THE Murray River at Swan Hill was a sea of yellow on New Year’s Day as SES Swan Hill Unit’s popular annual duck race was run and won.
Swan Hill SES deputy controller Julie Jochs said ticket sales had exceeded expectations with all 2000 of the plastic yellow ducks selling out half an hour before the big race.
“Spectators were out in full force, lining the riverbank from the canoe steps to the bridge,” she said.
“Enthusiastic fans cheered on their little feathered competitors, encouraging them to swim faster.
“It was clear the plastic ducks high-protein diet had given them the necessary energy to power through the race, with some serious jostling and pushing along the way.
“The excitement reached new heights when a live brown duck decided to enter the race, providing a comical challenge to the yellow plastic ducks.
“The unexpected competitor gave the yellow racers a run for their money, but in the end, it was the little yellow ducks who dominated the finish line.
After the race, the ducks were carefully counted and tucked away for their next adventure – hibernating in preparation for the big race in 2026, which will be the 36th annual event.
This year’s race raised $10,000 for the SES Swan Hill Unit to continue their work supporting the community.
While the funds have not yet been designated for a specific piece of equipment, the unit will be reviewing its wish-list to determine how best to allocate the money for future needs.
“We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the generous 2025 race sponsors, with a special shout-out to Signage who printed and donated the 2000 duck tickets,” Mrs Jochs said.
“I’d like to send a huge thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and attended.
“That support makes all the difference and helps us continue to serve the community.”
SES swan Hill is a volunteer-based organisation, providing assistance to minimise the impact of emergencies and strengthen the community’s capacity to plan, respond and recover, when emergencies occur.
It has 21 members who volunteer their time and skills in emergencies such as severe storms, landslides and road crashes.
They also support the fire agencies with fire response and Victoria Police with search and rescue.
In an emergency, the SES can provide assistance with structural damage at a home, assistance with trees down and support when a property is flooded, or about to flood.
They also assist with providing information and training on how to stay safe during a disaster situation.
In life threatening situations, always call 000 for appropriate emergency help.
For more information on the work the SES Swan Hill Unit does or to volunteer, visit their Facebook page or call Julie on 0427 543 702.
Winners of the 2025 SES Swan Hill Unit Duck Race.
1st place – Ash Shean: $1,000 cash donated by Swan Hill Bus Lines.
2nd place – Leanne Button: a $500 gift voucher donated by Betta Home Living.
3rd place – Bridget Ritchie: a $450 gift voucher donated by Think Water Swan Hill / Philmac.
4th place – Anne Guest: a $400 gift voucher donated by Bunnings Swan Hill.
5th place – Sindhu: a $300 gift voucher from Murray Valley Technology Centre.
6th place – Ash Pivett: a $250 gift voucher donated by Auto Barn Swan Hill.
7th place – Andrew Scott: a $200 gift voucher donated by Cameron’s Fine Jeweller.
8th place – Lori Fisher: a $150 gift voucher donated by Blue Sky & Outdoor Experts.
9th place – Bruce Scougall: a $100 voucher donated by Swan Hill Fishing & Shooting.
10th place – John: a $50 gift voucher donated by Ornamental Glass / CZED Custom Designs.
