National Volunteer Week 2026 may not officially start until Monday, but Navorina is starting the celebrations early.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The nursing home will host a ball tonight, with residents to be joined by volunteers, staff, and Navorina supporters for a huge night of entertainment.
Orana Southern Cross has also been invited to participate, reciprocating the invite to Orana’s ball last year.
It’s anticipated the two aged care providers will take turns hosting the annual ball.
The ball will be held at Navorina, with staff making preparations all this week in anticipation of the big night.
Photos from the ball will feature in Tuesday’s edition, when we’ll also have a feature celebrating volunteers and volunteer organisations in our community.
Volunteer vote
On the subject of National Volunteer Week, today is your last day to vote in Edward River Council’s Community Volunteer Awards.
The inaugural awards recognise individuals who generously give their time, skills and leadership to strengthen the Edward River region.
The community submitted 14 names across the three age categories, with community-led voting to determine the winners in two sections.
With only one nomination received in the 24 years and under age group, Tanaka Maunganidze has been declared the winner.
Nominees in the other categories are as follows:
Senior Volunteer of the Year (65 years and over) - Phyllis Ball, Anita Buchanan, Jan Carter, Heather Fleming, Tony Kew, Jennifer Kooloos, Colin Knuckey and Cheryl McMillan.
Adult Volunteer of the Year (25 to 64 years) - Sivonne Binks, Kate Butler, John Glowrey, Shannen Murphy and Narelle Whitham.
Vote at https://www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Community-Volunteer-Awards-2026.
Parkinson’s charity walk
Locals are being invited to participate in a fundraising walk in Echuca this weekend, in support of people with Parkinson's disease.
The Echuca Moama District’s A Walk in the Park event will be held Sunday at the Echuca Aquatic Reserve.
Registration is from 9.30am to 10.30am, after which you can complete as many 700m circuits as you can.
These local walks offer opportunities to connect with others in the Parkinson's community, send a message of solidarity and support, and raise vital funds to support better services, education, and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s (including Young-Onset) and Atypical Parkinson’s (including PSP, MSA, and CBS).
Walkers are welcome to bring their dogs along, provided they are on a leash.
To register or donate, go to https://www.awalkinthepark.org.au/event/awitp-echucamoama-2026.
Firies respond to backyard fire
Firefighters have again issued a reminder about the requirements associated with backyard burns, after a callout this week.
Deniliquin Fire + Rescue was called to an east Deniliquin home about 2.30pm Wednesday, and a arrived to find a “minor” fire in the yard.
Burn permits are required for burn-offs in the town limits.
Residents must first apply for a permit with Edward River Council, which will then be reported to and cleared by the fire service before the burn can take place.
Operation Amarok
Local police are this week taking part in the statewide Operation Amarok.
The operation specifically targets domestic violence offenders, using intelligence-based blitzes to arrest wanted persons, conduct bail compliance checks, and serve Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) to improve victim safety.
The operation started Wednesday and concludes Sunday.
Det Chief Insp Brown said targeting domestic violence is a priority area for police.
“If anyone is experiencing domestic violence, we encourage them to reach out to police.
“We also work with other agencies to help protect and support anyone experiencing family or domestic violence.”
• 1800RESPECT is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732. Online chat and video chat services are also available, via 1800respect.org.au or the organisation’s app. In an emergency, call 000.