THE Swan Hill SES unit’s annual duck race looked a little different this year, but the cause remained front and centre.
While the ducks didn’t get the opportunity to actually race down the Murray River on New Year’s Day, the event was nonetheless a success.
“The ducks all came out of hibernation and started their training, special diet and all of that sort of stuff,” Swan Hill SES unit member Julie Jochs told The Guardian.
“But when the river was still too high and it was a bit dangerous, we ended up putting them into one of our boats and Lucky the Duck actually plucked the winning ducks out of the boat.”
There were nine prizes in total won this year. Entrants purchased their duck sponsorship tickets for $5 in the lead up to the race.
Ms Jochs said that while the number of ducks in the race was down to about 1800 rather than their usual 2000, they were still able to raise a lot of money for the unit.
“It’s all a bonus,” she said.
Ms Jochs said the SES was appreciative of the support of the local community in both event sponsorship and those that bought tickets in the race.
“We only have this one fundraiser, so we do appreciate hugely that people support us,” she said.
2023 RACE RESULTS
1. Joe Vivona
2. Viv Simmons
3. Jodi Walters
4. Kaye Burke
5. Tarlia Connolly
6. Kara Wilson
7. Jack
8. Kaye Burke
9. Jen Fosdick
