Some of the Deniliquin Tyema Marrung Murray Paddle team mentors.
Miley Lilford-Hansen was recognised for her effort with the 2025 Tyema Marrung Outstanding Talent Award.
Inspector Josh Broadfoot from the Riverina Police District and Chanze Egan during the Massive Murray Paddle.
Eleven young people from the Deniliquin region were given a rare and unforgettable opportunity this month as they joined the iconic Massive Murray Paddle, spending five days on the mighty Murray, known traditionally as the Dungalla River.
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Supported by staff from Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre and the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Deni participants - aged between 13 and 17 - paddled alongside 30 students from Echuca, Kyabram, and Bendigo.
Together, the group formed a strong contingent of young river ambassadors, showcasing teamwork, resilience, and cultural connection.
They were joined on the water by 33 paddling officers from the NSW Police Force, along with teachers, community volunteers, and support crews who ensured the safety and wellbeing of every participant.
The week began with a challenging start.
Monday brought cold, windy weather that created difficult conditions on the river.
The icy blasts pushed waves against the canoes and exhausted many paddlers early in the journey, with the chill spreading through the camp as the week went on.
Despite the rough start, the Deniliquin team showed grit and determination, continuing to paddle through long and demanding stretches of river.
Among the standout efforts were two Deniliquin students - Miley and Eden Lilford-Hansen; affectionately known as the ‘OGs’.
The pair set themselves a goal few adults would attempt; completing the paddle’s longest single stretch of 39km in one day.
Battling both sun and wind, the girls completed the distance in around five hours, a feat that pushed even seasoned adult paddlers to their physical limits.
Their achievement became one of the week’s proudest moments for the Deniliquin contingent.
This year, the Deniliquin Tyema Marrung program also recognised Miley with the Tyema Marrung Outstanding Talent Award.
The award celebrates an exceptional young leader whose efforts reflect the values of perseverance, teamwork, cultural pride, and community connection.
A long-standing and highly respected member of the Deniliquin Tyema Marrung team, Miley once again demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership.
Now in her fourth year of the program, Miley has consistently completed over 100km of paddling annually.
This year, she paddled nearly 100km while playing an essential supportive role in her team.
This included smoothing changeovers, encouraging peers, and building respectful, positive relationships with students, police officers, and community members.
Mid-year, Miley also volunteered to assist the event organiser with Gunbower Paddle Tours, where she displayed maturity, generosity, and a strong sense of responsibility to her team and community.
Miley’s dedication and the efforts of all 12 Deniliquin participants reflect the deep spirit of connection and resilience fostered through the Tyema Marrung program.
Their journey on the Dungalla River represents not only personal growth but also the strengthening of relationships between youth, community leaders, and local police.
Their achievements stand as a testament to the power of cultural identity, teamwork, and the unique spirit that flows through the Dungalla and the young people who continue to engage in cultural activities along it to learn and build their skills.
Members of the Deniliquin Tyema-Marrung 2025 Massive Murray Paddle team: Braxton Hanson, Kywahn Button, Degan Morgan, Lunga Fevaleaki Yemurraki Jones, Helen Fevaleaki, Harlem Morgan and Miley Lilford.
Sergeant Peter Buckley - Deniliquin Police Station, Sergeant Samara Hynes - Deniliquin Police Station, Sergeant Mitch Lalor - Albury Police Station, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Keanau Wighton and Constable Josh Hudson - Albury Police Station during the Massive Murray Paddle.
Sergeant Samara Hynes from Deniliquin Police Station during the 2025 Massive Murray Paddle.
