Deniliquin South School students were in the right place at the right time Wednesday last week.
On the day the Year 6 students were at Parliament House - a highlight of the annual Canberra excursion - our country’s politicians were also launching their Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.
The students were invited to assist Member for Farrer Sussan Ley drop off gifts for families in need.
The appeal is in its 37th year and is conducted annually with the Salvation Army. Locals can donate at the Deniliquin Salvation Army.
Ms Ley said the local team are looking for any suitable donations such as books, gift cards, sporting equipment, back to school supplies, arts and crafts, educational toys, toiletries and musical instruments.
No second-hand items please but non-perishable food items are accepted.
“With cost of living such a huge issue at Christmas – and particularly this year – I encourage anyone who can afford to help out to donate something to the appeal. Big or small, anything is welcome at this time of year,” Ms Ley said.
GTs flock to Deni
It’s easier to tell when a car club is visiting Deniliquin these days.
A large number of Ford GTs, and a few other models, were lining Hardinge St and filling car spaces at The Depot and Cruisin* Diner on Saturday morning.
It added to what was already a vibrant weekend for Deni, with lovely weather encouraging people to get out of the house and patronise local businesses.
The Naponda Farmers Market in the Deniliquin CBD also contributed to a busy morning.
Watch out, there’s ducklings about
The next generations of ducks are starting to be welcomed to the Deniliquin lagoons system and its parks.
One particularly large clutch of ducklings spends its time mainly in the Deniliquin Warning Gardens, but they do migrate as required.
We noted some patient drivers last week when the large family decided to check out the skate park instead.
The cute display was a timely reminder to take it easy when driving through the town - there have been a few more squished ducks on the roads of late.
But ducklings also means protective parents, which can attack if they feel their young are threatened. So do take care to save yourself from injury or embarrassment.
Register for asthma alerts
Asthma and hay fever sufferers are reminded that they may be at greater risk of severe symptoms in spring due to high pollen counts and weather conditions.
MLHD’s Public Health Unit, in partnership with Charles Sturt University, is monitoring thunderstorm activity and pollen count levels and issuing alerts at high-risk times.
To register for alerts, go to https://science-health.csu.edu.au/asthma or text the word Asthma to 0417 115 876.
While people are asked to be “prepared, not alarmed”, breathing difficulties can be life-threatening, and you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately if there is a breathing emergency.