Youth Week is back with a full program!
Wagga Wagga City Council is proud to announce the Youth Week 2025 program that will be celebrated across the month of April and organised with young people, for young people aged 12 to 25 years.
This year’s program has been led by Council’s Youth Week Crew, a group of local young people who have volunteered to lead the delivery of this year’s Youth Week celebrations.
They have worked alongside Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer to develop a packed program for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you want to bedazzle your favourite book at the Wagga Wagga City Library after hours, test your gaming and teamwork skills at Game ON!, level up by learning how to be an independent YOUng person or empower yourself as a young femme in today’s world – the choice is yours!
Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer Mel Fattore said this annual program is bigger and better than ever.
“Not only does Youth Week directly represent our local young people and their interests, but it is a way for local
young people to lead this program,” Ms Fattore said.
“The 2025 Youth Week Crew have advocated for local young people to have access to an abundance of low-cost certificate-based learning opportunities, enjoy indoor and outdoor social events to meet and connect with others, and have fun.
“In 2025, with the help of our Youth Week Crew, we really wanted to collaborate with local youth-focused services to create events, workshops and upskilling opportunities that are current with the needs of young people and respond to youth interests.”
Practical workshops are being provided by community partners Riverina Community College, Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Liquid Gold, Wagga Wagga First Aid Training, Headspace Wagga Wagga, Argyle Housing, HOMES NSW and Anglicare Financial Counselling.
These workshops will help local young people move through life as more informed and resourceful individuals.
Ms Fattore also said access and safety for all attendees is a key focus with quiet rooms and sensitive sound levels considered so everyone can enjoy the fun.
Venues have also been selected for their accessible parking, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and functionality.
"Our friendly 2025 Youth Week Crew will be attending a range of Youth Week 2025 events and will ensure all young people feel welcome and included,” Ms Fattore said.
“Check out this year’s Youth Week program and be sure to join in the fun. This is an awesome opportunity to see what young people in our community have done and can do!”
To view and book events, visit wagga. nsw.gov.au/youth-week
Council to roll out new leisure facilities brandWagga Leisure
Wagga Wagga City Council is beginning to roll out Wagga Leisure – a unified brand encompassing the Oasis Aquatic Centre, Workout Gym, Jim Elphick Tennis Centre, Bolton Park Stadium and Multipurpose Stadium.
Manager Wagga Leisure Marc Geppert said the timing of the roll out of the Wagga Leisure brand has come about due to the acquisition and upgrade of leisure facilities in the Bolton Park precinct.
“With Council purchasing Workout Gym in late 2024, and with the redevelopment of the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre nearing completion, it was appropriate for the facilities to merge under the one management model along with Oasis and the stadiums,” Mr Geppert said.
“This means we can offer residents access to a variety of fitness options in the one location.
“The membership packages we have developed are flexible and affordable, with options for swim or gym only, gym and swim, and gym, swim and tennis.
The community will begin to see changes to the appearance of the Oasis Aquatic Centre and Workout Gym as the Wagga Leisure branding and colours are applied.
However, while the appearance is changing, the facilities will continue to operate as usual.
“We have been contacted by members of the community with questions such as: can they still enter Oasis as a casual user? Will Aqua Aerobics still be available? Can they still use their Fitness Passport membership?” Marc Geppert said.
“The answer to all those questions is yes. While Wagga Leisure is new and brings with it added benefits for the community, each of the leisure facilities will retain their identities and continue to operate business as usual.”
The Wagga Leisure website will be launched in the coming weeks and the Oasis Aquatic Centre socials (Facebook and Instagram) will be switched over to Wagga Leisure.
For more information visit oasiswagga.com.au/workout-gym
IT’S EASIER BEING GREENSET:
Players of all styles, ages and skill levels will benefit from the use of
Final Set is a Greenset for Jim Elphick Tennis Centre
Championship point is in sight at the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre, with final touches underway at Bolton Park ahead of its much-anticipated opening in mid-April 2025.
The international-standard courts are nearing completion, with contractors in the process of completing the last of the line marking following the successful application of the iconic two-tone blue surface famously seen at Melbourne Park each summer during the Australian Open.
Manager Wagga Leisure Marc Geppert confirmed the courts feature Greenset, a world-class acrylic surface which is designed for consistent play, comfort, and durability.
“Greenset creates a uniform bounce and predictable ball speed, ensuring a fair game for all playing styles,” Mr Geppert said.
“Players of all ages and skill levels will benefit from the cushioned secondary layer beneath the surface, which absorbs shock, reduces joint impact, and enhances safety and comfort.”
Greenset is also a sustainable choice, using water-based, non-toxic materials to create a highly durable surface which is designed to withstand extreme heat and weather fluctuations, making it ideal for the Riverina climate.
Passersby at Bolton Park will soon notice the finishing touches, including new nets on all courts. Meanwhile, work also continues on the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre’s digital integration into Wagga Leisure’s online booking system, which will make it easier than ever to secure a court.
For more information about the Bolton Park Sports Hub and Jim Elphick Tennis Centre upgrade, visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ bolton-park-sports-hub.
BREAKING: Council’s Manager Civic Theatre Claire Harris and ‘breakdancer’
Stephanie Broadbridge are encouraging people to check out the exciting lineup for this year’s Comedy Fest, which includes the parody show Breaking: The Musical.
Wagga Comedy Fest 2025 – a long weekend of laughs awaits
The Wagga Comedy Fest 2025 will bring the region a weekend full of laughter, entertainment, and unforgettable performances from 5 to 8 June 2025.
This year’s festival offers more than 20 performances, across four venues over the four days. Civic Theatre Manager, Claire Harris promises that audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best comedic acts from across the country.
“It's a chance to explore different kinds of comedy, from Cabaret and Musicals to Stand-up,” Ms Harris said.
“If you plan to book a ticket for one of the more familiar faces, I encourage you to dive into something new and surprising as well.”
Tickets for Wagga Comedy Fest are now on sale, with the lineup featuring big names like Dave Hughes, Melanie Bracewell and Luke McGregor as well as more quirky fringe acts like The Dilapidated Diva, Garry Starr, and Gladys: A Musical Affair
“I am particularly excited to see Stephanie Broadbridge on stage for her parody Breaking: the Musical,” Ms Harris said.
“After seeing and hearing so much about the story of this show in the news following the Paris Olympics, it is really exciting that the show is coming to Wagga.”
For the second year running, there will be a free show for festival goers. Brown Women Comedy will show on Friday night at 7.15pm, tickets are free but need to be pre-booked.
The Riverina Comedy Club House also returns this year with a full schedule of local talent, stand-up and improvised comedy events, including The Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate and The Gong Show
For full details on the schedule and lineup and to purchase tickets visit civictheatre.com.au or call the Box Office at 6926 9688.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Museum Education and Public Programs Officer Angus CawdellSmith and acting Museum Manager Sam Leah are creating great autumn activities at the Museum of the Riverina for locals and visitors.
With a growing list of upcoming events, activities and workshops, the Museum of the Riverina has something for everyone in our community this autumn.
In April, the Museum will be hosting an Author in Conversation event with award winning historian Stephen Gapps.
Stephen will be talking with acting Museum Manager Sam Leah about his book Uprising: War in the colony of New South Wales, 1838-1844
Ms Leah said the book was about the Second Wiradyuri War of Resistance.
“Stephen’s research covers conflicts that took place along the Murray-Darling system, including the Riverina,” Ms Leah said.
“We are thrilled to be hosting Stephen on his visit to our city to share his expertise.
“Participants will also have access to Youth Week workshops about artwork design using online image libraries while also learning about copyright and the ethics of digital art.”
Museum Education and Public Programs Officer Angus Cawdell-Smith said there will be plenty of free activities to enjoy in the autumn school holidays.
“The popular LEGO® Minifigure Hunt will be returning with three LEGO® prizes up for grabs for those who can find all 16 minifigures hiding around the museum.
“And classic outdoor games from around the world will be located throughout the museum’s garden, which visitors can play while learning about their fascinating histories.”
“Since reopening to the public in February 2023, the museum’s Botanic Gardens site has enjoyed a steady increase in visitation during the school holidays. It has been wonderful to see the community connect with the museum’s diverse range of high quality, affordable and fun events and workshops.”
For more information about current and coming events, please visit: museumriverina.com.au
Friday, 28 March 2025 Senior Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Support Technician Remuneration: $89,394.00 to $106,273.90 per annum + super Closing: Sunday, 30 March 2025
wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs
IVAN JACK DR Roads: Ivan Jack Dr (between The Esplanade and Johnston St)
Date: Monday 10 February to Friday 4 April
2025 (weather permitting)
Duration: Road
Morgan St.
Riverside Markets
SUN 23 MAR, 10AM – 2PM Cross Street Carpark. Festival of Concert Bands – Music in the Park – Finale Concert SUN 23 MAR, 11AM – 12.30PM Riverina Conservatorium of Music, 1 Simmons St. Lazy Sundays at The Wild Vine – Laura Tenison
SUN 23 MAR, 12PM – 3PM The Wild Vine, 1313 Oura Rd. Paint Club with Kate Smith MON 24 MAR, 6PM – 8PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St.
Riverina Producers Market THU 27 MAR, 1PM – 6.30PM Hammond Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, 27 Bourke St. The Riverine Club & Hentley Farm Wine Dinner THU 27 MAR, 6.30PM – 10.30PM The Riverine Club, 3 Sturt St. Mugs & Jugs at Pottery and Pints
THU 27 MAR, 7PM – 9PM North Shore Studios, 57 William St. Infusion Games Trivia and Karaoke THU 27 MAR, 8.30PM Victoria Hotel, 55 Baylis St. Scan or head to visitwagga.com for more events in Wagga Wagga + Surrounds.
