10-year roadmap for tourism growth in Wagga Wagga adopted
The first Destination Management Plan for Wagga Wagga which identifies strategies to grow the visitor economy and position Wagga Wagga as a leading regional tourism destination has officially been released.
At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 24 March, Council endorsed the Wagga Wagga Destination Management Plan 2025-2034, which will guide the development of the visitor economy in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA) into the future.
The major plan for tourism is a shared vision, having been prepared following extensive community and industry consultation over the past 18 months.
During the public exhibition period for the draft Plan, from 29 November 2024 to 16 February 2025, extensive community engagement was undertaken, including static kiosks, online surveys, pop-up sessions and workshops. One-hundred and eightyfour (184) submissions were received over that period.
“We want to thank the community and local business for getting involved and helping to shape this important plan,” Council’s Destination & Events
Coordinator Kimberly Parker said.
“Council received very positive support toward the initiatives outlined in the draft Plan.
“It was important to get feedback from as wide a range of residents and stakeholders as possible as this plan is a roadmap for Wagga Wagga to develop and grow our tourism potential over the next 10 years.
“We’ve listened to what the community and local business had to say about the initiatives and recommendations outlined in the draft Plan and this feedback contributed to finalising the plan that was presented to councillors for their endorsement.”
Key themes of the feedback received during the public exhibition period included:
• Continue to develop our events, festivals, agritourism and food and wine scene.
• Continued investment in and activation of our cycling and walking trails.
• Continued investment in infrastructure upgrades, activations, and events at Riverside: Wagga Beach and Lake Albert.
• Support for a First Nations destination
theme.
• Investment in upgrading public amenities at key visitor locations.
• Further investment in arts and culture.
"This plan outlines how we will continue to develop a strong and successful visitor economy in Wagga Wagga over the next 10 years,” Ms Parker said.
“Continuing to build the skills and opportunities for growth in the tourism industry, investing in infrastructure that supports the visitor economy, and supporting key events that drive visitation will be crucial to the success of achieving the plan’s vision - that Wagga Wagga is a leading regional destination for visitors.”
Portrait donation of Wagga Wagga theatre icon Colin Anderson
The late Colin Anderson was a beloved Wagga Wagga Theatre director, actor, singer, writer, teacher, educator and mentor.
When the Riverina Playhouse opened in 1986, a large black-&-white photographic portrait of Colin Anderson was hung in the foyer in recognition of his contribution to Wagga Wagga’s theatrical and cultural life, but when the theatre was refurbished in 2018 the portrait was removed and stored at Charles Sturt University.
President of the Friends of Charles Sturt University David Gilbey said Colin Anderson joined Riverina College of Advanced Education in 1973 and introduced drama courses for teacher education students.
“Importantly, he presented productions that were available on campus and downtown, bringing ‘town and gown’ together via theatre,” said Mr Gilbey.
“In 1974 he established what was to become the University Theatre Ensemble, providing an opportunity for students to perform in public.
“Colin was also a key figure in the establishment in 1986 of the Riverina Playhouse located in the centre of Wagga Wagga beside the Murrumbidgee River.
“In 2000, Charles Sturt University recognised Colin’s contribution to the arts by awarding him an honorary Doctorate of Arts.
“He was renowned for his energy and good humour, delighting audiences around the Wagga region.”
Council's Acting Manager of the Museum of the Riverina Sam Leah said the Museum was only too glad to accept the offer of this artistic donation and looked forward to providing a fitting home for the portrait: one easily accessible by the community Anderson so enjoyed entertaining.
“The Museum is honoured to be the final home of the portrait of Colin Anderson, an important figure in the cultural history and development of Wagga Wagga.”
STANDING BY COLIN ANDERSON: Acting Manager of the Museum of the Riverina Sam Leah and President of the Friends of Charles Sturt University David Gilbey proudly displaying the portrait of Colin Anderson – iconic Wagga Wagga director, actor, singer, writer, teacher, educator and mentor.
ROADMAP FOR GROWTH: Council’s Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson and Destination and Events Coordinator Kimberly Parker welcome the adoption of Wagga Wagga’s first Destination Management Plan.
Events & Tourism
Arts & Culture
In Motion Fitness Kayak Tours: Courtesy of Chloe Smith Photography.
Become a Sister City working group volunteer!
Community members have an exciting opportunity to help organise, promote and assist with Sister City exchanges
Seriously fun Seniors Festival wraps up
Wagga Wagga celebrated the importance of ageing positively in our community during the 2025 Seniors Festival.
Whatever their passion, there was something for everyone 65 years-plus to enjoy in this year’s program of fun, workshops and events which ran from 3-16 March.
Council’s Community Development Officer Victoria Lowe said the festival was jam-packed with over 30 low-cost or free events.
“Some of the highlights included ‘Dance for Dementia’, a dance and movement program embracing the richness of aging for those living with dementia, led by Jessica Lesosky and hosted in BaptistCare Caloola Centre Aged Care Home, Mary Potter Nursing Home, RSL LifeCare and Signature Care.
“This health and wellbeing program was made possible by financial contributions from the Senior Citizens’ Club of Wagga Wagga and the Rotary
for Wagga Wagga, and work as part of an inclusive and collaborative process.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga
Councillor Dallas Tout said the main purpose of this role is to assist the office of the mayor to plan and host Sister City events.
“We’re excited to get this group together again,” Cr Tout said.
“We’re looking for up to nine volunteers who have an understanding of Council’s Sister City relationships and who are already involved within the community.
“It’s a voluntary, un-paid position, but you will be involved in fostering connections and exchanges for our local area and boosting Wagga Wagga’s social and cultural strength.”
The main functions of the Working Group include:
• Participating in a forum to facilitate and promote Sister City exchanges and ideas.
• Planning, organising and providing input into local arrangements for Sister City exchanges.
• Assisting with the preparation of hosting Sister City delegations.
• Promoting the Sister City relationships across the Local Government Area.
“If you think you might be suited to this role or are interested in finding out more, please reach out and have a chat.”
Applications close 21 April 2025 at 11.59pm.
For more information, please contact Council’s Chief Operating Officer Scott Gray on 1300 292 442 or visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: The Seniors Festival celebrated the importance of ageing positively.
Club of Wagga Wagga Sunrise.”
Ms Lowe said other highlights included the ‘Moving Together: Soundtrack of the 70s’ presented by Hayley Allen-Freeman, and Guru Dudu’s ‘Silent Disco Walking Tours for Old(er) Adults’.
“It was great to welcome several residents from Gumleigh Gardens Residential Aged Care and Riverina Gums Retirement Village who
participated in the Silent Disco Walking Tour by hitching a ride in trishaws with volunteers from ‘Cycling Without Age Wagga Wagga’.”
Ms Lowe said Council was proud to fund and support social cohesion programs that promoted positive attitudes towards older adults, encouraged community participation, and challenged stereotypes about ageing.
