• ‘Eager Amelia has finally arrived’ - Dannielle Wilson was expecting to welcome her second child before Christmas based on the discomfort she was feeling, but Amelia Grace Morton instead waiting until daughter January 2. It made her the first baby born at Deniliquin Hospital in 2022. Also eagerly awaiting Ameila’s arrival were dad Daniel Morton and sister Matilda.
• ‘Tributes flow for a top bloke’ - The Deniliquin and district community mourned the loss of Norm Brennan. Mayor of Edward River Council at the time of his death - with the new council elected in December yet to be sworn in - Mr Brennan had only just announced his retirement from local government after more than 20 years. He was also remembered as a champion of local tourism and business, and as a great friend and family man.
• ‘Antoon defies the odds’ - Antoon Froon celebrated his 100th birthday, defying doctors who told his parents he would not live past infancy after being born weighing less than 1kg at birth. Born in The Netherlands, he also survived the Nazi occupation of World War II, had a hand in reclaiming Dutch Indonesia from the Japanese and moved across the world with his family to settle in Deniliquin.
• ‘How am I still alive?’ - Echuca’s Matt Pitts told the harrowing story of his near death experience from his hospital bed of the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Matt had been visiting friends at the McLean Beach Holiday Park when a large tree limb cracked above them and fell, pinning him underneath. Described as the size of a telegraph pole, Matt was left with four fractured ribs, fractures to his spine and right leg, a punctured lung and severe bruising.
• ‘Betts in top job’ - Peta Betts was made Mayor of Edward River Council for the next two years after an internal election of the newly elected council at its first meeting. Cr Betts polled seven votes, while her challenger Pat Fogarty received two. Newly elected councillor Paul Fellows was elected Deputy Mayor. He was unchallenged.
• ‘Murray names its top citizens’ - Two Murray River residents with a connection to Deni and district were recognised for their community roles in Murray River Council’s Australia Day Awards announcement. Caldwell’s Kevin Barnes was Citizen of the Year and Dottie Wilson was Young Citizen of the Year. Other award winners were as follows: Young Sportsperson of the Year – Ryan Domaille (Tooleybuc); Sportsperson of the Year – Heath Moloney (Moulamein); Community Event of the Year – Echuca Moama Apex Club’s Sunday Session at Kerrabee Soundshell; Community Group of the Year – Moulamein Community Development Inc; Arts and Culture Award – The ACRE Project.
• ‘Deni slatwart: Norm’s lifelong commitment recognised’ - Norm Purtill was named Edward River Council’s Citizen of the Year, particularly honoured for his service to Deniliquin Golf Club and Deniliquin Lions, among other service clubs, groups and initiatives. Other award winners were as follows: Arts and Culure Award - Cheryl Fuller; Community Event of the Year - Play on the Plains Festival; Bill Hermiston Memorial Environment Award - Phillip Maher.