Big laughs return with Wagga Comedy Fest 2025
the Wagga Comedy Fest back and bigger than ever!
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre has come alive with four days of hilarious shows, familiar faces, and local favourites.
The Wagga Comedy Fest 2025 program features 21 shows and events, uniting some of the biggest names in Australian comedy with rising stars and homegrown talent.
Tuesday’s formal launch of the 2025 Wagga Comedy Fest program was attended by some of the stars from this year’s line-up including Jamie Way, Leigh Ryan, Lee Simpson and Peter Casey, who were all part of Thursday evening’s Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate.
Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris said the festival is all about connection and having a good giggle while you’re at it.
“There’s just something so incredibly heartening about sitting in a warm theatre on a cold night and sharing a laugh with your community,” Ms Harris said.
Comedy heavyweights Tommy Little and Dave Hughes headline the festival, followed by fan favourites Melanie Bracewell, Luke McGregor, Chris Ryan, and Sammy J. Expect big laughs, sharp wit, and electric performances.
But Wagga Comedy Fest is more than just the big names. Fringe gems like Karate Man (a family-friendly live-action video game), the eccentric Dilapidated
Diva, and the now-iconic Garry Starr will also deliver unforgettable surprises.
“Trust the program, take a chance, and you just might discover your new favourite,” says Ms Harris.
Closing out the weekend is The B.S. with Jamie and Leigh: Sunday Live & Late! – an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud finale that captures the spirit of Wagga’s vibrant comedy scene.
In between shows, warm up at the Laugh Lounge – a cosy marquee on the Civic Theatre lawns, with live music from emerging stars in the Plug + Play program, plus some fantastic gourmet eats from local foodie favourites, Pota Pasta and The Smoking Butcher.
Don’t miss this winter highlight and community favourite event. For tickets and the full program, visit civictheatre. com.au/comedy-fest
Saturday 7 June
5pm
Chris Ryan - Extreme Tenant
7.15pm
Dilapidated Diva - On the Verge...
8.30pm
Richard Glover - Behind the Fridays
9pm
Garry Starr - Classic Penguins
9.30pm
Shad & Pete Save The World
Sunday 8 June 4pm
Karate Man - A Live Action Video Game
6pm
Sammy J - The Kangaroo Effect
Jumpstart your creativity this winter with Wagga Wagga’s favourite curated program of all-ages inclusive and accessible events.
During June 2025, explore and experience FRESH – a diverse and engaging intergenerational program, presented by Wagga Wagga City
Community Development Officer Victoria Lowe said Wagga Wagga is a diverse community and the concept behind FRESH is to bring people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures
“Whether you’re young or old(er), this year’s FRESH program has something for everyone, with a series of special events tailor-made for young people, families and old(er) members of our community,” Victoria Lowe said.
“The program is bursting with highlights, ranging from a live music performance of the iconic Australian indie pop band Eurogliders, to shadow puppetry, artist-led cross-cultural textile workshops, and much more.
“The intergenerational program brings multi-generational audiences together to exchange ideas and learn new skills in order to gain new perspectives and insights into the way they see the world.”
National Refugee Week (15-21 June 2025) will also be celebrated as part of FRESH this year, including a workshop with drumming facilitator Felix Machiridza, exploring and re-creating the rhythms from the drumming traditions of Africa.
“FRESH is a fantastic opportunity for residents to learn something new or discover something out of the ordinary,” Victoria Lowe said.
Tickets available online at civictheatre.com.au, at the Box Office, or call 02 6926 9688.
FRESH programs are currently underway and will conclude with the Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever performance on Sunday 20 July.
For more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/fresh or call Council on 1300 292 442.
ARE YOU REDDY: Wagga Wagga’s Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is returning after its success during FRESH 2024.
Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris, Theatre Administration Officer Monique Burkinshaw, comedians Jamie Way, Lee Simpson, Leigh Ryan, Marketing & Education Officer Tracey Simond and comedian Peter Casey (front).
EV TIPS: Net Zero Emissions Project Officer Hemendra Chaudhary spreads the message about Council’s Sustainable Living Expert Webinar Series, which wraps up with a session on electric vehicles on 21 June.
Webinar series warms up with solar power and battery know-how
Council’s Sustainable Living Expert Webinar Series continued successfully on Thursday 5 June, with a session providing advice on ‘All-Electric Homes’.
It follows the previous instalment called ‘An Introduction to Solar and Adding Home Battery Storage’, held 21 May. Both events drew positive interest
LEAFY CLEAN-UP: While street sweepers are helpful in managing scattered leaves and keeping our streets tidy, leaves and sticks that have fallen in your yard should go in your green lid bin.
Autumn clean-up made easy with green bins
Autumn in Wagga Wagga is a stunning season, but with all that beauty comes the less glamorous task of cleaning up the fallen leaves that pile up across our streets and gardens.
If you’re a keen gardener, consider using your autumn leaves as mulch; they’re a natural and effective way to improve soil health, retain moisture, and get your garden beds ready for spring growth.
Council’s street sweepers do their part too, working to keep roads and gutters clean. However, they’re not built to handle
from Wagga Wagga residents eager to learn new ways to reduce energy bills, emissions and improve sustainability in homes.
Presented in partnership with Renew, a not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable living, the free webinar series has covered energy-saving topics like switching from gas to all-electric, the benefits of solar, and how batteries can help optimise power use.
Experts shared practical advice with attendees on a variety of topics, including choosing the right systems for their homes, navigating installation, and accessing government rebates, with plenty of time for questions. Discussions covered everything from upfront considerations to long-term savings and cutting energy-related emissions.
Council’s Net Zero Emissions Project Officer Hemendra Chaudhary said these webinars built on the success of the ‘Winter Comfort’ webinar, held on 6 May, and were effective in continuing to empower residents with knowledge to make smart, easy and sustainable changes at home.
“Whether new to solar, thinking about upgrading with battery storage, or considering making the switch from gas, the webinars have been a great opportunity for residents to learn new information and ask questions about renewable energy, in a way that hopefully encourages their confidence to take the next step,” Mr Chaudhary said.
The series is set to wrap up its run with
piles or rows of leaves.
These piles often hide rocks, sticks, or even metal, which can damage the machines and interrupt sweeping schedules.
Thankfully, your green lid bin (FOGOFood Organics and Garden Organics) bin is here to help as the perfect method for disposing of fallen leaves, small sticks, and other garden waste – making it easy to keep your yard tidy and your streets safe.
Gregadoo Waste Management Facility Manager Andrea Baldwin noted that this is where residents play a key role.
“As we move into winter, Council looks forward to partnering with the community in keeping our beautiful streets as free of debris as possible,” Ms Baldwin said.
“We encourage residents to make good use of their green lid bins to dispose of excess leaves where possible, rather than sweeping them on to streets or into gutters.
“While this year Council has two of its own dedicated street sweepers on the job, best use of our green lid bins will not only help our sweepers do their job properly – especially in the early mornings – but will also assist to create a safer environment for passing motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Street sweeping and bin collection both run on regular schedules, while further information about correct and best use of your green lidded bins can be found here: wagga.nsw.gov.au/waste
‘Electric Vehicles’ on 21 June.
As with prior sessions, ‘Electric Vehicles’ has been designed to equip the community with expert advice and practical tips for reducing bills and lowering emissions – this time from a transport perspective.
Mr Chaudhary also confirmed that all webinar content will eventually be made available for anyone wishing to catch up on demand.
“We look forward to having the information provided throughout this webinar series, collated and published online, so no-one has to miss out on accessing these valuable resources.” Mr Chaudhary said.
For more information and to register for the final webinar, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/renew.webinars
Road closures
EXHIBITION OF DRAFT AMENDMENT TO WAGGA WAGGA LEP 2010 - 11 FARRER RD, BOOROOMA - AMENDMENT NO. LEP24/0002
Land Description: Part Lot 2, DP70223011 Farrer Rd, Boorooma.
Aim: Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of Planning Proposal LEP24/0002 to amend the Wagga Wagga LEP 2010.
The amendment invites submissions until 27 June 2025. The Planning Proposal seeks to amend the existing planning provisions that apply to the subject land from 'R5 Large Lot Residential' to 'R1 General Residential' and remove the existing minimum lot size.
Exhibition Period:
Monday 26 May 2025 to Friday 27 June 2025 (inclusive)
How can I read the document or make a submission?
The consultation documents and details on how to make a submission are available online at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Copies are also available at the Customer Service desk at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded).
EDISON ROAD
Roads: Edison Rd (Bakers Ln & Dangar Pl Intersections)
Date: Monday 23 June to Thursday 26 June 2025 (weather permitting)
Duration: Night works between 6pm & 6am.
Reason: Road reconstruction with full-depth asphalt
Detour: As per signage
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ publicnotices
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The adoption fee of $353 for Harlow (ImpD25/0192) includes microchipping, desexing and ID tag, along with all relevant vaccinations and
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Business Support Officer (Two permanent positions)
Remuneration:
Senior Town Planner or Town Planner Remuneration: $3,780.02 gross per fortnight + super (Senior Town Planner) $3,245.96 gross per fortnight + super (Town Planner)
Sunday 22 June 2025
Senior Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
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