Police warned jumping from the bridge was an offence and that anyone caught would be penalised.

Acting Sergeant Andrew Braden of Dareton police station said the Mildura men were aged 18 and 23.

“Two people jumped off the top of the Chaffey Bridge, about 12.30pm,” Acting Sgt Braden said.

“That’s a long way down, in to the Murray.

“It’s probably a good time to warn people of the dangers of jumping from the bridge.

“It’s definitely putting your life at risk, it’s a long way down and anything could be in the water.”

Signs on the bridge indicate that jumping from it is an offence.

Sgt Braden said jumpers were also risking the lives of people using the river for recreational purposes.

In an unrelated matter, but also on Australia Day, Dareton police charged a 30-year-old motorist with drink driving.

Police say the man returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.117 when his car was stopped on the Sturt Highway at Buronga about 9pm.

Five minutes earlier, also at Buronga a 20-year-old male driver returned a reading of 0.068 and also was charged with drink driving.

They will both appear at the Wentworth Local Court at a later date.

Dareton police say they are also seeking community assistance in locating a 1984 Ford Falcon station wagon.

The vehicle – with a Victorian registration number YAO690 – was stolen from a Tapio Street, Dareton residence sometime between 11.30pm on Wednesday and 1pm on Thursday.

This article appeared in Saturday’s Sunraysia Daily 28/01/2012.