter?
Recruitment of firefighters to join the Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW brigade is underway.
A special information session will be hosted at the Deniliquin station in George St next week, facilitated by regional recruiters.
It will be held Thursday, July 18 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
People can also drop into the station between 10am and 2pm to speak with the recruiters.
Fore more information or to apply, visit fire.nsw.edu.au/on-call or call 1800 347 437.
Farmers’ Markets this Saturday
The Deniliquin Naponda Farmers’ Market will return to the Deniliquin CBD tomorrow.
With the cold weather setting in, it might be the perfect opportunity to get everything you need for those hearty winter soups and stews.
There’ll also be a range of other locally produced and made goodies on offer, including some delicious sweet treats.
Handcrafted items are also usually on offer, along with fresh flowers.
With visitors expected to be in town, make sure to get in early to get your favourites or you might miss out.
The Naponda Farmers’ Market not only supports local producers and makers, it’s a handy fundraiser for the Deniliquin Hospital.
It usually gets underway from about 8am, and finishes about midday.
Senior journalist