Eden Lilford-Hansen is leading the Girrawaa Yabang Massive Murray Paddle team from Deniliquin.
The Massive Murray Paddle has become a rite of passage for teams of Deni teenagers each year.
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This year, it will be led by the youth and they are looking for supporters.
Preparations have begun for Deni's all youth team competing in the 2026 paddle, which runs from November 16 to 20.
In its 56th year, the MMP is a five day 415km paddling adventure race along the Murray River from Yarrawonga to Koondrook.
Paddlers will also raise funds to assist local charities or community-driven programs.
Local teams have been regulars at the event, with combined teams of Deniliquin High School students and NSW Police Force members taking part under the team banner of Marrang Tyema meaning ‘to find or discover’ in Wamba Wamba language.
This year Deni is again entering a youth team, but this time as a separate youth group led by the young people.
Eden Lilford-Hansen, a 16 year-old Deniliquin high School Year 11 student, will be leading the team. It will be her fifth year participating.
The team name is Girrawaa Yabang, which translates to ‘goanna path’ in Wiradjuri - signifying an adventure and Eden’s family totem.
While the event and group is focused on respecting local indigenous culture, the Deniliquin MMP team is open to people of all cultures.
With the support of her family, Eden is actively searching for anyone interested in being part of the Girrawaa Yabang team, or supporting the team.
The aim is for each kayaks to include one local youth and an adult mentor, with positions for mentors still open.
In between paddling over the five days the group will also fit in cooking, camping and other team-building activities and responsibilities.
The team is seeking community guidance on each.
Financial support is also required.
The youth team has started fundraising, and are open to other opportunities that would help make the kayaking trip a reality.
Eden said some local businesses and organisations have already pledged support, but more is welcome.
Sponsors so far include the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council, which will help with bus travel, uniforms and swags.
The organisers behind the MMP event have also offered to help with kayaks.
To find out more about the Girrawaa Yabang Massive Murray Paddle campaign, call Eden, through her mum Chelsea, on 0488 194 805.
Deniliquin Police Sergeant Samara Hynes during last year’s 2025 Massive Murray Paddle.
Inspector Josh Broadfoot and Chanze Egan during the 2025 Massive Murray Paddle.
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