New equine additions to the farmyard at our Zoo & Aviary
MP, Hunter Academy of Sport Chief Executive Officer Brett O’Farrell, Southern Sports Academy athletes Emily McPherson, Lucas Matthews, and Ella Rey, along with Wagga Wagga Mayor Cr Dallas Tout and Southern Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer Mark Calverley.
Academy Games ready to return to Wagga Wagga
The 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games will officially roll into Wagga Wagga next week, featuring the emerging talent of 1300 athletes from all 11 Regional Academies of Sport across NSW.
It is the second time the Southern Sports Academy has hosted the threeday youth sporting event in our city, with the action kicking off on Friday 21 April and running through to Sunday 23 April at various local venues.
Southern Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer Mark Calverley said the organisation was excited to build on the success of last year’s games.
“With the new PCYC available for basketball, and the opportunity to host basketball, volleyball, and triathlon all within the Bolton Park precinct, we can showcase some of the state's best athletes in the centre of Wagga Wagga,” Mr Calverley said.
The free and fun activities for children and young people continue into the second week of the school holidays at various Wagga Wagga City Council facilities, with the arrival of two miniature ponies at the Botanic Gardens Zoo & Aviary among the highlights.
Teddy, around six years old, and Miley, 12, joined the animals in the farmyard during the Easter break.
Zoo Curator Wendy McNamara said the ponies were much-loved family pets whose owners asked if the zoo would take over their care because she knew they would be “going to a good home where they would be well looked after”.
“They’re super cute and have really friendly personalities and have been loving all the extra attention they’ve been getting since they arrived here,” Ms McNamara said.
“We took them for a walk up near the café and playground and they were a big hit for the kids there.
“The ponies are only hip-high so they’re not quite big enough for pony rides, but they love to get lots of pats.”
Teddy and Miley are now part of the meet and greet sessions held each day from 10.30am, giving visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some feathered and furry residents.
“We start with our dingoes Simba, Shadow, Diego and Zeke, along with Arnold the snake then move around the zoo, feeding the emus and deer and visiting the farmyard before heading to the free-flight aviary for some interaction with the birds,” Ms McNamara said.
“We’ll have different animals out and about as much as we can over the school holidays and Wilbur the sheep will be out walking around as well so there will always be something going on through that middle section of the day.”
The Zoo & Aviary is open each day of the holidays from 9am to 4pm, with last entries at 3.45pm.
Wagga
Wagga Art Gallery’s Jackdaw
Film Series, ‘GreenScreen - Just for Kids’, curated for children of all ages, continues until Friday 21 April, with free screenings at 10.30am from Tuesday to Friday.
Films include The Jungle Book, Rio, Song of the Sea, Blueback and more. Bookings are now available to attend the free school holiday Wagga Wagga Zine Zine - Teen Workshop at the Art Gallery on Friday 21 April. It is designed for 12 to 17-year-olds and runs from 2pm to 4pm. For more information or to book your spot at these activities, visit waggaartgallery.com.au/whats-on
The Games generate an estimated 6228 bed stays in the region annually, with a total economic tourism value of more than $1.9 million.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout welcomes the return of the Games to the ‘City of Good Sports’.
“To the athletes, families, supporters, and friends coming along to the Games, enjoy your sports, have a great time doing that, but also get out and see our city and region,” Cr Tout said.
Wagga residents and motorists are advised there will be changed traffic conditions in Morgan Street near the Oasis Aquatic Centre during the cycling leg of the triathlon event at the Games. The westbound lanes will be closed between Tarcutta Street and Fitzhardinge Street from 6.30am12pm on Saturday 22 April and 7am –11am on Sunday 23 April.
Detours will be in place.
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Saturday 15 April 2023 | Issue #441
weekly newsletter THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
CUTE AND CUDDLY: New residents of the farmyard team at the Botanic Gardens Zoo & Aviary miniature ponies Teddy (left) and Miley (right) making friends with Zoo Curator Hannah Wilkin.
Wagga Wagga City Council
To learn more visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste
Small amounts of cooking oil can be disposed into the green lid bin.
Use paper towels to absorb the oil before placing in a green compostable liner. Large quantities of cooking oil can now be taken to Gregadoo Waste Management Centre where it is accepted for free.
GAMES READY: Kick starting the 2023 Academy Games in Wagga Wagga this week, (from left) Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack
Events & Tourism
Environment & Animals
Still time to apply for Annual Grants funding
Community organisations, groups and individuals have just two weeks to submit their applications for a share in more than $202,000 available in this year’s Annual Grants Program.
Those who have a project, event or great idea for the local community are being encouraged to put together a submission and apply for funding.
Wagga Wagga City Council's 2023/24 program consists of 10 categories, with applications due to close on Monday 1 May 2023 at 11.59pm.
The categories are: Community Programs and Projects, Recreational and Community Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Environment, Youth Programs and Projects, and Small Business. Manager Community Services
“We encourage community members thinking about making an application to the Annual Grants program to start working on their submission now as there are only two weeks remaining before the closing date,” Ms Scully said.
“It takes a bit of time to put together a submission so don’t leave it to the last minute. Make the most of this opportunity and the time that is remaining.”
Last year Council supported 59 community and small business projects through its 2022/23 program.
The Annual Grants Program is part of Council’s commitment to developing a vibrant and diverse community in line with the goals of the Community Strategic Plan 2040
Those interested in applying to the Annual Grants Program are encouraged to get in touch with Council staff before submitting their application.
“It can be really helpful to have a chat with one of the grant category officers to discuss your ideas and plans, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the application process,” Ms Scully said.
Applications for the Annual Grants Program 2023/24 close on Monday 1 May 2023 at 11.59pm.
For more information, visit wagga.nsw. gov.au/grants
Events
Tourism Community
2023 Youth Week
Youth Week is returning to Wagga Wagga from 20 – 30 April, offering a diverse program of inclusive and accessible activities for local young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Wagga Wagga City Council has partnered with various organisations to provide a program that will showcase the talent of local youth while providing a fun learning experience.
The program was developed in consultation with local young people during an extensive engagement project in 2022.
Over 350 young people between 12 to 25 years old were consulted, and their feedback indicated a desire for opportunities to learn about subjects not included in the school curriculum, and safe spaces for youth to gather and perform.
The Youth Week 2023 program offers a diverse range of free and low-cost activities giving local young people a chance to learn a new skill, meet new people or just chill out.
Check out the full program: wagga. nsw.gov.au/youth-week
Do you have a place in your heart and home for this bundle of furry sweetness?
Maisie has been at GRAS since the start of February. Her kittens have all found their forever homes, but Maisie is still waiting for hers. You can adopt Maisie for $262, which includes desexing, vaccination, worming, FIV test, microchipping, lifetime registration and an ID tag.
Road closures MORGAN ST WESTBOUND BETWEEN TARCUTTA AND FITZHARDINGE ST
Date: Saturday and Sunday 22-23
April 2023
Invitation to apply for funding from the
ClubGRANTS Scheme
2023 Category 1 - Funding Applications
Wagga Wagga City Council as the coordinator for ClubGRANTS is now inviting applications for funding towards your local community service needs and priorities from the ClubGRANTS scheme.
Priority funding categories:
• Mental Health
• Prevention and Support of Homelessness
• Domestic and Family Violence
• First Nations Programs
Secondary funding categories include women and family health, childcare services, aged and veteran support
Scan here for the full program
Duration: Saturday 6.30am - 12 noon Sunday 7am - 11am
Reason: Academy Games Triathlon event (cycling)
Detour: Tarcutta St and Forsyth St KOORINGAL RD BETWEEN COPLAND ST AND PARSON ST/COPLAND ST BETWEEN KOORINGAL RD AND LOCKYER ST
Date: Saturday 29/04/23
Duration: 11:00am - 6:00pm
services, all abilities programs, disadvantaged young people and transport services for identified social needs.
• Applications open 9am Monday 6 March 2023
• Applications close 5pm Friday 28 April 2023
Reason: NRL match - McDonalds Park Detour: Detour will be sign posted
Vacancies
Surveillance Officer
$2,771.44 gpf + super
Closing: Tuesday, 18 April 2023
Executive Manager, Regional Activation - Projects
Attractive remuneration package based on skills and experience
Closing: Tuesday, 18 April 2023 gpf = gross salary per fortnight Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs For
Enquiries: 1300 292 442
Demonstration Gardens – Vegetable Swap or Buy SAT 15 APR, 8AM – 12PM Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. P. 0411 417 956 Tarcutta Markets SAT 15 APR, 8AM – 1PM Tarcutta Soldiers Memorial Hall, Sydney St. Tarcutta P. 0477 472 154 Pro Patria Centre –Open Day SAT 15 APR, 10AM – 2PM Pro Patria Centre, 19 Morshead St. Ashmont. P. 1300 292 442 Open Studio Gallery SAT 15 APR, 10AM – 3PM Art Studio, 11 Small St. P. 0413 786 209 Wagga Marketplace School Holiday Activities SAT 15 – FRI 21 APR, 10AM – 2PM Wagga Wagga Marketplace, 87 Baylis St. P. 6931 7277 The Pirates of Penzance SAT 15 APR, 2PM – 3.20PM, 7.30PM9.50PM & SUN 16 APR, 2PM – 3.20PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 The Curious Music Fest V9 SAT 15 APR, 3PM – 5PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391 The Jackdaw Film Series presents GreenScreen –Double Feature Screening Event SAT 15 APR, 7PM – 11.30PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660 Wagga Wagga Country Music Club SUN 16 APR, 1.30PM – 4.30PM RSL Club Wagga Wagga, Cnr Kincaid St & Dobbs St. P. 6931 1366 Best Street Art Studios and Garden Art Gallery School Holiday Program MON 17 – FRI 21 APR, 9AM – 4PM Best Street Art Studios and Garden Art Gallery, 26 Best St. P. 0427 212 977 Wagga Wagga Zine Zine: Halfway Print Fest MON 17 – FRI 21 APR, 2PM Various locations. P. 1300 292 442 Intensive Swimming Lessons TUE 18 – FRI 21 APR Oasis Aquatic Centre, 50 Morgan St. P. 6926 9390 South Wagga Tennis Club Holiday Camp MON 17 – THU 20 APR, 9AM – 12PM South Wagga Tennis Club, Murray St & Morgan Ln. P. 0455 593 890 The Jackdaw Film Series presents GreenScreen – Just for Kids TUE 18 – FRI 21 APR, 10.30AM – 12.30PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660 Youth Week Busking Competition THU 20 & FRI 21 APR, 11AM – 2PM Wonderland Ln. P. 1300 292 442 Wagga Showground Farmers Market THU 20 APR, 1PM – 6.30PM Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835 Dive-In Movies: 90’s Nostalgia THU 20 APR, 5PM – 8PM Oasis Aquatic Centre, Morgan St. P. 1300 292 442 ADULTING103: Loans, Interest and Afterpay Services THU 20 APR, 5.30PM – 7PM Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, 243 Baylis St. For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events team: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442. Mon - Fri. /waggaevents visitwagga.com WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK SUBSCRIBE news.wagga.nsw.gov.au/subscribe @cityofwaggawagga 1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au Public Notices ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ the-council/ news-and-updates/ public-notices THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL 6971 4651 graswagga.com.au R251000208 Subscribe now wagga.nsw.gov.au/subscribe Get Council News straight to your inbox
program is live
to
visit:
more details and
apply,
Madeleine Scully said the Annual Grants Program was focused on supporting community initiatives and an opportunity for Council to provide assistance to a diverse range of projects and programs. &
For enquiries please visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/clubgrants or call Michelle Castle on 1300 292 442
