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Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Saturday 17 February 2024 | Issue #483
Community
Events & Tourism KEEP IN TOUCH: Wagga Touch Association President Marc Lawrence, NSW Touch Association General Manager Dean Russell and Wagga Wagga’s Deputy Mayor Cr Amelia Parkins at Jubilee Park ahead of the start of the Junior State Cup carnival.
Junior State Touch Cup carnival kicks off in Wagga Wagga
TOGETHER: The Wagga Wagga community gathered on Tuesday 13 February to commemorate the anniversary of National Apology Day, which included a Smoking Ceremony and traditional First Nations dance. On Tuesday this week Wagga Wagga City Council held the commemoration of the anniversary of National Apology Day, 16 years since it was first delivered. On 13 February 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, who have suffered and continue to suffer the impact of trauma because of past government policies of forced child removal. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout says the spirit of this day is celebrated and commemorated through hearing the resilient stories of Stolen Generations survivors, and is also a day for Australians to join in on the healing journey and look to solutions for the future. “National Apology Day is a day of reflection, healing, and reconciliation, a day when we acknowledge the injustices and pain experienced by First Nations people throughout history,” Cr Tout said. “The delivery of the Apology is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the past wrongs inflicted on the First Nations
Peoples of Australia, to express our deep remorse, and to commit to a future built on understanding, respect, and equality. “The Apology is not just words; it is a promise to listen, learn, and work towards a better future together. The official proceedings commenced outside the Civic Theatre with Aunty Cheryl Penrith opening with a Welcome to Country, followed by a minute of silence and reciting of the National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, conducted by Uncle Hewitt Whyman. “This day, it brings back a lot of my past, and my story about my family being removed, and how it impacted on me as a young man, a teenager,” Uncle Hewitt said. “I believe it (the Apology) was something that had to happen.” Many of the removals of children occurred due to laws and policies aimed at assimilating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population into the predominately white community. After the reading of the Apology,
Could your project, event or great idea for the community do with a funding boost? Take your project to the next level and apply for the Annual Grants Program!
Wiradjuri man Luke Wighton facilitated a Smoking Ceremony, which was followed by a traditional dance performance by a local First Nations Youth Dance Group. Community were then invited to come into the Civic Theatre to listen to poetry and reflections by local primary and high school students.
Wagga Wagga City Council’s
Annual Grants Program
2024/25
Community comes together to commemorate National Apology Day anniversary
Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Touch Association (NSWTA) are once again hosting the Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival at the Jubilee Park precinct this weekend (16-18 February). NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell is excited to be bringing the event back to Wagga Wagga for the sixth consecutive year. “We have 197 teams making their way to the region to battle it out for the honour of being the Southern Champions,” Mr Russell said. “With the new developments at Jubilee Oval, the facilities continue to provide an excellent venue for this event.” Around 670 games will be played by 3000 players and referees over the three days of competition. Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Amelia Parkins said the city is looking forward to welcoming the carnival back to Jubilee Park. “The carnival has been successful for the NSW Touch Association and our local community over the past five years, and we expect that trend to continue again this year,” Cr Parkins said. “Our staff have been working alongside NSW Touch to prepare the precinct for the carnival, highlighting the strong relationship we’ve forged over the past five years, a relationship we hope will continue to grow into the future.” In June last year, NSWTA named Wagga Wagga as the winner to host the 2024, 2025 and 2026 carnivals after an extensive tender process. Mr Russell believes the quality of the venue, centralised location with ease of travel, and the strengthening relationship with Council are all elements that have worked in the region’s favour in attracting this event. Games started at 8am on Friday and progress through to the finals from 11.30am on Sunday, with the prestigious Girls 18s and Boys 18s to be played at 2:30pm and 3pm respectively. Residents and road users are advised there are changed traffic conditions around the Jubilee Park precinct for the duration of the carnival.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants
Community
Community
Apply for a slice of Council’s Annual Grants funding pie Individuals, community organisations, and local businesses who have a project, event or great idea for the local community are being invited to apply for funding under Wagga Wagga City Council’s Annual Grants Program. Applications for the 2024/25 program open on Monday 19 February, with a total of $217,450 available across 10 categories: 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. 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. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said the Annual Grants Program allows Council to offer significant financial support to community-based initiatives. “This program supports a diverse range of projects that directly benefit our community,” Cr Tout said. “It’s one of many ways Council can support our community at a grassroots level, whether you live in a city suburb, a village or in a rural area. “It is always encouraging to see a strong response to the program, and I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition over the next year. Director Community Janice Summerhayes said “the Annual Grants Program continues to support a wide range of services and activities that contribute to meeting important needs and priorities in our community. “The program also fosters social networks and builds on existing strengths of the people of Wagga Wagga and surrounds. “We will be holding a community consultation session on Thursday 14 March 2024. I encourage anyone interested to attend to learn more about the application process and discuss their project ideas and plans with the relevant grants officer for their category.” Applications for the Annual Grants Program 2024/25 close on Monday 6 May 2024 at 11.59pm. For more information, visit wagga.nsw. gov.au/grants
WHAT’S
ON
THIS WEEK NSW Touch Junior State Cup Southern Conference SAT 17 – SUN 18 FEB
Jubilee Park, Bourke St. P. 1300 100 122
Priscilla – Queen of the Desert, The Musical
SAT 17 – SUN 24 FEB, VARIOUS TIMES
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
GET YOUR GUIDE: (from left) Council’s Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson and Events and Visitor Economy Officer Georgia England with the new Top Spots guide.
GETTING READY: Friends of the Library President Suzanne Houghton (left) and Library Services Manager Christine Bolton sort through some of the items for the upcoming annual Book Sale.
Discover top spots and hidden gems in our city
Bag a bargain at the Friends of the Library Book Sale
A new Top Spots guide has officially launched this week, showcasing some of the best spots to shop, dine and connect with nature in our city and surrounding region. Wagga Wagga City Council Visitor Economy and Events Officer Georgia England says the pocket-sized guide is the ideal way for locals and visitors to uncover the signature attractions and untapped treasures within the city. “Our city has an abundance of unique venues and attractions to explore, from our refined restaurants, bars, boutiques and nature-based activities,” Ms England said. “This guide covers our city as well as our neighbouring towns and villages, encouraging visitors to potentially extend their stay or explore more of the region through day trips. “We have included diverse listings from more than 100 members of the 2023/2024 Wagga Wagga Tourism Partner Program, from diverse eateries, tours and bookable experiences for everyone to enjoy.” The guide also details cycling tracks such as the Wiradjuri Trail and the Wagga Wagga Multisport Cycling Complex and mountain bike tracks at Pomingalarna Reserve, which are a fantastic way to find new adventures and discover a new side to the city. Managing Director of the Claremont Hospitality Group, Jack MacKinnon, says the guide is an essential component of the visitor experience and helps put the city into perspective. “As accommodation providers in Wagga Wagga, we consider the Top Spots guide an essential part of our guest check-in experience,” Mr MacKinnon said. “The guide provides guests with a bird’s eye view of the opportunities, experiences and adventures that surround our town.” The publication features a numbered map detailing where each business or activity is located. The Top Spots guides are free and available at the Visitor Information Centre, through participating businesses and online at visitwagga.com
Don’t miss your chance to bag a bargain, with hundreds of books, DVDs and more up for grabs at this year’s Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Wagga Wagga City Library. The two-day sale will be held in the downstairs children’s area of the library at the Civic Centre, on Friday 23 February from 4pm to 6pm, and Saturday 24 February from 9am to 12 noon. Library Services Manager Christine Bolton says this popular event is an opportunity to hunt down a bargain while benefiting the broader community. “We will have a large range of donated and retired items, from adult fiction and non-fiction, children's and young adult novels, history, health, and DIY books, to DVDs and audiobooks,” Ms Bolton said. “There’s a fantastic selection and our Friends are excited to offer the community this chance to get their hands on some quality titles. “All funds raised from the sale will go to the Friends of the Library.” This dedicated group of volunteers have been supporting the library for more than 30 years and have raised thousands of dollars. Items will be $2 for adult books, $1 for children's books, or fill a bag for $10. Just a reminder, all purchases must be made with cash as Friends do not have access to EFTPOS payment facilities. Friends of the Library President and local author Suzanne Houghton is hoping to see the community rally around one of the library’s long-running and cherished events. “All funds raised are used to directly support the ongoing work of the library to purchase books, technology and recreational resources, such as the interactive activity wall in the children's area,” Suzanne Houghton said. “It is our role to advocate, support and promote the library's many services and programs to the community. Many people don't realise the breadth of services and programs offered by the library.” For more information about the Friends of the Library Book Sale, visit waggalibrary.com.au/whats-on
Village Tarcutta Markets
11 Small St. E.secretary@ wwas.net.au
Tarcutta Soldiers Memorial Hall, Sydney St. Tarcutta. P. 0477 472 154
Psychic and Wellbeing Expo
SAT 17 FEB, 8AM – 2PM
44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391
SAT 17 & SUN 18 FEB, 10AM – 4PM
Wagga RSL Club, Cnr
Demonstration Kincaid & Dobbs St. Gardens – Vegetable P. 0411 675 953 Swap or Buy SAT 17 FEB, Emma Varga in 9AM – 12PM Conversation with Grace Cochrane Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. P. 0411 417 956
Nancye Rew in Appreciation – Wagga Wagga Art Society Art Exhibition SAT 17 FEB, 10AM – 3PM
Small St Gallery,
@cityofwaggawagga
SAT 17 FEB, 2PM – 4PM
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660
Catseye Parish Live at The Curious Rabbit
SAT 17 FEB, 3PM – 5PM
The Curious Rabbit,
Saturday Night Roller Discos
SAT 17 FEB, 7PM – 9PM
Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0427 075 600
Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides SUN 18 FEB, 10AM – 2.30PM
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Lord Baden Powell Dr. P. 6926 9654
Lazy Sundays at The Twilight Picking and Live Music Wild Vine SUN 18 FEB, 12PM – 3PM
The Wild Vine, 1313 Oura Rd. P. 6922 1163
An Evening with Tony Park WED 21 FEB, 5.45PM - 8PM
Museum of the Riverina – Botanic Gardens site, Lord Baden Powell Dr. P. 6926 9688
February Fun Days
Riverina Producers Market
The Basement Theatre, Morrow St. E. contact@ soact.com.au
Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835
SUN 18 FEB, 2PM & 7PM
THU 22 FEB, 1PM – 6.30PM
FRI 23 FEB, 4.30PM – 8.30PM
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream, 4 Billagha St. P. 0480 311 643
Angelus Apatrida – Aftermath Australian Tour with Hidden Intent FRI 23 FEB, 7PM – 11PM
Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis St. P. 5925 5305 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
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Fancy adopting Clancy? Clancy is a 5-6 year old Staghound with a lot of love to give. He is an energetic and strong dog that will need some regular training. He gets along well with other dogs, but he is a dominant dog, so a meet and greet with potential adopters is a must. The adoption cost for Clancy (ImpD24/0019) is $312 and includes microchip, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, heartworm test, flea & worming treatment and ID tag.
6971 4651
R251000208
Events & Tourism
graswagga.com.au
Vacancies Senior Property Officer Remuneration: $2,896.12 gpf + super Closing: Sunday, 3 March 2024
Water Reclamation Operator Remuneration: $2,620.62 gpf + super Closing: Sunday, 3 March 2024
Town Planner or Cadet Town Planner Remuneration: $3,039.20 gpf + super (Town Planner) $2,620.62 gpf + super (Cadet Town Planner) Closing: Monday, 11 March 2024
Building Surveyor or Cadet Building Surveyor Remuneration: $3,304.68 gpf + super (Building Surveyor) $2,896.12 gpf + super (Cadet Building Surveyor) Closing: Monday, 11 March 20244 gpf = gross salary per fornight Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Enquiries: 1300 292 442 To learn more or apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Road closures ZIEGLER AVE
Road: Ziegler Ave (between Stanley St and Coolibah St) Date: Tuesday 13 February to Monday 26 February 2024 (weather permitting) Duration: 7.30am to 6pm Reason: Stabilising and sealing works Detour: Access for residents maintained
MARCONI ST
Road: Marconi St (between Lake Albert Rd and Kennedy Ave) Date: Tuesday 27 February to Tuesday 5 March 2024 (weather permitting) Duration: 7am to 4pm Reason: Reseal preparation works Detour: Access for residents maintained
NORTON ST
Road: Norton St Date: Tuesday night 27 February to Monday morning 4 March 2024 (weather permitting) Duration: 6pm to 6am Reason: Road rehabilitation Detour: Access for businesses maintained
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices
1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au