The Edward River Library is running its Christmas Giving Tree once again.
Donations of books are most welcome, the library and their staff ask that these donations of books remain unwrapped so they can be directed to the most appropriate recipient.
This is a fantastic way to introduce young ones to the magic of reading and the power of giving, particularly around this time of year.
The final date for book donations will be Monday, December 16.
Community Christmas Party
Deni’s favourite party of the year is fast approaching.
The 2024 Rotary Carols by Candlelight and Community Christmas Party will be held on Friday, December 20, from 6pm to 9pm in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens.
The free event will have plenty for those in attendance and families are encouraged to get along for this fantastic community event.
Attractions include face painting and Christmas crafts, an animal nursery and food stalls among a number of others.
Santa is also expected to make an appearance, and may even have time to stop for a few photos.
As night falls, settle in for the annual carols event hosted by Rotary.
Local musicians and singers will lead you in all your favourite tunes.
The evening will conclude with the traditional fireworks display, weather permitting.
Celebrity interaction
Winning the Behaviour Change in Waste award was not the only highlight of the NSW Local Government Association Excellence in the Environment Awards for Edward River Council.
Its delegates - director infrastructure Mark Dalzell and three bins project manager Anna Kelly - also had the honour of meeting ABC legend and green thumb extraordinaire Costa Georgiadis, who helped to present the awards.
Following the award win, the praise has been rolling in.
"This is great recognition of all the planning and hard work that has gone into the three bin project over the last 18 months - by both council teams and our community," Mayor Ashley Hall said.
Council interim CEO Gary Arnold said the results of the program speak for themselves.
“The project has prioritised ethical waste treatment, the restructuring of council operations and driven significant behavioural shifts among Deniliquin residents,” Mr Arnold said.
“There has been a marked reduction in landfill drop-offs by residents, with preliminary data showing over 50 per cent less waste sent to landfill.
“This is likely to lead to decreased operational costs and could potentially extend the landfill's lifespan by over 10 years.”
RB Sellars ready to rock with stock
RB Sellars is making progress toward its introduction to the Deniliquin CBD.
Previously telling the Pastoral Times it is aiming for a mid-December opening, anyone who visited the CBD on Saturday morning would have noticed stock is starting to arrive.
With any luck, the store being opened before Christmas could allow for more local Christmas shopping.
Stay vigilant for fire
“Grass fires can start easily and spread quickly, destroying homes, crops and livelihoods.”
That is the message the NSW Rural Fire Service is sharing via all media channels as we continue to experience changing weather patterns.
Although we’ve received a bit of rain lately, we’re still getting so very hot and windy days, which could still pose a fire risk.
“There are steps you can take now, like mowing, slashing or clearing firebreaks, which can help stop a grass fire from spreading,” the Mid Murray RFS said.
Landholders are asked to monitor conditions and refer to the cease harvest guide.
If you see a fire, please call 000 immediately.