INSIDE: UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN BOTANIC GARDENS + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 11 MAY 2019
Issue No: 244
Weekly information from us to you SUCCESS: Wagga Wagga and McDonald's Park have been praised after thousands of footy fans flocked to the RaidersPanthers game on 4 May.
Thousands flock to NRL game in Wagga Months of planning and work behind the scenes paid off with 10,079 people filling McDonald’s Park to see the Canberra Raiders down the Penrith Panthers 30-12 on Saturday 4 May. The NRL premiership game was the first as part of a two-year partnership between Wagga Wagga City Council and the Raiders, with the option for a third year.
The huge crowd was just shy of the ground’s current capacity of 10,300 and well above the 9127 footy fans who watched CityCountry Origin in 2015. “The playing surface, amenities, the city and our community all received praise from players, coaches and visitors alike,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said. “The city was absolutely buzzing with the NRL game following the Gold Cup Carnival. Major events like these have a significant impact on our economy, bringing more people to our city and showcasing what we have to offer as a destination. “I would like to thank everyone who made this successful event possible, including Council
staff, the Canberra Raiders, NRL, Destination NSW and Wagga Wagga Rugby League, who put in many hours of work to deliver upgrades at McDonald’s Park in time for the game.” Council received in excess of $400,000 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund to construct female change facilities at McDonald’s Park and to expand the spectator seating. Wagga Wagga Rugby League was the driving force behind delivering the projects, along with moving the canteens on the eastern side and other improvements across McDonald’s Park. The ground and the city reaped high praise from Canberra Raiders
CEO Don Furner, who said the club is already looking toward the 2020 game. “The entire Raiders organisation encompassing our board members, staff and players sincerely pass on thanks to Mayor Greg Conkey, his Councillor colleagues, Wagga Wagga City Council staff and the broader community for their hospitality and support during our recent regional stay,” Mr Furner said. “We look forward to returning in season 2020 to play another official NRL fixture in your city, one we are confident will surpass this year’s initial venture in terms of providing benefit and inspiration across the Riverina.” In addition to developing McDonald’s Park and putting
Weekly waste tip Household batteries and light globes contain hazardous materials. These items can be disposed of for free through the Community Recycling Station, Civic Centre, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets.
Wagga Wagga in the national spotlight, the Raiders partnership saw workshops delivered in five schools on respectful relationships by former player Alan Tongue and fundraising at the game for the PCYC. Rugby league locally was also given a boost, with four local junior rugby league teams playing at halftime of the NRL game and Raiders players stopping by the Mortimer Shield interschool gala day. The NRL match also proved to be a historic occasion, with the Raiders performing the Viking Clap for the first time outside of Canberra – led by Wagga Wagga local and former NRL player David Barnhill, who also had the honour of blowing the iconic Viking Horn.