Council News #459 - 19 August 2023

Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter

City secures major event for three years women’s golf qualifying

Australia’s best up-and-coming female golfers will converge on Wagga Wagga later this year to compete in a Regional Qualifier event in the lead-up to the Women’s NSW Open and Australian Women’s Classic in 2024.

The city is one of six locations across the state chosen as a venue for the brand-new six 36-hole Regional Open Qualifying Tournaments, which each carry a purse of $50,000.

Wagga Wagga Country Club will host the second of the six qualifiers, from 22 –24 November 2023.

Wagga Wagga City Council, Wagga Wagga Country Club, the NSW Government and Golf NSW have agreed to partner for the delivery of a qualifying event for the next three years.

Wagga Wagga Country Club Secretary Manager John Turner said it was exciting to have been chosen to host this calibre of event.

“I think with what we've done over the past with major events, we're a proven performer; the pros like coming here and that has been recognised by Golf NSW,” Mr Turner said.

“We hope that being the week before the Australian Open, we'll have some really high-profile golfers here that will move on to the Australian Open, even

international players if it works out that way.

“With the last day of competition to be televised, we have the opportunity to showcase our city and our club to the golfing spectators, so it puts us on the golfing map and shows we’re a serious player in the golf market in Australia.”

The Women’s NSW Open and Australian Women’s Classic are key events on the Women’s Australian PGA Tour Schedule.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout is delighted Wagga Wagga has sealed a deal to host one of the qualifying series events for the next three years.

“It will be a great opportunity for residents of Wagga Wagga and surrounds to see world-class golf played in our region,” Cr Tout said.

“The level of talent involved in these events will create a large amount of interest, attracting spectators into the city as well as online viewers.

“This will not only increase visitations to the city but also increase future tourism; showcasing the quality of the Wagga Wagga Country Club will enhance the attractiveness of the city as a destination across the country.

“Securing the event for three consecutive years will also greatly benefit the community and local businesses over

Saturday

19 August 2023 | Issue #459

Works & Projects

WORKS PROGRESSING: The existing Pine Gully Road section approaching the intersection with Old Narrandera Road is being widened as part of the upgrade project.

Changed traffic conditions as road upgrade project enters new phase

Wagga Wagga City Council has asked residents and road users to plan their trips and allow extra travel time during the temporary closure of a section of Pine Gully Road as part of the Old Narrandera Road Upgrade project.

Pine Gully Road was closed to all traffic, between Muttama Parade and Old Narrandera Road, on 14 August.

Manager Project Management Office Anjanee Beechani said this phase of works is expected to take three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

“It’s the first major closure of the project, which commenced last week with shoulder filling, road widening, and earthworks beginning on Old Narrandera Road,” Mr Beechani said.

a sustained period of time, attracting repeat visitors who will be able to explore everything the city has to offer.”

The Golf NSW events are supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and the Department of Regional NSW.

“It involves widening the existing Pine Gully Road section and the intersection of Old Narrandera Road plus the installation of box culverts to provide a proper drainage system.

“Old Narrandera Road will remain open to traffic during this phase.

“Detours are in place during the works which we acknowledge is adding extra time to the journey of people who usually use this road to access our northern suburbs.

“However, the upgrade will deliver improved traffic flow and safety for all road users and enhance these roads to meet both present and future traffic demands.”

Once this current phase of work has been completed, the focus will shift to Old Narrandera Road between the Olympic Highway and Pine Gully Road.

“It’s expected that section of Old Narrandera Road will be closed to through traffic for four weeks in September as part of the program of works,” Mr Beechani said.

Motorists can keep up to date with traffic disruptions by visiting livetraffic.com

Council and contractors expect the need for road closures to end by midOctober 2023 and all upgrade work to complete by mid-November 2023, weather depending.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY: Announcing Wagga Wagga Country Club’s selection to host a Regional Open Qualifying Tournament, (from left) Mayor Cr Dallas Tout, Country Club Head Professional & Golf NSW Board Member Tegan Purcell, Country Club Secretary Manager John Turner, and Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr MP.

shredded paper in the green lid bin! Shredded paper is perfectly compostable, but very difficult to recycle through the yellow lid bin.

Council and the Matildas bring together community

On Wednesday night, the nation sat on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final, and it was no different here in Wagga Wagga.

In response to strong interest from residents, Council organised an event to enable the community to come together in a family-friendly environment to cheer on the Matildas as one.

Council opened the doors of Bolton Park Stadium, encouraging supporters to bring snacks, chairs, and blankets to get cosy as they watched the Matildas take on England’s Lionesses for a spot in the Women’s World Cup final.

More than 160 passionate fans showed up to support the game, and the team spirit was not only shown in the sea of green and gold, but also heard through the excited cheering of the crowds as they grouped around several large screens.

Despite conceding to England, the Matildas truly won gold for Australia by uniting communities across the country.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout was pleased Council was able to provide this support at short notice.

“It’s just great to have the community together,” Cr Tout said. “People can stay in their own houses but having everyone watch and support together in one location is a great vibe.

“I think it's important to celebrate sport itself, in this case football or soccer, whichever, no matter what club you're in but it's also about projecting role models for young children.

“These are the sort of games and the sorts of experiences the young ones will remember and think well, ‘actually, I can do that. I can go and join the local soccer or football club. I could be a Matilda, and I could get to that stage’.

“It’s showing them anything's possible, so then, across the whole range of things if we can celebrate that, we should take that opportunity.”

The Matildas will play against Sweden for third place in the Women’s World Cup on Saturday 19 August at 6pm, with many Australians eager to watch in support once again.

Museum of the Riverina: Botanic Gardens Site, Lord Baden Powell Drive. P. 6926 9654

Demonstration Gardens – Vegetable Swap or Buy

19 AUG, 9AM – 12PM

Gardens, Cnr Shaw St & Albury

P. 0411 417 956

Botanical Drawing with Elaine Camlin

19 AUG, 10:30AM – 4:30PM

0437 699 995

Museum Tours SAT 19 AUG, 11AM –12PM & 1PM – 2PM

Arts & Culture

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE: Museum Education and Public Programs Officer Angus Cawdell-Smith is leading guided tours of the Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site on Saturdays.

Free guided tours on Saturdays at the Museum of the Riverina – Botanic Gardens site

Wagga Wagga residents and visitors to the region are encouraged to book in and come along to one of the free guided tours of our Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site, presented on Saturdays.

The tours of the facility and collection are held each Saturday at 11am and 1pm and are led by an experienced museum team member.

Museum Education and Public Programs Officer Angus Cawdell-Smith says guided tour participants will learn things about the museum and collection items that they won’t necessarily get from an un-guided visit.

“We delve deeper into the stories behind some of the objects, such as how they were acquired, how we conduct research, and other interesting facts,” Mr Cawdell-Smith said.

“We welcome small or large groups along with individual bookings and this tour will give insights into the curatorial process behind creating the displays you see at the museum.”

The museum, which reopened in February 2023 after a major redevelopment, features displays of Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri First Nation items and stories, historical objects from flood events in Wagga Wagga, selected items from the Sporting Hall of Fame, a children’s section, plus much more.

The Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site remains open and accessible despite the current closure of Lord Baden Powell Drive for roadworks.

However, visitors must enter the museum site via the Lake Albert Road end of Lord Baden Powell Drive; there is currently no access via Macleay Street.

The free guided tours run for 35 – 50 minutes depending on the engagement and questions from participants.

For more information and to book a tour visit museumriverina.com.au/ whatson

– 10PM The Gardens Café & Function Centre, Botanic Gardens. P 69269688

Environment & Animals

NEW HOME: The Wagga Wagga Zoo & Aviary’s five goats have gone to their new home after Expressions of Interest were sought from the community.

Goats happy together at their new home

The Wagga Wagga Zoo and Aviary’s five beloved goats have moved to their new home to live out their days together.

In June, Council called for Expressions of Interest to find a suitable home or homes for the goats who had been living at the zoo for many years, but had not been on public display for some time.

Bilbo, Rocky, Lumpy, Scraggles, and Figwit are older goats who are much loved by the community and the zoo staff.

Zoo Curator Wendy McNamara said “the goats were happy and healthy here at the zoo, but it was important for us to find a new home for them where they would have plenty of space, plus access to grass, shade and a shelter.

“The new owner was selected as they were able to accommodate all five goats and it was our preference for them to stay together,’’ Ms McNamara said.

The goats were taken by their new owner to their new home last week, where they immediately took to happily grazing on the green grass under a wattle tree.

Whilst there are still many animals at the Wagga Wagga Zoo and Aviary to keep the staff and volunteers busy, the goats will be missed, and we wish them well at their new home.

Adorable Dusty Dusty is an 18-month-old, black and tan, male Kelpie who is looking for his forever home.

Dusty has a lot of energy to burn and has working dog potential. The adoption cost for Dusty is $276 which includes microchip, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, heartworm test, flea/worming treatment and ID tag. 6971 4651 graswagga.com.au

Vacancies

Airport Reporting Officers - Two (2) Positions Available $2,422.82 gpf + super

Closing: Monday, 21 August 2023

Labourer - Multiple Positions $2,045.38 gpf + super

Closing: Sunday, 27 August 2023

Gardener (Tree Maintenance) $2,045.38 gpf + super

Closing: Sunday, 3 September 2023

Community Development Coordinator $3,847.48 gpf + super

Closing: Sunday, 10 September 2023

Aboriginal Community Development Officer - Job Share (Part Time) $2,431.36 gpf + super

The Zoo and Aviary is located at the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. For more information, visit wagga. nsw.gov.au/zoo Have

Closing: Sunday, 17 September 2023

Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer gpf = gross salary per fortnight

For more details and to apply, visit: Enquiries: 1300 292 442

wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs

Printmaking Workshop with Christina Reid SAT 19 AUG, 1PM – 4PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 69269660

FarOut Showcase

SAT 19 AUG, 3PM – 5PM

The Curious Rabbit, Johnston St. P. 6921 5391

Saturday Roller Disco SAT 19 AUG, 7PM – 9PM

Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0427 075 600

Mama

Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides

20 AUG, 10AM – 2:30PM Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. P. 0412 439 455 Waggaroos Orienteering local Summer MapRun series and Bush events SUN 20 AUG, 10AM – 11:30AM

waggaroos.asn.au/