Ben Hayes with his dog Jazz when she visited him at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne last week.
The Deniliquin community is rallying around the Hayes family, after Ben Hayes, who was seriously injured in a tragic accident early last month.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The 17 year-old is currently at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne with his family after sustaining an injury while swimming in the Edward River in early October.
A fundraising event will be held at the Deniliquin Boat Club from 5pm tonight, and is an opportunity for community members to show their support and raise funds for Ben’s recovery and his future.
He is a beloved member of the Deniliquin community and the son of Deniliquin Boat Club’s former Ski School coordinator Aileen Hayes.
Also supporting the fundraiser will be Ben’s football club - the Deniliquin Rovers Football & Netball Club.
The evening has been dubbed ‘a Night for Ben’.
The Boat Club bar will be open, and there will be a barbecue run by the Rovers with all proceeds raised donated to Ben.
The Deniliquin Boat Club will also donate $50 from every family membership completed on the night.
A raffle and spinning wheel will take place, with prizes including two corporate tickets to the 2026 Deni Ute Muster.
With 99 out of 100 spinning wheel tickets sold the final number, number 12, will be auctioned off live tonight.
There will also be live music performed by LIMELIGHT, a live demo from The Conargo Whipcrackers and the chance to experience a ski school demo along with the usual great festivities at the Deniliquin Boat Club season launch.
Deniliquin Rovers Football & Netball Club president John Glowrey said the club is keen to get around Ben and his family, and help any way they can.
“Deni Rovers, like everyone in our community, is eager to be involved with fundraising for Ben and Friday night is a great opportunity to do so,” he said.
“Ben is part of the Rovers family, and we have had an amazing number of players and members contact us to see how they can help.
“The Deni Boat Club has done a great job organising Friday night, and we believe there will be a huge show of support from the Deniliquin community as a whole, for such a great young man.
“We are very happy to play our part.”
If you can’t make it tonight, you may be able to support Ben through other fundraisers. Follow the Deniliquin Rovers Football & Netball Club social media platforms for details coming soon.
Ben Hayes was the Thirds football Best and Fairest and Best in Finals winner in 2025.
Photo by
Rebecca Flisher
21°C