Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Gather together to commemorate National Sorry Day 2024
HEALING TOGETHER: Council’s Aboriginal Community Development
Wagga Wagga on 26 May 2024 is a chance for people to come
Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations Elders, young people and community members are invited to gather at the Sorry Day Rock to commemorate National Sorry Day on Sunday 26 May 2024.
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer Michaella Alexander is encouraging the broader community to take the time to learn about and acknowledge this significant national day.
“It’s 27 years since the first National Sorry Day was held, to coincide with the first anniversary of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report being tabled in the Federal Parliament,” Ms Alexander said.
“The day provides a chance for everyone in our community to come together in the healing process for the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their family and communities.”
by Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Isabel Reid, followed by readings from local First Nations community members and a smoking ceremony.
“Sorry Day is an important opportunity to acknowledge the past with sincerity and empathy, paving the path towards healing and reconciliation.”
Light refreshments will follow the conclusion of the official proceeding and no bookings are required.
National Sorry Day is followed by National Reconciliation Week 2024 from Monday 27 May to Monday 3 June.
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme for 2024 is ‘Now More Than Ever’, encouraging all Australians, from individuals, families, and communities, to organisations and government, to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in
“Council will be hosting a series of BBQs and yarns across Wagga Wagga to seek feedback on our current Reconciliation Action Plan and guide the
renewal of the next plan,” Ms Alexander said.
For more information about this National Sorry Day, visit: wagga.nsw. gov.au/community/annual-events/ national-sorry-day
To learn more about Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan and have your say, visit: haveyoursay.wagga. nsw.gov.au
Council is running a free briefing session in June for anyone interested in standing for elected office in the 2024 NSW Local Government Elections.
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) will be facilitating the pre-election Candidate Information Session at the Council Chambers on Wednesday 19 June 2024, giving attendees an understanding of the role and responsibilities of an elected member of council.
Led by Leanne Barnes from LGNSW, the seminar will offer valuable insights and guidance for potential candidates, including how to best communicate their reasons for standing.
Council’s Manager Corporate Governance and Performance David Galloway said the seminar is ideal for people who are curious about life as a councillor.
“While being a councillor is not a full-time job, it is a role that requires a considerable amount of your engagement, time and energy,” Mr Galloway said.
“The briefing will give potential candidates a realistic overview of what your life might be like as a councillor, to fully consider the personal impact and time commitment involved in being a councillor.”
The session will discuss the importance of diverse representation on Council.
“The NSW Government is committed to inspiring and empowering more women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to stand for their local community and nominate to run for their local council at the September 2024 elections,” Mr Galloway said.
“Strong councils reflect the communities they serve, and a diverse and passionate group of people working together can bring together a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions to problems or challenges.”
Find out more and register for a session at wagga.nsw.gov.au/elections
Help keep Wagga Wagga Airport in community hands. Tell us how privatisation of the airport
The Wollundry Lagoon Precinct has received some temporary additions to the already abundant native wildlife visitors, with the installation of six larger-than-life bird sculptures.
Council has commissioned artist Tom Buckland to create a temporary public artwork, Flock, to coincide with the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Destination and Visitor Economy Conference, from 28-30 May, and the Wagga Comedy Fest, from 6-10 June 2024.
Council’s Cultural Officer Lauren Reynolds said public art brings a combination of life, creativity and colour to our community.
“These sculptures are especially fun because they will be popping up each morning in a different spot around the Wollundry Lagoon Cultural Precinct,” Ms Reynolds said.
Tom will also be delivering a make-
As the temperature drops, our city is heating up with excitement for Wagga Comedy Fest, returning this June for another four days of laughs.
The much-loved festival will be held from Thursday 6 June to Monday 10 June, presenting 21 shows and workshops.
Manager Civic Theatre Claire Harris says there are only two weeks left to secure your tickets.
“If you miss out on seeing your favourite comedian or act, take a risk and try something new! Some shows are already sold out but there are still plenty of laughs to be had,” Ms Harris said.
There will be opportunities to get involved with comedy and clown workshops, open mic sessions, and shows featuring audience interaction. You can also see the talent our community has to offer with the acts
Invitation to apply for funding from the
ClubGRANTS Scheme
2024 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.
Turf Club
SAT 25 MAY, 12PM – 6PM Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers St. P. 6921 2151
Grease – Mater Dei Catholic College
your-own bird sculpture workshop to the conference.
“It's been a great opportunity to make these big birds for Wagga,” Mr Buckland said.
“They will hopefully bring lots of fun and energy with them and maybe inspire someone to make their own big birds.”
Wagga Wagga City Council has been selected as the lead destination host for the LGNSW conference along with cohosts Junee and Coolamon Councils.
The event is expected to attract 180 industry and local government professionals.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with LGNSW and ensure a strong focus on our region’s key tourism assets, local businesses and producers,” Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson said.
The Flock sculptures will be at the Wollundry Lagoon Cultural Precinct until Friday 14 June.
featuring local creatives, including: TGIF - Thank God It's Friday with Richard Glover, The Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate, and Are You Pulling My Leg?
The Civic Theatre has also announced a recent last-minute addition to the line-up.
“Grab your mates, don your best ‘flanno’, and get ready to laugh until you snort because Bogan Bingo is hitting Wagga Comedy Fest on Sunday 9 June at 6pm,” Ms Harris said.
“This year we have also included Are You Pulling My Leg? as a free option on opening night. We want to make comedy accessible for all audiences and invite everyone to be part of the fun.”
Event participants will also have the option to cosy up in the Laugh Lounge on the Civic Theatre lawns.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit civictheatre.com.au/ whats-on/comedy-fest or contact the Civic Theatre Box Office.
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 services, all abilities programs, disadvantaged young people, transport services for identified social needs, sustainable living and housing.
• Applications open 9am Thursday 1
• Applications close
Musical SAT 25 MAY, 1PM – 3.30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
R TEA – Tea Tasting Experience
SAT 25 MAY, 3.30PM – 5PM
R Tea Store and Brew Bar, 231b Edward St. P. 0451 983 553 Filthy Rocks at the Uranquinty Hall
SAT 25 MAY, 6PM – 9PM Uranquinty Community Hall, Baker St. P. 6921 6890
National Sorry Day
SUN 26 MAY, 10AM – 12PM Sorry Rock, Burns Way. P. 6926 9358 Wagga Wagga Country Music Club
Events SUN 26 MAY, 10AM – 4.30PM RSL Club, Cnr Kincaid & Dobbs St. P. 6931 1366 Wheelchair AFL WED 29 MAY, 6.30PM – 8PM Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0407 682 545 Trivia Wednesday –Riverina Hotel WED 29 MAY, 7PM Riverina Hotel, 188 Fitzmaurice St. P. 6921 2222
Musical Bingo at Tilly’s Wagga WED 29 MAY, 7.30PM Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis St. P. 5925 5305
RCM Free Lunchtime Concert No.5: Bold Brass THU 30 MAY,
1PM – 2PM St John’s Anglican Church, 6 Church St. P. 6925 3522 Riverina Producers Market THU 30 MAY, 1PM – 6.30PM Hammond Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. E. steve@wfgb.com.au
Late Night Studio with Kate Smith THU 30 MAY, 5PM – 7PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, E3 art space, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660
Exhibition Launch: Kim Baker:
5391 Banff Mountain Film Festival FRI 31 MAY, 7PM – 10PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events team: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300
