A smoke haze fell over the district yesterday, and it had quite a number of locals perplexed.
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There is no official word locally on where the smoke had come from, but the Mid Murray Rural Fire Service did confirm there were no fires in the zone yesterday.
Fire authorities believed the smoke had come to the district on a south easterly wind, most likely from a fire burning somewhere in Victoria.
According to the Emergency Victoria website, the closest bushfire to Deniliquin and district with an active advice warning is a blaze at Avenel, near Seymour.
The fire is believed to have started last week and, while declared under control, fire crews are still trying to manage spot fires and strengthen containment lines.
Jarrod’s Insight
Former Deniliquin pharmacist Jarrod McMaugh, who is now managing partner of a Melbourne pharmacy, featured heavily on SBS current affairs program Insight on Tuesday night.
Jarrod — who is a member and former president of Chronic Pain Australia, is an author for ‘Australian Pharmacist’ and holds other advocacy roles — was called on several times on the topic of the increasing prevalence of vitamins and health supplements.
Host Jenny Brockie explored the fact that while some medical professionals say they work, others say the scientific evidence isn’t there and warn we could be wasting money and risking our health.
Supplement users — those who have good and bad experiences — were also involved in the program, as well as representatives from Blackmores, the Therapeutic Goods Association and other medical professions.
Jarrod highlighted that while there is some evidence to suggest the supplements work for some people, and while admitting he does sell them in his pharmacy, he ‘‘very rarely’’ recommends them to his customers.
Theatre show
Months of hard work and learning lines will culminate in the Deni Theatre Company’s performance of Alice in Wonderland at the Deniliquin RSL Club this weekend.
There are two opportunities to see young local actors in their fairy tale roles.
Doors will open at 5pm tomorrow for a 6pm start, and at 3pm on Sunday for a 4pm start.
Tickets will be available for purchase on the night, although the company reminds anyone purchasing tickets on the night to be there earlier.
Tickets are also still available online at www.denitheatrecompany.com.
The profit made from ticket sales will go straight back into running the Deni Theatre Company for another year.
Movie night
You don’t have to wait until Saturday and Sunday to be entertained this weekend.
The Murray to Moyne Mystery Movie Night fundraiser is being held tonight at ‘Araluen’, 597 Harfleur St, Deniliquin.
The movie night is a fundraiser for Deniliquin Hospital ahead of the Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay, where participants will ride 537km from Echuca to Port Fairy on April 7 and 8.
Kicking off at 7pm, the movie night will also feature live music by local musicians as well as a silent charity auction where thousands of dollars in goods and services donated by local sponsors can be purchased.
True to its name, the movie being shown will remain a mystery until the screening begins.
Tickets for the movie night are available for $20, which includes finger food and punch.
Guests are asked to bring their own drinks and a chair, and are welcome to invite friends.
Tickets are available at Kazmar Shoes or Deniliquin Hospital.
Ute off its perch
The famous Deniliquin Ute on a Pole was spotted at last week’s Street Bazaar.
Many locals said they had not seen the ute down in public before, and that it was a great addition to the community event.
The ute was removed from its pole after inspections revealed the structure was experiencing movement, potentially posing a risk to public safety.
Edward River Council has said maintenance to the structure is being carried out with expectations the ute will soon be back on its pole.
Get ready for grants
The Deniliquin Community Group has provided more than $40,000 in grants each year to the local community since its launch in October of 2007.
It is encouraging groups who may benefit from the grants, announced in September each year, to find out more now by emailing deniliquincommunitygroup@hotmail.com.
They have a consistent goal to help strengthen and develop the community with a vision to support local not for profit organisations.
Past grants have included North Public School’s storage shed, Deni Sport Stadium’s electronic scoreboard, Deni Swimming Club’s automatic timing system, Deni Swim Centre’s defibrillator for the hydrotherapy pool and Deniliquin Playgroup Association’s storage shed, bike track and shade sales.
Grants are open for application annually with successful applicants receiving their funds in September.