Global research data and analytics group YouGov is predicting Labor will win this weekend’s election with an increased majority.
Using the results of more than 35,000 interviews taken between April 1 and April 29, its projection report released yesterday indicated Labor will win 87 seats.
It predicts the Coalition will take 47 and independents will claim 14.
YouGov’s modelling suggests the Coalition may lose 11 seats this election, but Farrer is not likely to be one of them.
It’s projection for Farrer, on a two party preferred basis, is the Coalition will win the seat with 59.3 per cent of the vote.
Labor is projected to get 40.7 per cent. But this would represent a 7.1 percent swing to Labor.
SportsBet is favouring incumbent Liberal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley’s return to the seat, with odds of 1.03.
The betting organisation has given Michelle Milthorpe higher odds than Labor candidate Glen Hyde, with the independent at 9.5 yesterday and Mr Hyde with odds of 26.
SportsBet odds are also in favour of Labor winning government, at 1.11.
More information on the voting process, and profiles of most of the Farrer candidates, can be found on pages 12 and 13 of today’s edition.
Family Day Care picnics
Children from Intereach Family Day Care are getting ready to celebrate National Family Day Care Week.
National Family Day Care Week picnics will be held from Monday to Sunday, with family day care educators, service staff, families and children joining Intereach to mark the annual, week-long celebration.
Deniliquin educators Angela Coffey and Kirsty Thomas will hold their celebrations on Tuesday and Friday respectively.
Family Day Care services support educators to operate their own small business as an early learning professional and provide quality education and care within a nurturing and natural home environment, focusing on each child’s learning journey.
It is one of Australia's largest networks of women in small business.
Quilts Over The Pews
The Deniliquilters & Friends Group will hold a special quilt show in Deniliquin next weekend.
It’s called ‘Quilts Over The Pews’, referring to the venue location at St Paul’s Anglican Church.
The two-day exhibition will be held Saturday and Sunday, so perhaps a great Mother’s Day weekend opportunity.
Opening times on both days is 10am to 4pm, with admission only a gold coin donation.
Devonshire tea will also be available.
Those who visit on the Saturday have the added bonus of the Anglican Church op shop being open, in the hall at the back of the church.
Concert opportunity
Another great Mother’s Day weekend event coming up is the latest musical offering from South West Music.
SWM tutor Christian Ruiz, an amazing guitarist, will be joined by some special guests to host a concert at the South West Music Conservatorium from 2pm next Saturday, May 10.
It is described as a “journey through South America, where rich rhythms and soulful and heartfilled melodies come to life”.
If you book by today, you can take advantage of the $15 early bird ticket price. Otherwise, tickets will be $20.
Under 18s and students can attend for free.
People are also invited to the free meet the artist event before the concert, from 1pm to 1.30pm.
For more information, and the link to purchase tickets online, go to https://www.swmusic.org.au/post/christian-ruiz-in-concert-plus-special-guests.
Mother’s Day feature
Speaking of Mother’s Day, how are you going with your shopping and planning?
If you’re yet to make up your mind on what to get that special woman in your life, make sure to grab a copy of next Tuesday’s Pastoral Times.
Our Mother’s Day feature will include some great ideas from a range of local businesses.
Lego Club is back
The Deniliquin Baptist Church’s Lego Club is back for Term 2 and 3 of the school year, but on a new day.
The sessions start this coming Monday, and will continue on Mondays from 4pm to 5.30pm at the church - in the former Regent Theatre at 33 Edwardes St, Deniliquin.
Lego Club is for primary school aged children (age 5-12), and the cost is $2 per child each week.
Snacks are provided before the children learn new building techniques, and then participate in a building challenge. Children then have time for free play.
Parents are always welcome to stay for a cuppa.
Register your children by going to https://form.jotform.com/250887030298867.
Child’s clothing swap
Deniliquin Playgroup will be hosting a Community Clothing Swap of children’s and baby clothing this weekend.
“Have a clean out of your kids wardrobes, save some money and choose a more sustainable option,’ the group says.
“Donate any number of items and collect any number of items. If you don't have anything to donate this time, you're still welcome to collect.
“Open to everyone in the community. You do not have to be a Playgroup member to be involved.”
The swap will be held at the Deniliquin Salvation Army Hall from 11am to 2pm on Sunday.
A gold coin donation entry is requested to help cover the hiring of the hall.
Items to be swapped should be dropped off between 9am and 10am, so they can be sorted and arranged by gender and size before the doors open.
Drop off your unwanted items How the swap will work:
Drop off your kids' out-grown and unwanted clothes in the morning. Volunteers will then sort into size, and boys or girls. Come back, have a browse and pick up some pre-loved items.