Nominate a community champion for the 2026 Australia Day Awards
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EXCITING OPPORTUNITY: Acting Destination and Events Coordinator Cassandra Farquharson, Owner of ‘The Brew’ Kim Wilson, and Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Georgie Davies discuss Council’s new Agritourism and Hospitality Capacity Building Program.
Amy McDonnell are encouraging people to make a nomination. Funding boost for agritourism and hospitality
Do you know someone who is an unsung hero or a positive community role model in our community?
Now is your chance to help celebrate our local champions by submitting a nomination for Wagga Wagga’s 2026 Australia Day Awards, which are open until Sunday 23 November 2025.
There are five award categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Citizen of the Year, Ted Ryder Sports Memorial Award and Walk of Honour.
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Events Officer Amy McDonnell says the awards recognise and celebrate individuals who make outstanding contributions to the Wagga Wagga community.
“We have such a generous community of volunteers who give their time and energy to support a wide range of organisations, events and initiatives here in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area,” Ms McDonnell said.
“The award categories aim to recognise the achievements of local citizens – from young leaders to those paving the way for environmental sustainability, sporting legends and hard-working volunteers.
Each year we see all kinds of incredible people nominated that make a difference.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to
celebrate the good that happens in our community and to acknowledge those who consistently give back to the place we call home.”
Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Georgie Davies encouraged the community to get involved.
“It’s a chance to reward and showcase the outstanding service, time, and commitment our unsung heroes provide the wider community,” Cr Davies said.
“We want to make sure their stories are told, and their efforts are recognised.”
Australia Day Community Committee
Chair Mark Wetteland is encouraging our community to nominate someone who deserves recognition and says the process to nominate is quick and easy.
“It’s a great opportunity to recognise people within our community,” Mr Wetteland said.
“It’s important that if you know a deserving nominee, that you to fill out a nomination form, which can be completed online or submitted via hard copy at Council’s Customer Service Desk located in the Civic Centre.”
To submit a nomination online, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/australiaday
Alongside the awards, Council is also
inviting local students to showcase their singing skills; budding young singers are encouraged to audition to perform our National Anthem at the Australia Day Awards ceremony and the Australia Day community event.
Local primary school principals and music teachers are being encouraged to nominate students via email for the competition by midnight, Wednesday 10 September 2025.
For further information about the awards or to nominate a student for the National Anthem Competition, please contact australiaday@wagga.nsw.gov.
WAGGA THANKS YOU: Citizen of the Year Greg ‘Johno’ Johnson and Young Citizen of the Year Haylee Burkinshaw were two of the Wagga Wagga champions celebrated and thanked in 2025.
Council has welcomed $382,428 in grant funding from the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to deliver a new Agritourism and Hospitality Capacity Building Program.
The two-year program will strengthen the capabilities of agritourism and hospitality businesses in Wagga Wagga and the surrounding region, as well as upskill locals seeking employment in these sectors.
Planned activities include agritourism and hospitality masterclasses, oneon-one business mentorship, industry familiarisation trips and trade event participation, front-of-house skills-based training such as barista training, wine service and bushfood education, and HR advisory services to support staff attraction and retention.
Wagga Wagga's Deputy Mayor Cr Georgie Davies said the funding is a win for the city and wider region.
“This is great news for our city, and in particular our agritourism and hospitality operators and their staff who will directly benefit from this innovative program” Cr Davies said.
“As a result of the funding, Council will be able to deliver vital training, mentorship and support to help strengthen and expand our hospitality and agritourism sectors.”
Acting Destination and Events Coordinator Cassandra Farquharson said the program was designed in response to feedback from industry.
“Wagga Wagga is home to many emerging and experienced agritourism and hospitality businesses that are strengthening the region’s reputation as a culinary destination from paddock to plate,” Ms Farquharson said.
“We heard very clearly from these businesses that workforce shortages and training opportunities are amongst their biggest challenges.”
The Agritourism and Hospitality Capacity Building Program will launch later this year.
Deputy Mayor Cr Georgie Davies, Australia Day Community Committee
Chair Mark Wetteland, and Events Officer
FUN LEARNING: Our library Storytime sessions are a fun way for kids to learn, even better when they are outside with our wonderful Agile Library Van. The Springsafe Storytime sessions will be held at the Riverside Precinct.
Spring into Safety with Storytime at the Riverside precinct
Wagga Wagga City Library is helping local families enjoy a safe and happy spring season by hosting a special Spring Safe Storytime event on Wednesday 10 and Friday 12 September.
The Wagga Wagga Agile Library will be parked at the Riverside Precinct near the Adventure Playground from 10.30am11.30am for this special Storytime session.
CREATIVE ARTISTS: Council’s Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood, performer Khairi Shengali from the local Yazidis community, and Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga Community Development Officer Thom Paton reveal the line-up for this year’s FUSION BOTANICAL.
FUSION BOTANICAL
multicultural festival line-up revealed
From culture to cuisine, there is so much to be enjoyed at the city’s sprawling Botanic Gardens Precinct at the FUSION BOTANICAL multicultural festival on Saturday 18 October.
An incredible line-up of contemporary performers awaits FUSION BOTANICAL audiences, headlined by Artist of the Year at the 2025 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) Emily Wurramara, along with support acts Owelu Dreamhouse and Munasib B2B Ijale DJ Set.
Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes said these unique Australian artists will bring an eclectic mix of beats and genres to the Brolga Pond Stage, kicking off at 4pm.
The event is part of the National Spring Safe Campaign, a partnership between Kids Alive – Do the Five, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), and the Australian Public Library Alliance (APLA).
Spring Safe Storytime aims to raise awareness of water safety in preparation for warmer weather. More than 700 organisations across the country, including Wagga Wagga City Library, will host free, fun and educational Storytime sessions aimed at keeping children safe in and around water.
Council’s Library Services Manager
Christine Bolton says this free, familyfriendly event will feature spring-themed stories, songs, and safety tips designed to spark conversations at home.
“During spring and summer, it's so important to take a few easy steps to prevent accidents and injuries around water," Ms Bolton said.
“At this special Storytime event, we will be joined by one of our friendly lifeguards from the Oasis Aquatic Centre to discuss water safety and opportunities for young children to learn to swim in the area.
“Our Storytime sessions are a popular family activity and a great way for us to share this important message.
“After the session families can access the Agile Library van to browse and borrow books just like our regular Storytime sessions.”
Founder of Kids Alive Laurie Lawrence said stories were a proven way to make
“FUSION BOTANICAL has grown to be one of the city’s biggest outdoor events, with thousands of residents and visitors from across the Riverina region and beyond soaking up sights, scents and sounds from around the world,” Ms Summerhayes said.
“We’ve curated an exciting and eclectic line-up with some of the country’s most creative and talented artists.”
Along with the headline and support acts, the festival will feature a mix of other entertainment, from dance workshops and interactive roving performances to folktales told in the oral storytelling tradition and a large-scale temporary public art project.
The much-loved World Food Village will have more than 20 traditional street food and drink vendors operating in the garden precinct.
“Try authentic street food, soak up the festival atmosphere and dance to upbeat culturally diverse live music and DJ set,” Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga’s CEO Belinda Crain said.
FUSION BOTANICAL is presented and funded by Wagga Wagga City Council and supported by cultural partner the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga.
In 2025, Council is the beneficiary of $125,000 2024/2025 Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grant, courtesy of Multicultural NSW.
This one-off grant has funded increased event traffic control management, national headline and support acts, and developed a multicultural media promotional campaign for the 2025 FUSION BOTANICAL festival.
To discover more about this year’s festival, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/fusion
safety messages stick.
“Reading together helps children and their parents learn about water safety,”
Mr Lawrence said.
“Parents are reminded about the importance of active supervision, and children learn they must always swim with an adult. It also encourages families to enrol kids in swimming lessons, check for water hazards around the home, and learn CPR.”
CEO of ALIA Cathie Warburton added that libraries were perfectly placed to deliver the program.
“Libraries are trusted and welcoming spaces where children can learn and explore. Hosting water safety–themed storytimes allows us to inspire a love of reading while giving families information that will help keep children safe,” Ms Warburton said.
No bookings are required for this event. All you need to do is bring a picnic rug and turn-up ready to sing and dance!
For more details visit: waggalibrary. com.au/whats-on
Spring Safe Storytime
When: Wednesday 10 September and Friday 12 September at 10.30am-11.30am
Where: Riverside Precinct, Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga
Road closures
CHANG AVENUE
Roads: Chang Ave, Lloyd (Off Barton Ave).
Date: Tuesday 9 September to Friday 12 September 2025 (weather permitting).
Duration: Road closure weekdays 7am to 4pm.
Reason: Reseal preparation works. Detour: As per signage. Access will be maintained for residents where possible.
ROAD CLOSURE - CROSS ST (BETWEEN TARCUTTA & CHURCH STREETS)
Roads: Cross St (Between Tarcutta & Church St)
Date: .Monday 8 September to Friday 12 September 2025 (weather permitting).
Duration: Road Closed - 24 Hours until work completion.
Reason: Sewer Main Works. Detour: Entry - Johnston Street. Cross Street will be closed during the works and will be under traffic control to allow residents to access properties where possible.
AMENDMENT TO WAGGA WAGGA LEP 2010 92 COORAMIN ST, CARTRIGHTS HILL – AMENDMENT NO. LEP24/0001
Land Description: Lot 10, DP1247474 - 92 Cooramin Street, Cartwrights Hill (Riverina Paceway).
Aim: Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of Planning Proposal LEP24/0001 to amend the Wagga Wagga LEP 2010 and invites submissions from the public. The planning proposal seeks to amend Schedule 1 (additional permitted uses) to include "function centre" as an additional permitted land use.
Exhibition period: Monday 15 September to Friday 24 October 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).
11 SEP, 7PM – 9PM North Shore Studio, 57 William St. Infusion Games Trivia and Karaoke THU 11 SEP, 8:30PM
The Victoria Hotel, 55 Baylis St. Wagga Wagga Show FRI 12 & SAT 13 SEP, 9AM – 9PM Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. Scan or head to visitwagga.com for more events in Wagga Wagga + Surrounds.
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