Council News Issue #555 - 18 July 2025

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Nominate your local hero for the Sporting Hall of Fame

GOOD SPORTS: Sporting Hall of Fame panel members; Community Representative Stephen Pike and Councillor Representative Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Georgie Davies, with the

Local sporting clubs and associations are encouraged to put forward their nominations for the Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame, with submissions closing on 31 July.

Council is looking for the next nominations for the Sporting Hall of Fame, which recognises the achievements of local elite sportspeople who have reached the pinnacles of their careers.

Nominations are also being sought for the Local Legend category which recognises our local sporting administrators, coaches, volunteers, or coordinators.

To be eligible for nomination for the Sporting Hall of Fame, the nominee must meet the following criteria:

• They must have been born in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area or have participated in the sport in Wagga Wagga for at least five years;

• They have retired from international or the highest level of competition for their particular sport;

• Nominations must be supported by a sporting association.

Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Georgie Davies is looking forward to seeing who of our local identities are nominated this year.

2025 inductees which close at the end of July.

“Being a city that has produced many elite sportspeople, we are proud to honour them with a place in our Sporting Hall of Fame,” Cr Davies said.

“Year after year we see more representatives of Wagga Wagga reach the pinnacle of their sport, so we are anticipating some worthy nominees in 2025.”

Council’s Strategic Recreation Officer Kadison Hofert said “the nomination process is simple; however, it needs to be submitted by a local, state or national governing body of the nominee’s sport.

“If you know of someone who you think should be nominated, reach out to the relevant sporting association and encourage them to make a submission.”

Nominations for the 2025 Sporting Hall of Fame inductees close at 5pm on Thursday 31 July 2025

Visit museumriverina.com.au/shof or contact Council’s Strategic Recreation team on 1300 292 442.

An inductee ceremony will be held at the Museum of the Riverina in November 2025, where the successful nominees from 2019 will also be inducted: Kate Blackwell and Alex Blackwell (cricket) – Sporting Hall of Fame; and Brian Lawrence (cricket) – Local Legend category.

Sporting Hall of Fame

Nominations close Thursday 31 July, 5pm. Visit museumriverina.com.au/shof Eligibility criteria

The sportsperson must have:

• Been born in the Wagga Wagga LGA or participated in sport in Wagga Wagga for five years

• Reached the highest level of competition for their sport

• Retired from the sport

• Nominations must be supported by a sporting association.

and close on Friday 15 August. Image by Ash Smith Photography.

The much-loved springtime festival, FUSION BOTANCIAL is returning on Saturday 18 October to the spectacular Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Precinct, and you can be part of it!

Wagga Wagga City Council and longterm cultural partners, the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga, are inviting expressions of interest from local performers, and street food and drink vendors to help entertain and feed festival-goers.

Council’s Director Community, Janice Summerhayes said this year’s festival is expected to be well-supported by locals and draw crowds from across the Riverina region to our city this spring.

“Planning is underway for FUSION BOTANICAL in October 2025 and we’re curating a fun diverse line-up of music and entertainment to be announced closer to the event.”

Along with the live music, the World Food Village is one of the most popular parts of this community event, with festival-folk looking forward to feasting on authentic and modern street-style food.

Many geographical regions are represented in the World Food Village from Europe to the Middle East, through to Asia and the Americas.

“There is an opportunity for you to add your traditional cuisine to the food line-up by submitting your expression of interest,” Ms Summerhayes said.

“We are also looking for community performers to help add to the vibrant festival atmosphere.”

Council and the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga are pleased to announce that FUSION BOTANICAL is the beneficiary of a $125,000 NSW Government 2024/2025 Stronger

Together Local Council Major Festival Grant.

This one-off Multicultural NSW grant will fund increased event traffic control management, attract national headliner acts, and develop multicultural media promotions for the 2025 festival.

For more information and to make a submission visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ community/annual-events/fusion-eoi Expressions of Interest close at 5pm on Friday 15 August 2025.

Sporting Hall of Fame display at the Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site. Mr Pike and Cr Davies are calling for nominations for

READY TO PLANT: Council’s Natural Resource Management Officer Catherine Conroy and Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid, prepare the seedlings ahead of National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day later this month.

involved in National Tree Day 2025

Live it up in the winter chill for the last days of Festival of W 2025

Wagga Wagga’s premier winter destination event wraps up this weekend, so rug up and head down to our city centre to celebrate the last days of Festival of W 2025.

There are still plenty of fun and exciting ways for you to spend time with friends and family in the Wollundry Lagoon and Victory Memorial Gardens precincts before the 16-day event finishes on Sunday 20 July.

Council’s Destination and Events Coordinator Kim Parker says festivalgoers can still experience the full festival program, including the light installations, ice skating, and wide range of food and drink offerings.

“The major light and sound experience lighting up the Wollundry Lagoon precinct. ‘Lightvision’ is one not to miss; it’s been a fan favourite this year,” Ms

The much-loved National Tree Day is returning for 2025 with more than 3450 seedlings ready to put down new roots in the Riverina.

Wagga Wagga City Council has donated more than 2450 seedlings to 21 local schools and preschools for Schools Tree Day on Friday 25 July, and another 1000 for National Tree Day on Sunday 27 July.

The community planting on Sunday will run from 10am to 12.30pm, and will be located near Uranquinty, with the exact address supplied upon registration.

Council’s Natural Resource Management Officer Catherine Conroy says the national campaign is something Council looks forward to supporting each year.

“National Tree Day is one of Australia's most recognisable campaigns, promoting community-based action for the environment through the simple act of planting seedlings,” Ms Conroy said.

“Having the opportunity to work handin-hand with our community to regenerate places in our local government area is fantastic and we are looking forward to the upcoming community planting at the

Parker said.

“We’ve also received great feedback on the larger range of food options available this year, ease of access, and relaxed setting have encouraged people to sit, linger, and enjoy time with friends and family.

“A couple of new food vendors have joined the line-up this week, while long-standing festival favourites are still serving up great meals.

“The final Saturday night features live local music on the mainstage including Milz and Nomes, Isaac Staines, Jez Swan and Vino & Vinyl in the Victory Memorial Gardens - a perfect way to wrap up the event.”

In addition, the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers and Wagga Wagga Art Gallery will be open late on Saturday night from 5pm-8pm, showcasing exhibitions and offering a cosy spot to warm up.

Crowd numbers have been consistent and steady throughout the festival, with plenty of people braving the rain or enjoying the quieter mid-week atmosphere.

Saturday nights continue to draw the biggest crowds, with many coming out to explore the festival grounds.

“We’re still seeing a good mix of locals and visitors from outside the region,” Ms Parker said.

“The community has responded positively to the fact that this is predominantly a free festival.

“Businesses and stakeholders have also been pleased with the turnout and the opportunity to be part of the event.

“We have a quick, five-minute survey that’s available now for festival attendees to share their thoughts on the event.

“This valuable feedback helps us understand what the community values

end of the month.

“Last year, we saw 60 plus volunteers brave the cold weather for the planting.

“This year we have a limited amount of space for volunteers due to the location, so bookings are essential.

“Planting equipment will be provided but we encourage volunteers to wear warm clothing and enclosed footwear and bring along a pair of gardening gloves and their own drink bottle.”

A free barbecue will be provided for registered participants, and they will also receive a free native seedling to take home and plant.

This year for National Tree Day, Council is supported by Thomas Bros Toyota who will be running the barbecue, and parking is being provided by Wagga Model Aero Club.

“We look forward to seeing you there; let’s make a difference, one tree at a time!”

For further information and to register, go to the Environmental Events page on our website wagga.nsw.gov.au/ enviroevents

most and informs future planning including what new features people would like to see in upcoming years.”

To find the survey, plus all the festival details and to purchase Skate Wagga Wagga tickets, head to visitwagga. com/fow

Festival of W is a City of Wagga Wagga led event and this year has been supported by funding through Transport for NSW’s Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program which has supported the on-street activations and event infrastructure upgrades in the precinct.

Don't miss it!

Ongoing festival favourites:

• Lightvision, Nura, Ignite, Voice of the Younger Generation light-art projection – each day, 5pm10pm.

• Skate Wagga Wagga – each day,10am-10pm.

FoW Sessions Saturday 19 July, 5pm-9.45pm

• 5pm to 5.45pm: Milz and Nomes

• 6pm to 7.45pm: Isaac Staines

• 8pm to 8.45pm: Jez Swan

• 9pm to 9.45pm: Vino & Vinyl House of FoW

Monday to Thursday, 5pm-10pm | Friday to Sunday, 12pm-10pm

• The Wandering Chefs

• Nabiha’s Kitchen

• Pota Pasta

• Birdy Bar

• Three Dutchies

• OMG Donuts!

• Wafflo

Meet Mabel & Mary – two Tabby treasures!

These 2-year-old cats have been patiently waiting for their forever home. Mabel (left) is a sweet, shy soul who blossoms in the comforting company of her best friend, while confident and cuddly, Mary (right) adores both humans and feline friends.

Fully vet-checked (FIV/FeLV negative), these bonded girls are ready to fill your home with love. The adoption cost for Mabel (C25/0196) and Mary (C25/0194) is $318 each. This includes microchipping, lifetime registration, ID tag and desexing, plus all appropriate tests, treatments and vaccinations.

57 William St, North Wagga.

Roller Discos SAT 19 JUL, 7PM – 9PM & SUN 20 JUNE, 2PM – 4PM Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St.

Pottery & Pints –Mugs & Planters SAT 19 JUL, 3PM – 5PM North Shore Studios, 57 William St, North Wagga.

Comfort Food Cabaret SAT 19 JUL, 5PM –6.30PM & 8PM – 9.30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. Something to Crow About SAT 19 JUL, 7PM – 10PM, SUN 20 JUL, 1PM – 4PM & FRI 25 JUL, 7PM - 10PM Thirsty Crow Brewing, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Wagga Wagga Swap Meet SUN 20 JUL, 7AM – 3PM Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. Riverside Markets SUN 20 JUL, 10AM – 2PM Cross St Carpark, Cross St. Willans Hill

wagga.nsw.gov.au/

Events & Tourism
DON’T MISS IT! There’s still time to enjoy all the colour and excitement of the 2025 Festival of W before it wraps up on Sunday 20 July.

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