Combining stories and plants: One Tree 4 Me meets
Library Storytime
Young readers last week rolled up their sleeves in a combined Storytime and planting event, with the support of friendly staff at Wagga Wagga City Library, and Council’s Environment team.
As part of a special session held on Wednesday 30 July, young children and their adults enjoyed several tree-themed stories before heading outside the library to plant native seedlings that support our local wildlife.
The seedlings – chosen specifically to promote local biodiversity – were planted in a small garden space just outside the library.
Council’s Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid says the activity was organised to promote Council’s One Tree 4 Me (OT4M) initiative, which is on track to reach its target of 65,000 seedlings planted by 2026.
“We’re so excited to involve the community’s youngest members in
helping our local environment,” Ms Reid said.
“Not only did they learn about the importance of native plants, but they also got to listen to a fabulous story, and there’s rarely a better combo than plants and books.”
This event aligns with Council’s ongoing efforts to increase native plantings across the community, with the final OT4M seedling giveaway sessions for this year happening soon.
“We’ll be holding two more giveaway sessions in August and September this year. Our next giveaway is on Wednesday 13 August at Jubilee Park. We’ll be there from 2pm to 6pm, or until all the seedlings are gone!”
For more information on the OT4M project or to find out about the upcoming seedling giveaways, visit wagga.nsw. gov.au/onetreeforme
Lake Albert Foreshore Remediation moves to Eastern Shore
Remediation works along the Lake Albert foreshore are tracking well, with major upgrades on the western embankment now complete.
Contractors are scheduled to begin works on the eastern foreshore this week, marking the next stage of the Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal Project.
The remediation has involved installing new rock walls at key points to stabilise the shoreline and reduce erosion. In other areas, durable sandbagging is being used to reinforce the foreshore and improve safety for the community to access the lake precinct for walking, fishing, boating and other recreational use.
Council is asking residents and visitors to be mindful of increased construction activity in the area over the coming weeks. Traffic management and signage will be in place to ensure safe access around the site.
“These works are designed to preserve the shoreline and provide safer, more accessible foreshore areas for everyone who uses Lake Albert,” said Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton
“We greatly appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we move toward the installation of the pipeline.” For updates on the project, visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ lakealbertproject
BEST OF BOTH: Last week’s joint Library Storytime and One Tree for Me event gave young people a fun, hands-on way to learn about the environment through stories and tree planting.
WATER WORKS: Remediation of the Lake Albert foreshore is progressing on schedule, with
installed
the waters edge
it
long-term
POLICY: Director Economy, Business & Workforce Fiona Piltz and Manager Gregadoo Waste Management Centre
application.
Key considerations of the draft policy are:
• No changes will occur to existing residential or non-residential services under the current kerbside collection contract.
• New requests for non-residential kerbside collection services will see changes from the date of the policy’s adoption
• Upsizing or additional bin requests will be accompanied by a bin assessment
Vacancies
Building Surveyor
Remuneration: $3,522.78 gross per fortnight + super Closing: Sunday, 10 August 2025
Revenue Officer
Remuneration: $2,793.68 gross per fortnight + super Closing: Sunday, 10 August 2025
Draft Kerbside Collection Policy on public exhibition
Andrea Baldwin. Wagga Wagga City Council’s draft Kerbside Collection Policy (POL 016) is currently on public exhibition to allow submissions from residents.
At its Monday 21 July Ordinary Meeting, Council was presented with the revised and renamed Kerbside Collection Services Policy which consolidates and replaces the former Replacement of Stolen or Damaged Kerbside Collection Bins Policy
The updated policy provides clear guidance for the delivery of Council’s kerbside waste services and introduces a supporting procedure for operational
PURPLE AND PROUD: Headspace Wagga Wagga’s Community Engagement Officer Kane Stewart (L) and Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer Mel Fattore (R) are all smiles ahead of celebrating Wear It Purple Day 2025.
Wear It Purple DISCO
Council, in collaboration with Headspace Wagga Wagga, is inviting local LBGTQIA+ young people and allies to celebrate Wear It Purple Day on Friday 29 August with an evening disco!
The Civic Centre will come alive from 6:30pm to 8:30pm with purple lighting,
• Residents will be encouraged to utilise additional recycling and organics bins before accessing additional or upsizing general waste bins.
Council’s Director Economy, Business & Workforce Fiona Piltz says the changes to the policy have come after extensive reviews.
“Council officers have worked on this policy for some time, reviewing it and expanding what the policy covers in regard to kerbside waste collection,” Ms Piltz said.
“The changes made to the policy focus on a best practice approach to kerbside waste management, including bin replacement, service eligibility, contamination controls, and operational responsibilities for both residential and non-residential properties.”
The renamed and expanded policy improves clarity and service
spontaneous line dancing lessons, lowsensory craft activities, and culminate with a youth disco featuring a DJ who'll be spinning queer anthems.
Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer Mel Fattore said Wear It Purple Day is an important opportunity to come together and show what it means to cultivate supportive relationships that encourage and build trust between LGBTQIA+ young people and their allies.
“We know from consultation with local young people that they want to see more social connection opportunities –primarily ones that occur in the evening, in non-alcohol spaces, and that seek to engage with local youth support services in a fun way,” Mel said.
“This initiative was identified as a chance to upskill local young people on how to plan and deliver an event so that they can confidently lead their own initiatives in the future.”
Wear it Purple Day is a national initiative to raise awareness and create supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people, and is celebrated on the last Friday in August each year.
Sewer and Stormwater Labourer - Two Positions
Tourist Railway SAT 9 AUG, 10AM – 2PM Ladysmith Railway Station, 15 Kyeamba St Winter Lumiere Exhibition SAT 9 AUG, 10AM – 3PM Wagga Wagga Art Society, 11 Small St Shadows and
Screens - a Night of Shadow Puppets & Films SAT 9 AUG, 6.30PM9.30PM CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St MTB Wagga 3 Hour SUN 10 AUG, 11AM –4PM Pomingalarna Multi Sport Cycling Complex, Bagley Dr The Female of the Species SUN 10 AUG, 2PM –3:30PM & 6:30PM - 8PM
Basement Theatre, Cnr Morrow & Tarcutta Sts Riverina Producers Market THU 14 AUG, 1PM –6.30PM Hammond Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, 27 Bourke St Art and Books –Public Lectures with Dr Sam Bowker THU 14 AUG, 5.30PM6.30PM CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St Mugs & Planters at
Enquiries: 1300 292 442
To learn more or apply, visit:
Remuneration: $2,225.88 gross per fortnight + super Closing: Sunday, 10 August 2025 wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs
transparency, aligns with Council’s operational practices and environmental objectives, and ensures consistency across all aspects of kerbside collection service delivery.
To view the draft Kerbside Collection Policy and make a submission visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close Sunday 31 August
"This disco is for 12-to-25-year-olds who identify as queer, and their friends,” Mel said.
“It’s a safe, accessible space that is drug and alcohol free and will have allies present all night to ensure each young person feels supported to have fun and be themselves!”
Headspace Wagga Wagga’s Community Engagement Officer Kane Stewart is equally keen to see young people find new friends and build confidence.
“Headspace is proud to support the Wear It Purple Disco in Wagga Wagga,” Kane said.
“Events like this help break down stigma, foster inclusion, and create safe spaces where young people feel valued, supported, and free to be themselves.”
Wear It Purple DISCO
When: Fri 29 Aug - 6:30pm – 8:30pm Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Centre Arcade, 243 Baylis Street Tickets: $5 + booking fee via wagga.nsw.gov.au/ wearitpurpledisco
Pottery & Pints THU 14 AUG, 7PM –9PM North Shore Studios, 57 William St
Wagga Wagga Orchid Society Gathering
THURS 14 AUG, 7PM – 8PM
ARCC Hall, 131 Tarcutta Street
Love Cats Exhibition Launch FRI 15 AUG, 5.30PM7.30PM Station Creative Workspace, 54-58 Johnston St
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your say Wagga Wagga
• Draft Kerbside Collection Services Policy
• Draft Sewer Policy
• Draft Building in the Vicinity of Underground Assets Policy
• Draft Low Pressure Sewer Systems Connections Policy
• Draft Stormwater Policy
• Draft Acquisition, Disposal and Management of Land Policy
• Classification of 232 Ashfords Road
• Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy
• Draft Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice
haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Infusion Games
Trivia and Karaoke
THU 14 AUG, 8:30PM The Victoria Hotel, 55 Baylis St
Scan or head to visitwagga.com for more events in Wagga Wagga + Surrounds.
Council has drafted a new Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy to align with updated NSW legislation. It outlines how to keep your system safe for people, animals, and the environment. The draft strategy is open for public feedback until Sunday 31 August 2025 Visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/owms Do you have an onsite wastewater management system?
