Venue vibes: Civic Theatre draft masterplan on public exhibition
CONCEPT PLANS: Director Community Janice Summerhayes, Manager Civic Theatre Claire Harris and Box Office Coordinator Isobel MacCallum with the concept designs for the draft Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre – Performing Arts
Wagga Wagga City Council is calling on community feedback for the draft Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre – Performing Arts Masterplan to ensure the plans for the future of the venue are informed by you.
At the end of 2023, Wagga Wagga City Council gave the community the opportunity to choose between two cultural precinct concepts: Project Aa new entertainment, conference and convention centre, or Project B - the upgrade and expansion of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
The results from this process showed that both concepts brought strong support from the community.
Rather than pursue one to the disadvantage of the other, Council is progressing both concepts to be ready for grant funding.
Neither of the two cultural precinct concepts can be delivered without significant funding from other levels of governments.
The community will now have a chance to view the full suite of previously unreleased concept images for the proposed Project B - Civic Theatre upgrade.
Director Community Janice Summerhayes reiterates that this stage of the cultural precinct project is one of many stages before it comes to fruition.
“The draft Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Masterplan outlines the way forward to develop a contemporary performing arts centre that meets the current and future needs of the community”, Ms Summerhayes said.
“There is a long process that unfolds before plans like this are built, but having a solid plan and a blueprint in place allows us to be ready to apply for grant funding when it becomes available.”
The draft masterplan details an expansion of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre which will include three performance venues; an upgrade to the existing Basement Theatre; and an increase to the capacity of the overall space from 491 to 1,465.
Venue 1 is the original Civic Theatre. Under the proposed plan, it will maintain 491 seats in the current auditorium and the original façade will remain.
Venue 2 is a new live music venue with a 774-person standing capacity, 328-person theatre style capacity or 270-person banquet style capacity (around tables). The design for this
space maintains a focus on effective, flexible use, and also includes a retractable window/wall for indoor/ outdoor events on the lagoon.
Venue 3 is an intimate gig and event space, with capacity for holding 119 seated guests or 200 standing.
The draft Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre – Performing Arts Masterplan is currently on public exhibition for feedback until 5pm, Friday 10 May 2024.
Following the public exhibition period, Council will receive a further report addressing any submissions that are considered appropriate.
To view the draft masterplan and make a submission, visit haveyoursay. wagga.nsw.gov.au/draft-civic-theatreperforming-arts-masterplan
Netball Community to benefit from exciting court upgrades at Bolton Park
Wagga Wagga's netball community can anticipate several exciting upgrades by the end of 2024.
New details have been revealed regarding the two mixed-use courts scheduled for construction as part of Stage 1 of the Bolton Park Sports Hub.
Project Manager Matt Griffin shared that the revitalised space will be developed alongside the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre Upgrade. The new hard acrylic, non-cushioned surfaces, like the new tennis courts, will prioritise durability and player safety.
“The new spaces are designed to specifications from Netball Australia and Tennis Australia,” Mr Griffin said.
“Players of both sports can expect safer gameplay on competition-standard surfaces designed to minimise cuts and scrapes from falls.”
The upgrades also include new changerooms designed for increased security and accessibility, and new court lighting will provide a consistently well-lit space for players and spectators.
A new kiosk will enhance the gameday experience for all sports communities using the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre.
Director Regional Activation John Sidgwick looks forward to the benefits the facilities will bring, attracting new players, events, and tourism, and contributing to broader community health and wellbeing goals.
“The redevelopment of the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre and Bolton Park Sports Hub marks a significant investment in Wagga Wagga's future,” Mr. Sidgwick said.
“We are excited to deliver this revitalised sporting facility, confident it will benefit our local clubs, promote growth, and contribute to the long-term health and vitality of our community through various sports.”
The redevelopment of the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre, including the new mixeduse courts, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Stage 1 of the Bolton Park Sports Hub is funded by the NSW Government in association with Wagga Wagga City Council and Tennis NSW.
For more information, visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ bolton-park-sports-hub
PROUD ARTISTS: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Director Dr Lee-Anne Hall with artists Julia Roche and Anna Louise Richardson with the Wynne Prize 2023.
NSW, to host the exhibition.
“There are themes of rural life in the exhibitions by Julia Roche, Anna Louise Richardson and Sophie Chauncy: something local audiences will surely feel a connection with.
“Lyndall Phelps has delved into the National Art Glass Collection and has presented an exhibition that explores the connection of glass from the scientific world and the ways women incorporate glass into craft activities.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with the artists behind the exhibitions via a series of artist talks starting from 11am on Saturday 20 April.
The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is set to launch its Autumn Exhibition programs this weekend with artist talks and a celebration event. Immerse yourself in the celebration of five exhibitions: the Wynne Prize 2023, When Our Eyes Adjust by local artist Julia Roche, The Good by Anna Louise Richardson, Science of Common Life by Lyndall Phelps at the National Art Glass Gallery, and Nurture by local artist Sophie Chauncy. The celebration features guest speaker
Dr Michael Brand, Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, who will speak to the significance of Australia’s oldest art prize, the Wynne Prize, which is touring regionally for the first time in its 125-year history.
Dr Lee-Anne Hall, Director of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, said they are pleased to be presenting these exhibitions to the region.
“The five exhibitions we have at the gallery at the moment are exceptional,” Dr Hall said.
“The Wynne Prize is one of Australia’s premier art prizes that features the best contemporary artists in the country, so we are very pleased to be one of the first venues ever, outside the Art Gallery of
To be: Shakespeare Reading Club Secretary and longest-serving member Fay
President Neryl Quilty, and Wagga Wagga City Library Services Manager Christine
Shakespeare Reading Club back in the spotlight
Shakespeare once wrote that “love shall in my verse remain forever young,” and if the thriving nature of Wagga Wagga’s world-famous Shakespeare Reading Club – about to celebrate its 120th anniversary this July – is anything to go by, then no truer words were ever writ.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
At the Wagga Wagga City Library this week, Club President Neryl Quilty and Secretary Fay Walters, the club's longest-serving member, were thrilled to discuss the renewed spotlight on the club, with recent media coverage highlighting anew its claim as the world's oldest continuing Shakespeare reading group, after it was established in 1904. The attention has also showcased the Club’s growing membership, and the diversity of those joining the Wednesday afternoon crowd of Shakespeare
Paddock
P. 0412 439 455
Tenzin Cheogyal –Sundown Sessions
&
21 APR, 10AM – 4PM
Creative Workspace, 54-58 Johnston St. P. 6921 6890
Sunday Lemonade –Sundown Sessions
SAT 20 APR, 6PM – 8PM
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
Writers’ at the Woolshed –Workshops in the
SUN 21 APR, 6PM – 8PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
The Men Sing –Choir Performance
SAT 20 APR, 1PM
Sacred Heart Church, 247 Lake Albert Rd. P. 0417 555 463
Welcome to Wagga – Committee 4
Wagga Country Change Expo
SAT 20 APR, 4PM – 6PM
Riverside: Wagga
In the morning, artist Lyndall Phelps will discuss her exhibition Science of Common Life at the National Art Glass Gallery.
In the afternoon, the Gallery will host a panel conversation exploring the creative collaboration between artist and curator in developing a new body of work.
Facilitated by Dr Lee-Anne Hall, artists Julia Roche and Anna Louise Richardson, will be joined by curators Hayley Megan French and Rachel Arndt, with whom they worked in developing their new exhibitions.
This will be followed by the official launch event for the Autumn Exhibition program from 4pm.
All events are free to attend, bookings are required. For more information and to book visit waggaartgallery.com.au/ whats-on
enthusiasts.
Ms Quilty noted that “while performance of his plays is a wonderful endeavour, for other fans of Shakespeare’s work, celebrating the beauty of his words alone, is enough.”
“We are encouraged by the current membership, particularly the young people now coming along, and the men who have joined what was once a space exclusive to the middle class, ‘hat-andglove ladies who lunch’,” she added.
Ms Walters echoed this enthusiasm, noting “we are so pleased to continue partnering with the Library. It provides such a modern, inclusive space where anyone can feel welcome to come along to enjoy Shakespeare’s timeless words.”
Library Services Manager Christine Bolton noted the Library's joy in continuing to support the Club, with its provision of a meeting space.
“It is remarkable that Wagga Wagga claims the longest continuously running Shakespeare reading club in the world,” Ms. Bolton said.
“We are delighted the Library has been the club’s home for the past 10 years and look forward to hosting their meetings for many years to come.”
Beach, Johnston St. P. 6921 2490
PCYC Wagga Wagga – School Holiday Program
MON 22 – FRI 26 APR
PCYC, 11 Fitzhardinge St. P. 6921 5873
Sunshine Storytime in the Botanic Gardens
MON 22 APR, 10AM – 11AM
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, MacLeay St. P. 6926 9700
Little Birdy Water Colour Painting Workshops
TUE 23 APR,
The distinguished gentleman Winx
Winx is a 1 year old, male, ginger and white cat. He is a very friendly and playful cat that is looking for his forever home.
The adoption cost for Winx is $224 and includes microchipping, lifetime registration, desexing, vaccination, FIV test, flea and worming treatment and ID tag (Impound no C24/0187). Meet all our available pets via graswagga.com.au or pop in to visit. The shelter is open Monday to Saturday, 1pm – 4.15pm.
Vacancies
Labourer (Gregadoo Waste Management Centre)
Remuneration: $2,045.38 gpf + super
Closing: Monday, 22 April 2024
Patching Plant & Truck Operator – Two Positions Available
Remuneration: $2,310.74 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 28 April 2024
Plant Operator – Bobcat
Remuneration: $2,263.38 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 28 April 2024
Plant Operator – Grader
Remuneration: $2,422.82 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 28 April 2024
Maintenance Worker –Concreting
Remuneration: $2,088.00 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 28 April 2024
Learning and Development Officer
Remuneration: $3,136.26 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 5 May 2024
Enquiries: 1300 292 442
To learn more or apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs