Council News #447 - 27 May 2023

Community

Remembering the Stolen Generations: National Sorry Day 2023

ABOVE: Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elders Aunty Gail Manderson and Aunty Kath Withers are joined by Waylon Williams-Boney for the lighting of the candles.

BELOW: The National Sorry Day ceremony closed with a didgeridoo performance by local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri man Luke Wighton.

Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations Elders and community members gathered at the Sorry Day Rock, located in the Wollundry Lagoon precinct on Friday (26 May) to commemorate National Sorry Day.

The day provided a chance for people to come together in the healing process for the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their family and communities.

Council’s Aboriginal Development Officer Bernard Higgins said young people featured heavily in this year’s ceremony at the request of the wider First Nations community, including Senior Elders, the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and Mawang Gaway.

“Two young people performed the Acknowledgment in Wiradyuri language and in English, while others shared poems and statements about what Sorry Day means to them, and how it has impacted them, their family and community,” Mr Higgins said.

“It was also moving to see each of the Elders accompanied by a young person for lighting the candles before

the Minute’s Silence in remembrance of the Stolen Generation Survivors and those children who did not return home.

“This aligns with the Reconciliation Week 2023 theme ‘Be A Voice for Generations’. By actively creating these opportunities now, especially giving young people platforms to speak, we are putting reconciliation into action.”

In his Civic Welcome, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout described National Sorry Day as a time to reflect on past mistreatment of the First Nations peoples of Australia and, in particular, the Stolen Generation.

“Whilst we cannot go back and change history, we can choose to name it, shame it and do what we can to play a part in the healing process and in reconciling with the past for a brighter future,” Cr Tout said.

“Council is committed to this and we are willing to do the work required to play our part for our community.

“Today is also about acknowledging the strength of Stolen Generation survivors.

“Their existence alone is testament to their tenacity to survive, their heart to remain open and welcoming in this world and their courage to persevere in

maintaining a connection to their culture; being true to who they are at all costs so that this strength can be passed on for generations to come.”

National Sorry Day is followed by National Reconciliation Week 2023 from 27 May to 3 June.

Council has put together a curated community-led program entitled Nguluway – which translated from Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri to English means Meeting Each Other. All the events on the program are free, although some will require a booking to attend.

For more details on these events, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/reconciliationweek

Community

RESPECTED: 2023 Wak of Honour inductees Aunty Isabel Reid and Aunty Kath Withers at Thursday's unveiling.

Plaques for 2023 Walk of Honour recipients officially unveiled

Two plaques for Wagga Wagga’s 2023 Walk of Honour recipients, Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elders Aunty Isabel Reid and Aunty Kath Withers, were officially unveiled in the city’s Baylis Street precinct on Thursday.

The Walk of Honour was established in 1998 and recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the community of Wagga Wagga.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said he was pleased to see widely respected Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elders, Aunty Isabel Reid and Aunty Kath Withers, become the 39th and 40th inductees.

“These plaques are recognition of their dedication over their lifetimes to the community,” Cr Tout said.

“Senior Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Isabel has spent her life advocating for the Stolen Generation survivors receiving redress and inspired all First Nations people by conducting herself with Yindyamarra (respect).

“Aunty Isabel is an effective leader and advocate in the areas of education, juvenile justice, reparations for survivors of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls, the need to follow cultural protocols, and for Australia to be a united and harmonious country.”

Aunty Isabel was named as the 39th Walk of Honour inductee during Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day Awards ceremony in January. Her plaque is displayed along eastern side of Baylis Street, near the entrance to the Sturt Mall.

Aunty Kath Withers has spent her life supporting families in crisis through foster caring.

She has served as a carer for more than 100 children over several decades.

“Today’s unveiling is a celebration of Aunty Kath’s contribution to many education initiatives and her support for Wagga Wagga early childhood centres,” Cr Tout said.

“Her time in those centres had included teaching children about Wiradyuri culture through storytelling, art programs or Welcome to Country ceremonies.”

Aunty Kath was named as the 40th Walk of Honour inductee. Her plaque is located on the western side of Baylis Street, near the entrance to Diamonds on Baylis Street shopfront.

Wagga

Branches and prunings in the green lid bin should have a diameter no greater than 10cm.

stumps and large branches should be mulched on site or taken to Gregadoo Waste Management Centre.

Construction phase of Dunns Road upgrade nears

Works are stepping up on Dunns Road as Wagga Wagga City Council prepares for construction work to begin.

The overall project includes the upgrade of the Olympic Highway/ Dunns Road intersection, Dunns Road pavement reconstruction and the Holbrook Road/Dunns Road intersection upgrade works.

The project team is finalising the remaining tasks before contractor Excell Gray Bruni begins the main construction work.

Council anticipates that on-the-ground construction will commence within the next two weeks.

Senior Project Manager Tim Morris said Dunns Road, between Kunzea Place and Olympic Highway, will remain closed to all but local traffic.

“This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of all motorists and construction personnel and to get the work done as quickly as possible,” Mr Morris said.

“From as early as next week there will be heavy machinery on site and workers out on the road undertaking various tasks.

“We understand Dunns Road is a convenient route for many but if drivers choose to ignore the road closed signs, they are breaking the law and putting lives at risk.”

Construction fencing has been installed at the realigned road section near the Olympic Highway intersection.

“As early as next week, we will begin with additional stormwater works and earthworks to widen and reshape the western end of Dunns Road ahead of work to construct the new Olympic Highway intersection,” Mr Morris said.

“We appreciate the patience of motorists as we work to upgrade Dunns Road to make it safer for everyone.”

The project is funded by the Australian Government ($5.8 million) and Wagga Wagga City Council ($2.5 million).

To stay up to date on these works visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/projects/dunnsroad-upgrade and sign up to receive project specific email updates.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

Help shape Council’s policy on electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Wagga Wagga City Council is encouraging members of the community to have their say on its draft policy relating to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations being installed on Council-owned land and managed land in the city and surrounds.

The draft ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Public Land’ Policy was endorsed at this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council and is on public exhibition from 27 May to 24 June to allow feedback from the community.

Manager Environment & Regulatory Services Mark Gardiner said the policy will give Council scope for future assessments for anyone wanting to install EV charging stations on Council managed land in Wagga Wagga.

“The policy is designed for when Council is approached by private entities wishing to install EV chargers on public land, like the charging station currently situated in the Tarcutta street carpark,” Mr Gardiner said.

“It gives Council parameters to do an assessment on things like location, parking installation, and maintenance.

“While the draft policy is on exhibition, we are inviting members of the public to have their say.”

According to a report presented to Council, the take-up of electric vehicles in Australia increased by 65% in 2022 to 3.4% of new light vehicle car sales (EV Council 2022).

It is anticipated that in 25 years most new passenger vehicles will be electric, with car manufacturers moving away from internal combustion engines.

“In light of that projected growth, Council recognises that we need to be proactive to make sure Wagga Wagga is an EV friendly city,” Mr Gardiner said.

“While it’s estimated over 80% of EV charging will occur at home, the use of public chargers is mostly for visitors to the city.”

The draft ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Public Land’ Policy (POL 054) will be on public exhibition from 27 May.

Council invites public submissions until 24 June 2023.

To view the draft policy, visit wagga. nsw.gov.au/public

Take a look! Council’s impound car yard is open for business

It’s on again … cheap cars are up for grabs at Wagga Wagga City Council’s impound yard so make us an offer we can’t refuse!

Expressions of Interest (EOI) from potential buyers who would like to snap up a cheap second-hand car are open now and close at 5pm on Friday 23 June 2023.

Council Ranger Jason Maybury said there are 34 vehicles on the lot.

“All people need to do is make an offer on the vehicle they are interested in,” Mr Maybury said.

“At the end of the EOI period, whoever has made the highest bid ‘wins’ the vehicle and will be notified by the rangers.”

All cars are unregistered, have clear titles – meaning they are not under finance – and they come with a bill of sale certificate.

The vehicles are listed on Council’s website, along with the EOI form and there will also be the opportunity to see the cars first-hand during one of the viewing times in early June.

For more information and to submit an online EOI, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ cars

Are you a charitable organisation or community group from the

Wagga Wagga Local Government Area?

Council can offer support by subsidising waste disposal fees for your annual or project-specific use.

Meet cute sisters Tina and Evelyn. Tina and Evelyn are both 7-month-old female cats. They love each other’s company especially for snuggles in this colder weather; however, they can be rehomed separately.

The adoption fee is $262 each and includes microchip, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, flea and worming treatment, FIV test and ID tag.

Closing: Monday, 12 June 2023 $ $

Apply now or learn more:

In person: Council Customer Service, 243 Baylis Street Phone: 1300 292 442 Email: council@wagga.nsw.gov.au

Closes: 31 May 2023

gpf + super

Road closures

GURWOOD ST (BETWEEN FITZMAURICE AND SIMMONS STREET) AND TRAIL ST (BETWEEN KINCAID AND JOHNSTON STREET) – NIGHT WORKS

Date: Friday night 26 May to Wednesday morning 31 May (including weekends)

Duration: 6pm - 6am

Reason: Road works

Detour: As per sign posted routes

Public Notices

ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ the-council/ news-and-updates/ public-notices

1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au

PUT IN YOUR BID: Wagga Wagga City Council Rangers Jason Maybury and Maddison Seymour at the impound lot.