Council News Issue #495 - 11 May 2024

Wagga

Wagga City Council weekly newsletter

Oasis Aquatic Centre receives high score for safety

OASIS: Lifeguard Kadee Gerhard-Scali and Manager Oasis Regional Aquatic

which has recently passed a safety audit with flying colours.

traditional playground equipment, such as swings and slides, along with a picnic shelter and table setting as well as featuring bespoke elements.

“We won’t be putting in fencing or shade sails, but we will plant trees around the playground as a component of the project.”

Wagga Wagga City Council is planning to install a new playground and fitness equipment at Gobbagombalin and is asking the community to vote for their favourite design.

There are four designs for residents to choose from for the new playground, which will be located at the western end of Harris Road parkland.

Works and Playground Officer John Conlan said voting is now open online.

“We want local residents’ help in deciding which playground design is best for their neighbourhood,” Mr Conlan said.

“Playground designs encourage play between younger and older children and incorporate exciting features that will add extra appeal to the area.

“The four options all include Saturday 11 May 2024 |

Oasis Aquatic Centre has received high scores during its recent Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment conducted by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA).

The Oasis, located within Wagga Wagga’s CBD, achieved an overall safety rating of 96 per cent during the audit, receiving the highest score possible for items including first aid, supervision, and general safety of the swimming pools.

It also received a 99 per cent 5 Star Water Safety Partner Accreditation rating that requires aquatic facilities to pass a rigorous 40-point aquatic safety checklist pertaining to best practice standards and legislative requirements.

Manager Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre Marc Geppert is pleased with the result of the safety audit as it is something the staff have been working toward.

“RLSSA has introduced the Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment (AFSA) that provides operators, such as Wagga Wagga City Council, the means to assess their organisation's current safety and risk management systems and practices,” Mr Geppert said.

“It is measured against the RLSSA Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation, NSW Government legislation, regulations, acts, codes of practice, Australian standards and other relevant guidelines.

“This provides our staff with practical tools to ensure we are providing a safe environment for our patrons whilst maintaining best practice measures for aquatic centres.

“It’s a great way for us to set goals internally and continue to strive for improvement each year.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the ratings of 96 per cent and 99 per cent and the Oasis team should be incredibly proud.”

The Oasis Aquatic Centre is a major regional aquatic facility that attracts state and regional competitions and draws visitors to Wagga Wagga each year.

Fitness equipment will also be installed close to the new playground and a concrete path constructed to provide improved access from Muttama Parade.

“Community input is an important part of Council’s playground improvement process,” Mr Conlan said.

“We recently finished installing new playgrounds at Gissing Oval in Turvey Park and John Street in Kooringal.

“The designs for these playgrounds were chosen by residents through our online voting process.

“Now it’s the Gobbagombalin community’s chance to have their say on what will be installed in their neighbourhood.”

Residents can vote for their favourite option for the Harris Road playground by visiting haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov. au/playgrounds and following the links.

Voting closes at 9pm on Sunday 26 May 2024.

It features indoor and outdoor pools, provides programs for children and adults, and has accessibility features such as ramps, stairs with handrails and a portable transfer chair hoist.

The high safety ratings achieved through the Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment demonstrates the dedication of the Oasis staff and Wagga Wagga City Council to provide a safe and healthy facility for the community.

For more information about the Oasis Aquatic Centre’s facilities and programs visit oasiswagga.com

SAFE

Centre Marc Geppert at the Oasis Aquatic Centre

Community

Council encourages a leafy clean-up made easier with green bins

While Autumn is considered one of the most scenic times of year to be out and about in Wagga Wagga, it’s also the season of the cleanup, with large amounts of fallen leaves across the city to be regularly disposed of in the coming months.

Events & Tourism

Council’s Visitor Economy and Events team are encouraging local entrepreneurs and business owners to attend the upcoming finance workshop for small business on Thursday 16 May.

The evening will feature special guest speaker Victoria Devine, creator and host of She’s on the Money, Australia’s number one money podcast.

The workshop is being delivered as part of the Wagga Wagga Tourism Partner Program - In Conversation workshop series, developed for members of the 2023/24 Wagga Wagga Tourism Partner Program and tourism focused businesses located in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.

Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson said, “the event

But never fear! Green bins are here to provide residents with an effective solution to this pretty but often inconvenient problem.

Street sweepers operate on a regular schedule, managing scattered leaves and keeping streets tidy. However, they aren’t built to dispose of rows or piles of leaves, which can hide additional debris, affecting the machine's ability to clean effectively.

Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins, identifiable by their green lid, are designed for the easy disposal of green waste like fallen leaves and small sticks. They enable residents to manage fallen leaves on or near their property, creating a safer environment for others.

Before bidding farewell to those leaves, consider their potential to play a healthy role in creating a beautiful yard space! They make excellent natural garden mulch by aiding in soil temperature regulation and enriching garden beds ready for Spring.

Director Infrastructure Services Warren

is designed to empower and educate tourism focused business owners with strategies to develop a successful, purposeful and resilient business.”

“With limited spots available, we encourage people to snap up their tickets sooner rather than later. It’s a great opportunity to hear Victoria Devine’s business story.

“She’ll be tackling the big questions about small business, from marketing, to accounting, to HR and beyond.”

The event will be held at the Uneke Warehouse on Thursday 16 May from 5.30pm -7pm.

Tickets are limited to two representatives per tourism focused business or organisation, however additional tickets can be arranged by contacting Council via partners@wagga.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 292 442.

Bookings can be made online at events.humanitix.com/victoria-devinefinance-workshop-for-small-business

Wagga Wagga City Council as the coordinator for ClubGRANTS is now inviting applications for funding towards your local community service needs and priorities.

St. P. 0427 075 600

Groovin In the Playhouse – Bidgee Blues & Roots SAT 11 MAY, 6:30PM – 10PM CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross Street. P. 6926 9688 Robertson Bros 1960s Variety Show SAT 11 MAY, 7.30PM TO 9.30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688

Drag Bingo with Erica D’Hesperus & Rhonda Paradise SAT 11 MAY, 6:30PM – 10PM The Curious Rabbit,

Faulkner noted that Council has the overall cleanliness of streets in mind, including the hire of an additional sweeper to help with the challenge. However, for these sweepers to do their best work, they rely on community cooperation.

“We have regular rosters in place for both bin collection and street sweeping,” Mr. Faulkner said.

“Council looks forward to partnering with residents via the regular use of green bins, to keep our neighbourhoods tidy and beautiful over the coming months.”

Council also encourages residents, where possible, to park their vehicles off the street overnight. This allows street sweepers to efficiently clean the streets early in the morning, ensuring they are clear for the day's traffic.

To find out more, visit epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/ recycling-and-reuse/businessgovernment-recycling/food-organicsand-garden-organics

Nacho, Rhett and Pudding

These three cheeky cats are looking for their furever homes. Nacho, Rhett and Pudding are positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which means it is best for them to be indoor pets in homes without other cats. FIV positive cats enjoy a good quality of life like other cats, they just need a little extra care. The adoption cost is $224, including microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, FIV test, flea and worming treatment and ID tag.

funding categories: • Mental Health

• Prevention and Support of Homelessness

• Domestic and Family Violence

• First Nations Programs

Secondary funding categories include women and family health, childcare services, aged and veteran support services, all abilities programs, disadvantaged young people, transport services for identified social needs, sustainable living and housing.

• Applications open 9am Thursday 1

For enquiries please visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/

44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391

Mother’s Day at Bidgee Strawberries

SUN 12 MAY, 10AM – 4PM 4 Billagha St. P. 0480 311 643

Art Classes with Leigh Hewitt

MON 12 MAY, 6PM – 8PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnson St. P. 6921 5391

Trivia Wednesday –Riverina Hotel WED 15 MAY, 7PM Riverina Hotel, 188 Fitzmaurice St. P. 6921 2222 Musical Bingo at

Tilly’s Wagga WED 15 MAY, 7.30PM Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis St. P. 5925 5305 Riverina Producers Market THU 16 MAY, 1PM – 6.30PM Hammond Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835 RCM Lunchtime Concert THURS 16 MAY, 1PM – 2PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6925 3522

Work in Progress with Greg Pritchard & Scott Howie FRI 17 MAY,

5.30PM – 7.30PM Station Creative Workspace, 54 Johnston St. P. 6921 6890 Grease – Mater Dei Catholic College Musical FRI 17 MAY, 7PM – 9.30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events team: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442. Mon – Fri. /waggaevents visitwagga.com

MONEY MONEY: Visitor Economy Development Officer Cassandra Farquharson with Victoria Devine's books.