THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING WAGGA WAGGA CITY publication COUNCIL Council FEATURE News - ABY Wagga Wagga City Council
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Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Issue #481
Parks & Recreation
Big task ahead to remove Bunya Pine cones in CBD
POTENTIAL HAZARD: Team Leader Parks Operations Graeme Clark with one of the large cones which have fallen from the Bunya Pines in Collins Park in recent days. Works & Projects
REINFORCEMENT: The Geogrid reinforcement is rolled out ahead of the asphalt seal being applied to Johnston Street.
Geogrid technology trialled as part of Council’s major road works program In a first for Wagga Wagga City Council, it is using Geogrid reinforcement technology in the rehabilitation of several roads as part of its program of major civil works currently underway across the local government area.
The technology is being trialled on the rehabilitation of Johnston, Church and Cross streets in Wagga Wagga’s CBD, which have been carried out over the past three weeks. Geogrid reinforcement is a plastic mesh product that acts as a stress relieving interface between the gravel component of the road pavement and the asphalt wearing course (pavement surface). The Geogrid reinforcement is rolled out on a thin layer of asphalt, which is then covered by a 50mm thick asphalt seal. Manager Transport & Traffic Jamie Harwood said Council has been looking for innovative construction options to improve the road rehabilitation process. “The intent of the Geogrid is to minimise cracking in the wearing course due to environmental factors such as seasonal temperature fluctuations and the stabilisation of the gravel in the pavement,” Mr Harwood said. “Case studies in Europe show that this product is highly effective in reducing on-going maintenance costs, extending service life and reducing the overall cost of construction.”
North Wagga Flood Impact Management
The works on Johnston, Church and Cross streets are just one part of Council's road rehabilitation program. Works started this week on a 300-metre section of Bakers Lane (south of Hammond Avenue) and on Copland Street between Kooringal Road and Blaxland Road. Stabilisation and rehabilitation works to improve the strength of the pavement continue on a 1.3-kilometre stretch of Byrnes Road from Trahairs Road, heading south. “We have so much going on across Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas over the next four months, as this is the perfect time to build these roads, weather wise,” Mr Harwood said. “We ask the community to be patient with the traffic disruptions these works will cause. The results will be worth it.” Among the rehabilitation works already completed this year, excluding line marking, are Boorooma Street, a 200-metre stretch of Gregadoo Road (western end), a section of Main Street in Lake Albert, and Arnott Street in Ashmont. For more information, visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/roadrehabilitation-program
Have your say on options being put forward to mitigate flooding in North Wagga. This project considers three options to provide more protection for the North Wagga and floodplain community.
Access to parts of Collins Park and The Esplanade in Wagga Wagga’s CBD will be restricted for a couple of days next week as Council embarks on an operation to remove the large maturing cones from Bunya Pines in the area. There are 11 Bunya Pines in Collins Park and one next to the Wollundry Lagoon along the Esplanade, some of which are more than 30 metres tall. Team Leader Parks Operations Graeme Clark said the removal of the cones on Tuesday and Wednesday, 6 and 7 February, weather permitting, is part of Council’s general maintenance of the Bunya Pines. “The cones are generally produced when these culturally significant trees are in season, between December and March, and they attract birds such as sulphur-crested cockatoos who eat the seeds,” Mr Clark said. “The treetops are currently carrying an abundant crop of maturing cones, which can weigh up to 10 kilograms if left to fully mature - and they're starting to drop to the ground. “This poses a potential hazard for anyone visiting or passing through the park, so it is better to remove the cones before they fall from the tree.” Council advises members of the community to be aware that work will be undertaken to remove the cones from the Bunya Pines on Tuesday and Wednesday, between 6.30am and 4.30pm, again, weather permitting. On Tuesday 6 February, a large crane will be used to collect the cones from trees in Collins Park. It will be accessing the trees from Fox Street, affecting parking along the street. The area will be cordoned off during the operation. Bus drivers who normally park their vehicles in close proximity to the park and its amenities, are advised to park their buses around the corner from their usual break location. On Wednesday morning, the crane will be set up on The Esplanade, to clear the Bunya Pine cones next to the Wollundry Lagoon. Motorists are advised the east-bound land between Collins Street and Best Street will be closed while this work is being carried out. Visitors to Collins Park and people walking/jogging along the path on the northern side of The Esplanade are asked to follow the directions of Council staff carrying out the work.
Submit feedback Read about the options and complete the survey by visiting:
haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Council
Community
Arts & Culture
The Bald Archy Prize is back for its 28th Year Australia’s premier satirical art competition, the Bald Archy Prize launched its 2024 exhibition at the Watson Art Centre, Canberra, on Friday 2 February. Created by the late Peter Batey OAM, the Bald Archy Prize celebrates the lighter side of art and the larrikin Australian spirit. Featuring paintings that include wit, slapstick, vulgarity, farce, black comedy, irreverence, and everything in between, the prize pokes fun at Australians distinguished in art, letters, politics, sport or the media. After Peter Batey passed away in 2019, the administration of the Bald Archy Prize was handed over to the Museum of the Riverina. The 2024 exhibition kicks off at the Watson Art Centre in Canberra before it sets off on a year-long tour across NSW and Victoria. Museum of the Riverina Manager Luke Grealy is excited for another successful year for the Bald Archy Prize. “We have seen a significant increase in entries this year after a successful 2023 tour,” Mr Grealy said. “With a $10,000 first prize up for grabs, we’ve had artists from across Australia throw their hat in the ring. “While entries are often controversial, the Bald Archy Prize has a broad public appeal, people love it, we have even had visitors drive from as far as Melbourne to Wagga Wagga just to see the 2023 exhibition. “The quirkiness isn’t just in the artworks; Professor Maude Cockatoo, the sulphur-crested cockatoo who traditionally judges the prize, has been reviewing her notes ahead of the first prize announcement in March.” The 2024 Bald Archy Prize is on exhibition at the Watson Art Centre, Canberra, from 2 February – 17 March 2024, with the announcement of the winner of the $10,000 first prize to take place on Friday 15 March. Last year's 2023 Bald Archy Prize is currently on show at the Museum of the Riverina – Historic Council Chambers until Wednesday 27 February 2024. Exhibition details, tour dates and locations and more about the history of the Bald Archy Prize can be found via baldarchy.com.au
WHAT’S
ON
THIS WEEK Par3 Family Fun Day SAT 3 FEB, 7.30AM – 6.30PM
Par3 Driving Range, Narrung St. P. 0437 312 124
Wollundry Saturday Markets SAT 3 FEB, 8AM – 1PM
Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835
COMMUNITY EFFORT: Deputy Mayor Cr Amelia Parkins, and representatives from the Wagga RSL Club and Rules Club Wagga with the successful ClubGRANTS recipients in 2023.
2024 ClubGRANTS funding now open for applications If your community initiative, program or service would benefit from a funding boost, the ClubGRANTS Category One Funding administered by Council is now open. ClubGRANTS allows registered clubs with annual gaming machine revenue exceeding one-million dollars to allocate a percentage of those funds towards supporting local needs. The participating clubs for the Wagga Wagga Local Government area are the Wagga RSL Club and Rules Club Wagga Wagga. The main priorities for the 2024 funding are mental health, prevention and support of homelessness, domestic and family violence and First Nations programs. Other funding priorities identified include women and family health, childcare services, aged and veteran services, all-abilities programs, disadvantaged young people, transport services for identified social needs and sustainable living and housing. Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes is encouraging not-forprofit groups in the community to put in an application for a share of the funding jackpot. “The ClubGRANTS scheme is an opportunity for valued groups and services that may not have been able to secure financial assistance through other means to access funding support,” Ms Summerhayes said. “If your program or initiative falls within the identified priority areas, then head online to submit your application.” Last year,11 local not-for-profit community groups and charities shared in $147,550 in ClubGRANTS funding. Details of the 2023 successful applicants can be found in a link on the ClubGRANTS page. Applications for the 2024 scheme can be made online until 5pm, Friday 31 May 2024 at wagga.nsw.gov.au/clubgrants or contact Michelle Castle in Council’s Community Directorate on 1300 292 442 during business hours. Association,
Demonstration Gardens – Vegetable 308 Copland St. P. 6938 2121 Swap or Buy SAT 3 FEB, 9AM – 12PM Downside Bush Cnr Shaw St & Albury Dance St. P. 0411 417 956
Gil Mathew Wagga Pro Rodeo SAT 3 FEB, GATES OPEN AT 2PM
Equex Centre, 152 Copland St. E. johngillandsons@ y7mail.com
Wagga Wagga Clay Target Club – Golden Crow SAT 3 & SUN 4 FEB, 9AM – 4PM
Australian Clay Target
@cityofwaggawagga
SAT 3 FEB, 7.30PM – 12AM
Downside Hall, Downside-Shepherds Siding Rd. P. 0427 042 686
Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides SUN 4 FEB, 10AM – 2.30PM
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. P. 0412 439 455
Wild Vine
SUN 4 FEB, 12PM – 3PM
The Wild Vine, 1313 Oura Rd. P. 6922 1163
Art Classes with Leigh Hewitt
MON 5 FEB, 6PM – 8PM
The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391
Musical Bingo at Tilly’s Wagga
GIVING HANDS: A total of 55 boxes were donated by generous Wagga Wagga residents for the Library Christmas Food Appeal, which wrapped up on Sunday 21 January 2024.
Big thanks! Many generous donations were made to the Library Food Appeal The Wagga Wagga City Library would like to thank all local community members who donated to the Library Christmas Food Appeal this past Christmas and New Year period. The generosity shown by the Wagga Wagga community saw 55 boxes of non-perishable food items and toiletries distributed to local families in need. The food appeal wrapped up on Sunday 21 January 2024 after two months of opportunity for donations to be received. Tolland Community Centre, Ashmont Community Resource Centre, and Carevan Wagga Community Centre received donations for distribution in the community. Library Services Manager Christine Bolton said the community's response to the library's Christmas appeal has been heartening. “We are incredibly grateful to all the people who supported the appeal,” Ms Bolton said. “All items received went a long way to ensuring families and individuals experiencing financial difficulty over the Christmas, New Year, and Back to School periods were supported. With an increase in financial pressure on individuals and families over the past year, the team felt it was especially touching that residents still donated to the appeal. “Library regulars would often bring an item to donate each time they visited, while others dedicated a special visit to donating multiple items all at once,” Ms Bolton said. “We have no doubt that when the appeal returns again toward the end of 2024, we will see the same level of generosity Wagga Wagga has consistently shown.” The Wagga Wagga City Library consistently offers programs and services which boosts accessibility to resources and equal opportunity within the whole community. For information on events and services provided by the library, head over to the library website: waggalibrary.com.au St. P. 0427 219 430
Riverina Producers Market THU 8 FEB, 1PM – 6.30PM
Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835
Fig Tree Retreat – Summer Sweat Detox Retreat FRI 9 – SUN 11 FEB
WED 7 FEB, 7.30PM
Fig Tree Retreat, 1795 Oura Rd. W. www. figtreeretreat.com
Wagga Wagga Orchid Society Gathering
Caravan, Camping and Leisure Roadshow Wagga Wagga
Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis St. P. 5925 5305
THU 8 FEB
Lazy Sundays at The ARCC Hall, 131 Tarcutta FRI 9 – SUN 11 FEB,
9AM – 4PM
The Range Exhibition Centre, 308 Copland St. P. 1300 665 059
Priscilla – Queen of the Desert, The Musical FRI 9 – SUN 24 FEB, VARIOUS TIMES
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 292 442. Mon – Fri. /waggaevents visitwagga.com
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Sassy Molly and playful Daisy Molly and Daisy are female, tabby cats that are about 10 months old. Molly (front) has a sassy attitude and Daisy (back) has a sweet, loving and playful personality. The adoption cost for Molly (C0460) and Daisy (C0041) is $264 each and includes microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, FIV test, flea and worming treatment and ID tag.
6971 4651
R251000208
LAUNCH: Manager Museum Luke Grealy at the Watson Art Centre, Canberra, where the 2024 Bald Archy Prize is on exhibition.
graswagga.com.au
Vacancies Saleyards Labourer – Two (2) Positions Available Remuneration: $2,045.38 gpf + super Closing: Sunday, 4 February 2024
Strategic Recreation Officer Remuneration: $3,136.26 gpf + super Closing: Monday, 12 February 2024
Strategic Planner Remuneration: $3,136.26 gpf + super Closing: Sunday, 18 February 2024
Property Inspection Officer Remuneration: $3,136.26 gpf + super Closing: Monday, 19 February 2024
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Remuneration: An attractive remuneration based on skills and experience Closing: Sunday, 25 February 2024 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 LAKE ST
Road: Lake St (between Main St and Inglis St) Date: Wednesday 7 February to 16 February 2024 (weather permitting) Duration: 7am to 4pm Reason: Reseal preparation works Detour: Access for residents maintained
RED HILL RD AND BOURKE ST
Road: Red Hill Rd between Bourke St and Glenfield Rd Bourke St between Red Hill Rd and Bourkelands Dr. Date: 16th, 17th and 18th February 2024 Duration: 6am to 7pm Reason: Touch Football Championship event at Jubilee Park Detour: Closed to normal traffic. Access permitted for event traffic. Detour routes will be sign posted.
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices
1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au