Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Entries closing soon for all ages Art Competition
WAGGA ART: Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest with some of the entries for the Wagga Wagga 2050 Art Competition which coincides with community consultation for the Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan (CSP).
Council to Partner with Wollundry Rotary on Playground Shade Initiative
Wagga Wagga City Council and Wollundry Rotary have teamed up for a new project, as Council has accepted a $25,000 donation from the local Rotary branch, which will be used to enhance the Victory Memorial Gardens playground.
The donation, raised through the Gears and Beers Festival, will be used to fund the installation of a shade sail, signage, and new seating.
Ben Creighton, Manager City Growth & Regional Assets, expressed satisfaction with the donation and noted the upgrade will benefit families and visitors to the precinct, enhancing their experience just in time for this year's festival and providing long-term improvements.
"Once completed, families visiting
the Gardens can expect a cooler, more enjoyable play experience with the addition of increased shade and seating for playground users and carers,” Mr Creighton said.
The signage will acknowledge the donation and festival, as well as the successful partnership between Council and Wollundry Rotary. Council will manage the project and provide ongoing maintenance to ensure safety and quality.
John Sidgwick, Director Regional Activation, echoed Mr Creighton's sentiments, stating “this initiative underscores the positive impact that collaboration between community organisations and local government can have on enhancing public spaces for the benefit of all.”
Phillip McIntosh, Past President of Wollundry Rotary Club and Chair of the Gears and Beers Festival, expressed the club's excitement for the partnership and its commitment to projects that benefit the community and promote the region.
“Core to our Rotary values has always been investing in projects that both serve the public good and promote the many wonderful things Wagga Wagga and the Riverina have to offer locals and
visitors to the area,” Mr McIntosh said. While the Victory Memorial Playground was not initially designated for a shade sail, its popularity and proximity to the festival grounds made it a fitting location. This upgrade aligns with Council's goal to increase shade in playgrounds citywide. The installation is expected to be completed by the end of June 2024.
Entries closing soon for all ages Art Competition
The Wagga Wagga 2050 Art Competition closes on 26 April and residents of all ages are encouraged to enter to be in the running for some locally inspired prizes worth a total of $2,000.
The Wagga Wagga 2050 Art Competition is being held in conjunction with community consultation for Wagga Wagga City Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2050 which sets out the long-term vision, aspirations and priorities for our local government area.
Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest said residents are invited to show us what they love most about our city and villages through art.
“There is only a short time left to enter the Wagga Wagga 2050 Art Competition which closes Friday 26 April 2024,” Ms Priest said.
“It’s simple to enter; download an entry form or pick one up from one of our pop-up stalls or from Customer Service at the Civic Centre,” Ms Priest said.
“Draw or paint a picture of what you love about Wagga Wagga and surrounds and upload it to our website where others can view your artwork.”
There are five age categories: 5 years and under, 6-9 years, 10-13 years, 14-17 years, and 18 years and over.
Each age category will have three prizes: a $250 voucher will be awarded for first prize, a $100 voucher for second prize, and a $50 voucher for third prize. Winners have the choice of which local business the voucher can be used, including Oasis Aquatic Centre, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, The Wagga Wagga Shop, or a Shop Local Gift Card. Entries can be submitted online, dropped off or posted to the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre.
Winners will be announced Tuesday 30 April 2024.
For more information and to enter visit the haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ csp2050
SOLAR SAVINGS: The Wagga Wagga community can now easily access information on solar with the launch of new State Government resources.
MOR FUN: Museum Education and Public Programs Officer Angus CawdellSmith has organised fun activities for the school holidays at MoR.
Renewable energy opportunities for our community Autumn School Holidays programming at the Museum
Switching to solar is now a lot easier for the Wagga Wagga community with new, ready-to-use tools available in our local area.
On top of existing resources such as the SunSPOT tool which gives a personalised estimate on the cost and savings of installing solar panels to your home or business, there is now a free online Solar Consumer Guide which Council is encouraging residents to use.
Net Zero Emissions Project Officer
Hemendra Chaudhary said the tool, introduced by the Australian Government, is designed to assist households and businesses in maximizing the benefits of solar and batteries.
“The guide will present a comprehensive breakdown about rooftop solar to the Wagga Wagga community, including both households and small businesses,” Mr Chaudhary said.
“The key objective of the guide is to assist consumers in selecting the most suitable rooftop solar system for their requirements and to make informed decisions with confidence.”
More details can be found at energy. gov.au/solar
“It’s definitely worth checking out the guide for anybody who is interested in solar. Combined with the SunSPOT tool that is featured in the guide, transitioning to renewable energy has never been easier,” Mr Chaudhary said.
“The free SunSPOT tool allows residents to check the suitability of their rooftop and find out what they might save if they install solar in their homes.
“There is also a Community Helpdesk provided by Council at the Wagga Wagga City Library on Tuesdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Bookings are essential, but the service is free for anyone wanting a guided walkthrough on how to use available solar resources.”
You can register for a helpdesk session by calling 1300 292 442 or booking online via events.humanitix.com/ sunspot-community-help-desk
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
The Museum of the Riverina at the Botanic Gardens site is running a series of free and affordable activities and workshops this autumn school holidays.
Themed around the beautiful local bird life on Willans Hill, there’s something for everyone.
A range of daily free drop-in activities will be available including Bird Origami, Bird of the Year Colouring In and the ever-popular Nintendo Wii Sporting Hall of Fame challenge.
Alongside these free activities there will be a series of affordable workshops led by local artists including mug decorating, tote bag decorating, bird watching, painting workshops and needle felting workshops.
The museum will also be working with the Wagga Wagga Society of Model Engineers to open the Museum Station of the Willans Hill Miniature Railway on Sunday 21 April with visitors boarding the train at the Botanic Gardens Station, disembarking at the Museum Station and then catching a return ride after a visit to the Museum.
“We’re excited to welcome the public to the Museum this school holidays”, said Museum Education and Public Programs Officer Angus Cawdell-Smith.
“We’re thrilled to be offering a range of free and affordable activities to our visitors, so that everyone can get involved in the holiday fun.”
The museum will also be providing free water, sunscreen and icy poles to help visitors be sun smart and stay hydrated.
Museum Manager Luke Grealy said “we hope this school holidays will be just as successful as our summer holiday program was.”
“We are looking forward to working with our presenting partners to bring fun, unique and high-quality experiences to the Museum for our visitors enjoy.” Visit museumriverina.com.au
Share your ideas for the future of Wagga Wagga + surrounds
We are holding pop-up information stalls to collect community feedback on two important Council plans.
The two campaigns currently available for public feedback, are the Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan and the Wagga Wagga CBD Masterplan These plans are designed to help guide the future of our local area towards growth and success.
Upcoming pop-up information stalls: Come out and share your ideas!
Monday 15 April
Mangoplah Hall | 4pm – 6pm
CBD Masterplan
Tuesday 16 April
Tarcutta Memorial Hall | 10am – 11am
Community Strategic Plan
Uranquinty Community Hall | 6pm – 8pm
CBD Masterplan
Wednesday 17 April
Ability Gateway Wagga Wagga | 10am – 11am
Community Strategic Plan
Forest Hill Oval | 3pm – 5pm
Community Strategic Plan
Humula Citizens Sports Club | 6pm – 8pm
CBD Masterplan
Friday 19 April
Uranquinty Hall | 10am – 11am
Community Strategic Plan
Saturday 20 April
Tarcutta Memorial Hall | 8am – 1pm
CBD Masterplan
The best way to stay updated on session times is via Council’s Have Your Say website, and the City of Wagga Wagga socials.
Join the conversation: haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
The adoption cost for Sarge is $276 and includes: microchip, lifetime registration, desexing, vaccination, heartworm test, flea and worming treatment and ID tag (Impound no D24/0130).
Vacancies
Communications and Engagement Officer
Remuneration: $3,136.26 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 14 April 2024
Vegetation Management Officer
Remuneration: $2,310.74 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 21 April 2024
Road Reserve Development Approvals Officer
Remuneration: $2,526.26 gpf + super
Closing: Monday, 22 April 2024
Labourer (Gregadoo Waste Management Centre)
Remuneration: $2,045.38 gpf + super
Closing: Monday, 22 April 2024
Patching Plant & Truck Operator – Two Positions Available
Remuneration: $2,310.74 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 28 April 2024
Plant Operator – Bobcat
Remuneration: $2,263.38 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 28 April 2024
Plant Operator – Grader
Remuneration: $2,422.82 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 28 April 2024
Maintenance Worker –Concreting
Remuneration: $2,088.00 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 28 April 2024
Learning and Development Officer
Remuneration: $3,136.26 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 5 May 2024
Enquiries: 1300 292 442 To learn more or apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs