City to host Pro Tour tournament - Wagga Wagga Tennis
International
Wagga Wagga is set to serve up topclass tennis this September, with the city to host its first-ever Australian Pro Tour event – the Wagga Wagga Tennis International.
Running over two weeks from Sunday 7 September to Sunday 21 September, the event will feature back-to-back Women’s 35 International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour tournaments, held at the newly redeveloped Jim Elphick Tennis Centre.
The venue re-opened in April this year and features ITF standard cushioned acrylic hard courts and premium facilities which allows international tennis to come to regional NSW.
Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Georgie Davies said it’s great to see an international level sporting event being held in Wagga Wagga.
“The redevelopment of the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre is already producing benefits for our city as it is set to host the Wagga Wagga Tennis International,” Cr Davies said.
“Hosting this tournament is a great opportunity for the people of Wagga Wagga and surrounds to enjoy some world-class tennis without having to go to one of the major cities.
“The event also brings with it the opportunity for the local economy to benefit from the extra visitors to town.”
The Wagga Wagga Tennis International is expected to attract both Australian and international female players competing
for over AUD $60,000 in prize money and world ranking points.
“Hosting international tennis in regional centres such as Wagga Wagga delivers benefits far beyond prize money and ranking points,” said Lawrence Robertson, Tennis Australia Director of Pathways & Tennis Services.
“These events provide a platform to promote our sport and get more people playing tennis more often.
“The Wagga Wagga Tennis International will deliver significant economic value –more than $1 million in this case.”
Tennis NSW CEO Darren Simpson said, “This Pro Tour event showcases
the strength of regional NSW as a sporting destination and underscores our commitment to delivering highperformance opportunities right across the state.
“We’re proud to support an event that will inspire the next generation of players and leave a lasting legacy for tennis in the region.”
The Wagga Wagga Tennis International will be held at the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre, Bolton Park Wagga Wagga, between Sunday 7 September to Sunday 21 September and is free for spectators who wish to come along and enjoy world-class tennis.
Parents and carers, put it in your diary! Wagga Wagga’s biggest event for little people, Spring Jam children’s festival, will be bringing a day full of fun, laughter and imagination to the Botanic Gardens Precinct on Saturday 27 September 2025.
Council’s Events team have been busy curating a packed program designed to delight and entertain youngsters and their parents and carers.
Destination & Events Coordinator Cassandra Farquharson says Spring Jam is the perfect outdoor, family-friendly event for kids aged two to 12 years.
“We’re really excited about what’s in store at this year’s popular and free event,” Ms Farquharson said. “Bring the whole family along for a day of outdoor fun and excitement at this free festival, from 10am to 3pm.
“We have a jam-packed program full of adventure, interactive hands-on activities, creative workshops facilitated by local artists, live performances, and so much more.
“The Botanic Gardens Zoo & Aviary will be open, with some of its favourite furry friends making a special appearance during the festival accompanied by our expert and knowledgeable zookeepers.
“The Mini Makers Marquee will feature fun and creative workshops, including make-your-own friendship bracelets and native-scented playdough, which will be sure to get little hands busy.”
Other festival highlights include an outdoor obstacle course, giant garden games and a Storytime book nook with staff from the Wagga Wagga City Library’s Agile Library team.
The Main Stage will welcome family band The Mik Maks to the festival line up, while The Pretty Amazing Jono will bring some magic and wonder for all ages to enjoy.
There will also be dancing, music and circus acts from loved local performers.
“Entry is free, and we encourage families to pack a picnic rug or enjoy some delicious bites and treats from the festival’s Food Alley,” Ms Farquharson said.
To see the full Spring Jam program, visit the festival website at visitwagga. com/springjam
READY, PLAY: excited for the first ever international level tennis tournament to be held in Wagga Wagga is Manager Wagga Leisure Marc Geppert, Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Georgie Davies, professional tennis player Gabriella Da Silva-Fick and Head of Tennis Operations & Pathways - Tennis NSW Shaun Mulraney.
LOCK IT IN: Zoo Keeper Hannah Wilkin with Arnold the python, Destination & Events Coordinator Cassandra Farquharson, and Zoo Curator Wendy McNamara with Zeke the dingo.
Events & Tourism
Council
COMPETITOR: NSW pro tennis player Gabriella Da Silva-Fick will be one of the competitors of the Wagga Wagga Tennis International.
Hydro2050 trial for Lake Albert extended for six months
A trial of a state-of-the-art treatment designed to reduce Lake Albert’s blue-green algae will be extended for another six months to gain additional data on the effectiveness of the unit to manage outbreaks.
At its Ordinary Meeting this week, Wagga Wagga City Council considered three separate reports on Lake Albert, including one on Hydro2050 treatment.
Manager City Growth & Regional
Updates made to Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy
Updates have been made to the current Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy (POL 039) as part of a scheduled review and to incorporate recent amendments to the State Government’s Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013
At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 25 August, Council endorsed the draft Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy (POL 039) to go on public exhibition for a period of 28 days to allow for submissions from the public.
The changes apply to all cemeteries within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, including the Wagga Wagga Lawn Cemetery & Crematorium, the Monumental Cemetery, and the cemeteries located at Tarcutta, Humula, Uranquinty, and Currawarna.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure
Assets Ben Creighton said Council noted the outcomes achieved to date of the initial Hydro2050 trial and endorsed proceeding for an additional six months.
“We began the initial six-month trial at the start of this year, and I think the fact that we got through last summer without any Red Alerts from blue-green algae is a positive outcome, but I think it's still early days,” Mr Creighton said.
“There are other variable factors to
Services Henry Pavitt said the amendments to the Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy are expected to make is easier for families to understand the process when organising a burial.
“Anyone who has gone through the process of burying a loved one knows it's a very tough time, so with the reviews to the Policy we are trying to make it as clear as possible the process around things like booking burials and installing monuments,” Mr Pavitt said.
“The amendments to the policy also clarify Council’s role in the management of the cemeteries within the LGA, the expectations for funeral directors and it provides guidelines on what can and cannot be placed on grave sites.”
Mr Pavitt also said the changes to the Cemeteries Policy reflect the changing demographics of our community.
“Given there are more cultural groups that are accessing our cemetery services, we are ensuring we can accommodate the needs of residents of various nationalities and religions.
“For instance, we have a large Yazidi community that call Wagga home, who have their own cultural beliefs when it comes to a burial. We have been working with cultural groups and the funeral directors to make sure we can accommodate that.”
The updated Policy features legislative references, incorporating the most recent Cemeteries and Crematoria
Regulation 2022, Public Health Act, and related tools to ensure the policy reflects the current regulatory environment.
The draft Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy (POL 039) is currently on public exhibition until Monday 22 September 2025.
To view the draft document and make a submission visit haveyoursay.wagga. nsw.gov.au/cemeteriespolicy
consider, such as the reduced rainfall and associated nutrient inflow over summer, the continued use of the ultrasonic buoys, and the residual presence of the Waterzyme product.
“We need to get the data from the additional six-month trial before we can actually start to get a clearer direction in terms of what the Hydro2050 technology is able to achieve across a broad range of climatic conditions.”
A further report will be presented to Council following the additional sixmonth trial period.
Council also received a report in response to a Notice of Motion about Lake Albert water quality investigations outlining existing technical studies previously undertaken by, or on behalf of Council, and initial consultation with expert stakeholders.
“There’s no silver bullet for blue-green algae; it’s a massive issue around Australia and around the world at the moment,” Mr Creighton said.
“It’s important we have a clear understanding of what is contributing to the blue-green algae outbreaks within Lake Albert and then look at the longterm actions that can be taken.
Staff will proceed with a review of existing documentation and report back to Council.
O, Kingston, my Kingston! Kingston is a 2-3 year old friendly, confident cat who delights in a sunny, sweet and lazy afternoon, and the company of other feline friends. With charm to spare and well suited to a friendly, affectionate home, the adoption fee for Kingston (ImpC25/0270) is $273, including microchip, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, FIV/FeLV test, flea/worming, and ID tag.
Road closures
Vacancies
Business Support Officer
Remuneration: $2,582.98 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 31 August 2025
Gardener
Remuneration: $2,180.38 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 31 August 2025
Manager Sewer & Stormwater Services
An attractive remuneration in accordance with skills and experience
Closing: Sunday, 31 August 2025
Bookings Officer (Recreation)
Remuneration: $2,693.28 gpf + super
Closing: Monday, 1 September 2025
Team Leader Parks Operations (Open Space)
Remuneration: $3,343.26 gpf + super
Closing: Tuesday, 2 September 2025
Resource Recovery Support Officer – Two Positions
Remuneration: $2,412.82 gpf + super (pay rates are pro-rated based on part time hours of work)
Closing: Thursday, 4 September 2025
Reuse Shop Officer – Two Positions
Remuneration: $920.68 gpf + super (based on part-time hours of work)
Closing: Thursday, 4 September 2025
Plant Operator (Gregadoo Waste Management Centre) –Two Positions
Remuneration: $2,582.98
SEP, 3PM –
& 7PM
8:30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way Scan or head to visitwagga.com for more events in Wagga Wagga + Surrounds.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/
TRIAL EXTENDED: One of the five Hydro2050 units installed around Lake Albert as part of the trial to manage blue green algae.
Council
CARING: Cemetery Administration Officer
Janette Cabot, Director Infrastructure Services and Cemetery Business Support Officer Annie Geale.