Murray has this week captured the attention of national media, but moreso because of the party’s opponent and incumbent Austin Evans — and the Pastoral Times.
The issues playing out in the Murray electorate, and particularly Deniliquin, were highlighted on Ray Hadley’s radio show yesterday morning, broadcast through 2GB.
On his nationally aired program, Hadley read directly from our front page story on Friday — ‘I don’t need Deni, says Austin Evans’.
After reading a few of the comments from local health advocate Shirlee Burge, Hadley offered his own advice to the local member.
‘‘Here’s a tip,’’ he started, before stating he did not know Austin Evans.
‘‘Austin, it is not the smartest thing in the world to do, to tell two ladies in a public gathering that you don’t need Deniliquin. So I’d be recanting on that, and saying ‘I didn’t mean to say that, it was a really stupid thing to say, of course I need every vote to be elected or reelected’,’’ the well known radio personality commented.
We’ve had lots of feedback from Friday’s front page, and it’s overwhelmingly suggesting Mr Evans has a mountain to climb if he is to get local support for next month’s election.
Tidy garden
The Deniliquin Community Garden had its first working bee of the year with five dedicated members toiling away to restore its beauty.
Committee member Suzy Keys said with all the rain it was easy for ‘‘to get together and get the weeds out’’.
‘‘People brought produce from their gardens which we shared over morning tea provided by Wendy Johnston,’’ she said.
‘‘We focused on cleaning the garden area left by our late president Russell which has remained untouched since he passed last year. We have another member, Leanne, who will now take care of those garden plots.
‘‘We removed many of the weeds which have been hard to get rid of; we are trying to weed proof the garden this year.
‘‘We also had a generous donation of a truck-load of woodchips and we have also had manure donated for other parts of the garden.’’
Ms Keys said she had been looking at other community gardens for ideas.
‘‘When I was in Europe I saw some amazing gardens such as in Germany where they had little houses.
‘‘We are looking at ideas around how the garden can be used by the community, especially with schools and groups.’’
Members said the day was a success and hope to have another working bee soon.
Photos from the day are on page 6.
Lior to start
South West Music Regional Conservatorium chose a riverside location to launch the 2019 live music experience on Sunday.
More than 100 people attended the launch enjoying the entertainment provided by teachers and friends of the conservatorium.
All of the live music events were announced for the year, with Lior leading the series with a performance on March 1.
Other events announced included Swing on the Grass at Deniliquin Golf Club and at Moama.
A full wrap of the launch, and this year’s artists, will appear in Friday’s edition.
In the meantime, subscriptions for the series are selling fast.
To secure your subscription phone South West Music on 58814736 or drop into the conservatorium in Hardinge St, behind the Cobb Highway Roadhouse.
Seymour tickets giveaway
There’s still time to enter and win one of two double passes to this week’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
Held in the heart of Victoria at Kings Park in Seymour, 22,000 visitors are expected to attend the three-day event from February 15 to 17.
Event manager Susie Filleti said the expo would present the latest technology, practices and trends in small and backyard farming, offer plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with animals and enjoy the market-style shopping, food and entertainment.
For your chance to win a double pass, enter online at www.seymourexpo.com.au/denipt/.
Entries will be accepted until 11.59pm Wednesday, with winners contacted on Thursday.
