Council News Issue No: 175
CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER 2017
Weekly information from us to you
The Museum of the Riverina is compiling a brochure to highlight the history of the Botanic Gardens for distribution during the 50th anniversary year. In addition to the brochure,
the Museum is also asking residents to share memories and local stories they have of special occasions or events and gathering shared at the gardens for future publications. If you have photographs from the early days of the gardens or special memories and stories to share, please contact Regional Museums Officer Sam Leah on 6926 9658 or email leah.sam@wagga.nsw.gov.au.
GARDEN PARTY: Botanic Gardens Supervisor Horticulture Henry Pavitt and Friends of the Botanic Gardens president/secretary Irene Toal are ready to celebrate the gardens’ 50th anniversary in 2018. INSET: Council gardeners planted special "50" gardens to celebrate the official opening of the anniversary celebrations.
Golden year for Botanic Gardens One of the city’s iconic and much-loved landmarks will be in full bloom in 2018.
The Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens turns 50 next year and a schedule of events is being prepared to mark the milestone anniversary. Residents and visitors are invited to stop and smell the roses and join in the celebrations throughout the year. The calendar of events so far includes a family-friendly Easter celebration, elegant high tea and special garden party to honour the official opening of the Botanic Gardens on 24 August, 1968. A number of improvements will also be
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WAGGA SHOP V I S I TO R I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E 1 8 3 TA R C U T TA S T R E E T WA G G A WA G G A 1300 100 122
carried out at the gardens throughout the year, including a $20,000 refurbishment of the Shakespearian Garden. “There would not be many locals or visitors who haven’t paid the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens a visit,” Supervisor Horticulture Henry Pavitt said. “Many, many memories have been shared in these gardens over the decades, from family get-togethers, to outings on the model railway and zoo and aviary and Christmas carols sung at the music bowl. “This social history and how the gardens have shaped Wagga Wagga over the years is what we will be celebrating and commemorating during the 50th year since the official opening.” The many people who have worked
• Ready-made and custom hampers • Local produce and gifts • Regional wine, beer and cider
tirelessly behind the scenes to contribute to the gardens, both past and present workers, volunteers and community groups, will also be celebrated. “There will be nods to Tom Woods Senior and his son Tom Woods Junior, who were both influential in the creation of the gardens,” Mr Pavitt said. “We will also say thanks to many others who have contributed over the years, including Kerry Geale, Council’s former Head of Parks and Gardens in the 1980’s, and, Stephen ‘Jock’ Walden, who this year marked 30 years as a horticulturist with Council. “Both men helped establish the Botanic Gardens' Camellia Garden – which acknowledges Wagga Wagga’s sister city
relationship with Kunming in China.” President/secretary of the Friends of the Botanic Gardens Irene Toal said the 50th year was a chance for the community to celebrate and maybe even consider giving back to the gardens. “We are so lucky to have such a beautiful, natural attraction right on our doorstep,” Mrs Toal said. “A lot of time and assistance is needed to maintain the upkeep of all the elements of the garden. The Friends is one group that raises funds through donations to help with this upkeep and new projects, and we are always looking out for new members.” If you would like to join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens Contact Irene Toal on 0412 992 647.