■ Late, but still the first’ – When Laine Colin Gilligan arrived two days after his due date, first time parents Catie Lewis and James Gilligan were surprised to learn their son was the first baby born at Deniliquin Hospital in 2021. Laine was born via an emergency caesarean at 11.25pm on January 5, weighing 4400g (9lb 11oz).
■ – Lester and Carolyn Wheatley confirmed there was interest from ‘‘major retailers’’ in taking over the Cressy St space previously occupied by Target in Deniliquin. The building’s owners said they had received several enquiries from national and local companies.
■ ‘Pitt cancels’ – A long-awaited visit to Deniliquin and district by Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt was cancelled just days before it was scheduled to occur. It was to be Mr Pitt’s first to the region to speak with Basin Plan stakeholders, and the cancellation was attributed to the Victorian border being closed to Queenslanders under COVID-19 rules.
■ ‘$4 mil. sale’ – Buyers who attended the annual Store Sheep Sale in Deniliquin showcased there was still confidence in the local livestock industry. All 17,809 sheep offered were sold, with an impressive $4,087,611 going through the saleyards complex on the day.
■ ‘Exhausted: Doctor shortage crisis still a problem’ – Deniliquin doctor Marion Magee revealed local doctors were still under enormous pressure to meet the medical needs of the community, and were ‘‘at the brink of exhaustion’’. Her revelations came as community complaints about ongoing issues with doctor surgeries’ books being closed to new patients were arising again.
■ ‘Mill may be back in action’ – Production at the Deniliquin Rice Mill was predicted to ramp up on the back of an improved rice crop. SunRice was anticipating a 450,000 tonne harvest for the crop year, following two years of crops among the lowest on record (54,000 tonne in 2019 and 45,000 tonne in 2020). In response, the company had cut the equivalent of 200 full-time positions since November 2018.
■ ‘Jenny’s honour’ – Jenny Fellows was awarded Edward River Council’s Citizen of the Year for her commitment to various committees over 20 years. She was specifically honoured for championing initiatives to improve health, education and road safety in our community and beyond.
