Despite reminding community members of a no-burn period until after the bush fire season numerous times this summer, Deniliquin’s Fire + Rescue NSW firefighters say the message is not getting through.
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On Saturday, at 9.46pm, the brigade responded to an out of control fire in the backyard of a property on Herriott St, north Deniliquin.
Arriving on scene, they quickly extinguished the blaze with little to no trouble and left by 10.20pm.
Acting Captain Les Booth said during the bush fire danger period, all rubbish burns within the town limits are banned.
This period runs through until the end of March, and is place to protect the community.
Outside of the bush fire danger period, Act Capt Booth said all rubbish burns in the town limits must have pre-approval.
You must apply for a permit with Edward River Council (or your local council if outside the ERC area).
The permit and your planned burn time must then be registered with the local brigade.
Act Capt Booth said heavy penalties can apply for anyone who lights an illegal fire, or who does not comply with the conditions of their permit.
Rural landholders are also being encouraged to monitor weather conditions this week, with hot temperatures expected.
And after lightning passed through the region on Sunday, they are to be on high alert for any potential blazes.
All fires should be reported to 000 immediately.
COVID cases on the rise?
Community members are being asked to take extra precautions after reports of a “moderate level” of COVID-19 cases in the community.
This was highlighted by Navoirina Aged Care on Sunday, when it issued a notice via social media to all friends and families of residents.
As a result of the advice on COVID levels, the nursing home said anyone who visits or works at the facility will need to wear a N95 mask.
A testing station also remains available in the foyer, and anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms - no matter how minor - is asked not to visit.
The directions have been implemented under the advisement of NSW Health.
According to NSW Health’s reporting issued last week, there have been 87 cases of COVID-19 reported in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District since the start of 2025, 10 cases of influenza and six of RSV.
Mozzie virus warning
Another potentially life-threatening illness that has emerged in the region is Japanese encephalitis.
After recent weather patterns of rain followed by hot days, health agencies only recently issued warnings about protecting ourselves from mosquito-borne diseases.
Last month, JE was detected at Lake Wyngan near Griffith during NSW Health’s routine mosquito surveillance.
The Pastoral Times has heard reports of at least one person falling ill in the Griffith region, requiring treatment at a metropolitan hospital.
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network said JE has also been detected at Moree, and the Narromine region.
Murray Valley encephalitis has also been detected at Cowra and West Wyalong.
Both viruses can cause brain swelling, and even death.
The Edward River, Murray River, Berrigan Shire and Murrumbidgee Council regions are included in the free JE vaccination program.
Learn more about vaccinations, symptoms, treatment and prevention by going to www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/jev/Pages/vaccination.aspx.
Tale of persistence
There’s a story from one of our neighbouring communities that caught our eye this week, and we could not wait until Friday’s Around The Region column to share it with you.
Our fellow McPherson Media Group newspaper, The Riverine Herald, last week featured a story on 81 year-old Phillip Johnson who has proven it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
The Rochester local has graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Arts degree after six years of study.
Mr Johnson said that going to university had always been something he wanted to do, but wasn’t possible because of his rural location.
But after retiring at the age of 60 and thanks to online courses, he set about making his dream come true. After a number of short courses, he enrolled at U-Tas.
If local goals to set up a Country Universities Centre in Deniliquin and Finley come to fruition, we may have more in our regions like Phillip Johnson.
The local working committee’s application was submitted in October, with a response expected sometime this year.
Walkway closed
Edward River Council last week closed off the walkway connecting Duncan St to the rear of the golf club.
It was noted that there was structural damage to an inner retaining wall.
While stressing the damage does not impact the levee wall, council said the damage must be investigated before being deemed safe to access.
For the safety of the community, barriers and signage have been installed to prevent access.
“A detailed survey and assessment of the site will be conducted to determine the necessary works to reinstate the walkway,” council said.
“This process will include consultation with affected landholders to ensure a well-planned resolution.”
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