From Manly Beach to Wagga Beach!
Branching out the shade in local playgrounds
Advanced tree planting is currently underway at 100 playgrounds across Wagga Wagga and its surrounding villages to help increase the amount of shade available in the future.
This week, and in the coming weeks, approximately 290 trees are being planted in playgrounds throughout the city, and in rural villages such as Galore, Brookdale, Tarcutta, and Mangoplah.
Wagga Wagga City Council Works & Playground Officer John Conlan said now is the time to plant the trees.
“The autumn months are a good time to plant trees as they have more chance of adapting to their new location during the cooler weather,” Mr Conlan said.
“Advanced deciduous and native trees (trees that are already 2 – 4 metres tall) are being planted so they will offer shade sooner (in 5 – 10 years).
Wagga Wagga City Council and neighbouring shires of Coolamon and Junee have been successful in their application to host the Local Government NSW 2024 Destination and Visitor Economy Conference.
The announcement of the 2024 host council was made by emcee Matt Baseley at the 2023 Destination and Visitor Economy Conference, held in Northern Beaches this week.
The state significant conference brings together local government staff and councillors, key industry stakeholders and local operators to discuss insights and the ever-changing world facing future visitors.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said he was thrilled the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region has been selected as host for this significant conference which is expected to attract around 250 delegates across the three days in May next year.
“Having this conference held in the city is a great opportunity for our region and wider NSW to come together to share innovative ideas, deep dive into contemporary challenges and showcase our successes as a leading regional tourism destination,” Cr Tout said.
“Not only will our city be the main host of the event, but we are also working with our neighbours Junee and
Coolamon shires to showcase a selection of what our wider region has to offer and demonstrate how successful partnerships can be created.
“These partnerships are incredibly important for tourism, especially in regional areas, where collaboration offers more for visitors to experience.
“Our vibrant and thriving region offers beautiful natural landscapes, trails and waterways, arts and culture, incredible locally grown and made produce, as well a diverse calendar of events to keep visitors coming back year-round.”
The joint conference bid with Coolamon Shire and Junee Shire is an extension of Wagga Wagga City Council’s work through the Wagga Wagga Tourism Partner Program which includes partners from seven neighbouring shires. Wagga Wagga is a leading regional tourism destination in NSW, attracting more than 1.3 million visits annually, who on average stay three nights in our city to use as a base and head out on day trips to the surrounding region.
Coolamon Shire Mayor David McCann OAM said his Council was excited to work with the City of Wagga Wagga and Junee Shire for next year’s Destination and Visitor Economy Conference.
“We look forward to promoting our region and welcoming conference participants to the Coolamon Shire,” Cr McCann said.
“This is a fantastic announcement that will grow awareness of our wonderful region. It gives us an opportunity to highlight our local attractions, experiences, and operators.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Junee Shire Council’s General Manager James Davis, who said the Junee community was thrilled the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region had been selected as host for the 2024 conference.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our Local Government colleagues and representatives from across the state to gather here on Wiradjuri Country, and we welcome everyone to come and experience Junee,” Mr Davies said.
The conference will be held from Tuesday 28 - Thursday 30 May 2024.
An exciting agenda for the multi-day experience is already under development, including nature, food and drink and culture-based experiences.
Each experience will be unique to the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region to give delegates a real taste of what this region has to offer and how it is contributing to the state’s tourism industry.
The annual Destination and Visitor Economy Conference is organised and delivered by Local Government NSW.
“Deciduous trees are being predominately planted as they provide shade during the warmer months and allow sunlight to penetrate during the cooler months.
“Some playgrounds will have native trees planted where it best suits the existing environment.”
Prompted by Council’s review of its Playground Strategy 2016 – 2036, an audit of playgrounds was conducted in March 2022 to determine if the shade provided was adequate for sun-safety. The Cancer Council was consulted during the investigation who advised the minimum amount of shade over playgrounds should be 40%, with the ideal amount being 80% coverage.
The report of the findings from the audit presented at an Ordinary Meeting of Council on 22 August 2022 found many playgrounds in the area were far off the benchmark of 80% shade coverage.
To address this issue more trees are being planted in all playgrounds, with shade sails to be installed in the larger playgrounds in the region over the next six years.
The planting of trees in playgrounds in the area is a step toward having more shade for playground users and carers in the future.
To view Council’s Playground Strategy 2016 – 2036, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ communityplans
Piles of autumn leaves are perfect for jumping in! They are also perfect in your green lid bin.
A moving ceremony marks the close of Reconciliation
Week 2023
National Reconciliation Week
2023 in Wagga Wagga came to a close with the Nguluway Closing Ceremony at Chambers Park in Tolland on Friday, attended by Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations community members and local residents.
The ceremony topped off a week of events aimed at educating all Australians about the histories, cultures and achievements of our First Nations people.
Wagga Wagga City Council presented the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations led curated program of events, titled Nguluway, which translated from Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri to means ‘Meeting Each Other’.
Council Aboriginal Development Officer Bernard Higgins said it was pleasing to see the strong community support for this year’s Reconciliation Week theme, which had the theme ‘Be a Voice for Generations’.
“We have had more than 300 community members participate in the planned events from Sorry Day (26 May) to the Nguluway Closing Ceremony,” Mr Higgins said.
“The range of events offered over the week and attendance at these events really showcased and involved different generations.
“We had the young people who spoke at our Sorry Day ceremony through to Elders delivering oral family histories and resettlement histories, and everyone in between participating and demonstrating why Reconciliation matters to them.”
Among the events were two moving presentations at the Museum of the Riverina, including a Family History Session featuring the Honeysett family.
“Our family were quite privileged to take part in telling our history and our family’s journey as part of the Resettlement Scheme,” Maxine Honeysett said.
“We are also really grateful to be able to talk about the life of our Nan Violet Honeysett and showcase the book she wrote, The Violet Honeysett Story.
“It was an honour to be part of the overall community in Wagga Wagga celebrating Reconciliation Week.”
Council is looking forward to continuing to support Wiradjuri/ Wiradyuri and First Nations led
Open Studio Gallery SAT 3 JUN 10AM - 3PM Art Studio, 11 Small St. P. 0413 786 209
programming such as this, with the upcoming NAIDOC Week celebrations fast approaching from 2 – 9 July 2023.
NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, and this year, the theme is ‘For Our Elders’.
Events in Wagga Wagga will commence with the NAIDOC March down Baylis street, and the Flag Raising in the Civic Centre forecourt on Monday 3 July from 10am.
This will be followed by various NAIDOC events throughout the city, including the NAIDOC Family Fun Day on Friday 7 July from 11am to 3pm at Riverside.
For more information about the NAIDOC Week program, visit wagga. nsw.gov.au/naidocweek
Botanical Wonder: Drawing Workshop with Nicola Dickson
Nicola Dickson’s current exhibition at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, explores biodiversity loss in the Riverina and the catastrophic consequences for the many plants, birds and animals dependent upon woodland habitats.
The Gallery now offers the opportunity for members of the public to join the artist in a practical workshop where you will learn the art of botanical illustration.
FAMILY HISTORY: The Honeysett family held a Family History Session on Monday (29 May) at the Museum of the Riverina as part of Reconciliation Week 2023.
Events & Tourism
Wagga Comedy Fest starts
Thursday
It’s not too late to get your tickets to the 2023 Wagga Comedy Fest which kicks off Thursday 8 June and will be held over the long weekend.
The festival this year has something for everybody, starting with the family friendly The Listies - ROFL (Rolling On The Floor Laughing) on Thursday 8 June at 6pm.
There is plenty of local flavour with Wagga Wagga personalities Jamie Way, Peter J Casey, Bronwyn Lewis, Sally Bryant, Tim Kurylowicz and Grant Lurhs engaging in The Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate on Thursday night.
Nationally known personalities will highlight the weekend of laughs, including the observational comedy of Jennifer Wong, musical comedy of TRIPOD, the obscurity of David Quirk, and the antics of Lano and Woodley. For those looking to be a little more engaged in the performing side of the Festival, there will be workshops available, including a Stand Up Comedy Workshop on Friday 9 June, and a Clowning Workshop with Jeromaia Detto on Saturday 10 June.
Tickets still available across most shows over the Wagga Comedy Fest but get in quick as they are selling fast.
For more information on the shows or to purchase tickets, contact the Box Office on 6926 9688 or visit civictheatre.com.au/comedy-fest
7.30PM - 12AM Downside Hall, Downside-Shepherds Siding Rd. P. 0427 042 686
Demonstration Gardens - Vegetable Swap or Buy
SAT 3 JUN 9AM - 12PM
Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. P. 0411 417 956
Wagga Wagga Brick Show 2023
SAT 3 JUN, 10AM4PM & SUN 4 JUN, 10AM - 2PM
Wagga Wagga RSL, Cnr Kincaid & Dobbs St. P. 6923 7200
Downside Bush Dance SAT 3 JUN
Robertson Bros 1960's Variety Show
SAT 3 JUN, 8PM & SUN 4 JUN, 11AM AND 3.30PM
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides
SUN 4 JUN
‘Botanical Wonder: Drawing Workshop with Nicola Dickson’ will be held at the Gallery on Saturday 17 June from 11am to 2pm.
Participants will be led by Nicola Dickson in learning how to draw and capture the beauty of nature through close observation of local plant specimens.
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Director Dr Lee-Anne Hall said “through our year of sustainability we hope to inspire and create conversations around our environmental impact.
“Nicola’s workshop is an opportunity to encourage both drawing skills and a deep appreciation and wonder for the natural world.”
As well as drawing skills, the workshop will equip students with an understanding of how to practice field work, and the many possibilities for how to apply botanical drawings in art. All materials for ‘Botanical Wonder: Drawing Workshop with Nicola Dickson’ will be provided and all skill levels are welcome to attend.
Bookings are essential and can made by visiting the Programs & Events page on the Art Gallery’s website: waggaartgallery.com.au/whats-on Nicola Dickson’s exhibition Only a Remnant will be on display until 20 August 2023. The production of artworks for the exhibition was supported by both Create NSW and the Capital Arts Patrons Organisation.
Meet the charming and elegant Gracie!
With her beautiful nature, this fourand-a-half-year-old Shar Pei x Boxer is sure to be a loving addition to your household.
Gracie (ImpD23/0179) is available for adoption for $319, which includes microchip, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, flea/worming treatment, heartworm test and ID tag.
Vacancies
10AM - 2.30PM
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. P. 0412 439 455 2023 WGSDCA National ChampionshipWorking Dogs
THU 8 TO SUN 11 JUN, 8AM – 5PM Wagga Equex Centre, 150 Copland St. wgsdca.org.au
Wagga Comedy Fest
THU 8 TO SUN 11 JUN Wagga Wagga Civic
Road closures
JOHNSTON ST (BETWEEN FITZMAURICE AND SIMMONS ST) AND TRAIL STREET/ IVAN JACK DR (BETWEEN GURWOOD AND MORROW ST) – NIGHT WORKS
Date: Thursday night 15 June to Monday morning 19 June (including weekends)
Duration: 6pm - 6am
Reason: Pavement rehabilitation (deep lift asphalt) works on roundabout Detour: Road closures in place to through traffic between Gurwood and Morrow Sts, and between Simmons and Fitzmaurice Sts. The public and local residents will maintain access to the Woolworths carpark and their properties.
Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
Free Vinnies Multicultural Community Playgroup
THU 8 JUN
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
