Giving rescue animals a second chance
THE GOOD-EST BOY: A rescue animal from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter could
Supervisor Julie McPhail with two-year old Austin who is looking for his fur-ever home.
Choose the adoption option if you’re looking for a pet.
The best place to get a family pet this Christmas is from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter where many beautiful cats and dogs are eagerly waiting to find their forever home.
While it’s a joyful experience, it’s important to keep in mind that getting a pet is also a lifelong commitment.
Animal Welfare Supervisor Julie McPhail said there are many benefits to choosing adoption when it comes to getting a new house pet.
“If you get a cat or dog from us, it gets a lifetime registration,” Ms McPhail said.
“In addition, the adoption fee covers the pet’s desexing, first vaccination, lifetime microchipping, deworming, ID tag, and heartworm testing for dogs or FIV testing for cats.
“Additionally, it’s important that the decision to get a pet is made by the whole household, and that everyone is ready for the responsibility of owning a pet.”
It is a responsibility, Ms McPhail said, that is repaid by the enjoyment and companionship a new animal friend can provide.
“We really urge the community to consider giving a rescue animal a second chance. Many of our animals here have had a rough start in life, but
it does not stop them from still having so much to give.
“With the ones that are no longer kittens or puppies, you’re likely to have a much better idea of what their personality and behaviour is going to be like.
“Indeed, there’s a very good chance that your next best friend is waiting here for those who are willing and able to put
in the time and commitment.”
Glenfield Road Animal Shelter is open from 1pm – 4pm, Monday to Friday, over the Christmas period (excluding public holidays), and 1pm – 4:15pm Monday to Saturday during the rest of the year.
Visit our website to see cats and dogs currently available for adoption at the shelter: wagga.nsw.gov.au/findapet
Get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Wagga Wagga at a free community event at Lake Albert, which will culminate with a spectacular on-water fireworks display.
Council is hosting the family-friendly event at Apex Park, Lake Albert, from 6.30pm on Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Destination & Events Coordinator Kimberly Parker says residents from the city and surrounding communities are invited to join in the celebrations.
“It will be great way for families and friends to get together to say farewell to 2024 and welcome in 2025,” Ms Parker said.
“It’s a beautiful spot to sit back in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere and enjoy good company, good food and a great fireworks display.
“This year we are anticipating between 10,000-12,000 people will flock to the lake for the event, so we’re encouraging those planning to attend to head down early.
“Find a spot along the foreshore of the lake to set up your camp chairs or picnic rug and then settle in and enjoy a family evening.
“You can bring along a picnic to share with friends and family, and there will also be a range of local food vendors located at Apex Park offering a range of delicious, sweet treats, small snacks and refreshments throughout the evening.”
The evening will conclude with a 15-minute fireworks display at 9.30pm.
There will be changed traffic conditions on Eastlake Drive, Lakeside Drive and Lansdowne Avenue for the event. Detours and traffic management will be in place.
“For those planning to drive to the event, remember to allow extra travel time to take those traffic changes into account and to find parking,” Ms Parker said.
For more information, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/nye
GIVING CHILDREN LIFE SAVING SKILLS: Council’s
Aquatic Centre Marc Geppert and Royal Life Saving NSW
Smith say Outback Lifesavers gives children greater skills
Council is proud to present KOORINGAL KICKS AND TRICKS, a youth and families community event, thanks to funding from the NSW Government as part of the Holiday Break Program for Summer 2024/2025.
Kicking off at 2pm on Thursday 30 January 2025 at Henwood Park in Kooringal, there will be a multi-heat skate competition for young people aged 10 to 25 years, presented by Al’s Skate Co. Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer Mel Fattore said there are loads of prizes to be won.
“Alongside the competition, young people, their friends, family and circle of care will have the opportunity to engage with valuable youth services based in Wagga Wagga along with fun and exciting activities like weaving, handball competitions, 3x3 basketball and giant lawn games,” Mel Fattore said.
“When the epic skate competition wraps up at 7pm, everyone is invited to stay around for a free family-friendly outdoor movie in partnership with Rural Outreach Counselling.”
Community partners Rapid Relief Team Wagga, St Vincent de Paul Riverina and The Smith Family, along with NSW Youth Justice, will be providing services such as free haircuts on the day, muchneeded school resources and free food.
“We’ll have everything there for you. Just bring a hat, sunscreen and positive vibes,” Mel said.
“Bring your friends and family to enjoy this community event in Kooringal. This is a great chance to chill out and have fun before the new school, TAFE or university year kicks off. Everyone is welcome.”
For more information including workshops and skate competition, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ kooringalkickstricks
understanding of safety around inland waterways.
Outback Lifesavers returns in 2025
Registrations are now open for Outback Lifesavers 2025, the popular water safety program for young people.
Back for its fifth consecutive season, Outback Lifesavers teaches children aged 6-12 years how to be water-wise and rescue-ready.
It will be held at Oasis Aquatic Centre from Monday 20 January to Friday 24 January 2025, with one-hour sessions held each weekday morning between 9am and 10am.
Council’s Oasis Aquatics Supervisor Sonya Dalgliesh said the program is a partnership between Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW.
“It’s designed to provide children with greater skills and understanding of safety around water, particularly inland waterways – plus it’s a whole lot of fun!”
Ms Dalgliesh said.
“All the activities will be held in the outdoor pool to simulate the risk of open waterways, and they’re facilitated by swim teachers and lifeguards to ensure the safety and protection of children in the program.
“It’s essential we teach our local kids how to have fun in the local water ways and have the skills to rescue and identify risk.”
Royal Life Saving NSW Riverina Manager Verity Smith said the program involves games and activities to help children develop their skills and understanding of safety around water.
“We want participants to learn how to identify dangers when swimming with
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friends, and to pass on that knowledge to build a future generation of community lifesavers,” Ms Smith said.
Each participant will be assessed on their swimming skills and placed into groups according to ability, ensuring the program accommodates various skill levels and each participant feels comfortable and supported.
“We want the young members of our community to enjoy a safety-first summer,” Ms Smith said.
A broader water safety message is echoed by Council as the hot days of summer start to take hold across the Wagga Wagga region.
Council’s Recreation Coordinator Josh Walsh said he wanted everyone to enjoy the city’s wonderful water resources –from the magnificent Murrumbidgee to the Oasis Aquatic Centre – but to please be careful around water, especially when swimming or boating at the Murrumbidgee River.
“The river can be cold and the current fast, and there might be many hidden dangers like submerged branches," Mr Walsh said.
“We urge residents and visitors alike to check conditions before entering the water, and to wear a lifejacket if using watercraft.”
Mr Walsh said life-saving equipment is available to the public, including life rings at Wagga Beach and The Rocks, and a defibrillator (AED) at the beach.
For more information about Outback Lifesavers 2025 and to register visit oasiswagga.com.au/programs/ outback-lifesavers
For more information about water safety, visit: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ riversafety
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