New equine additions to the farmyard at our Zoo & Aviary

MP, Hunter Academy of Sport Chief Executive Officer Brett O’Farrell, Southern Sports Academy athletes Emily McPherson, Lucas Matthews, and Ella Rey, along with Wagga Wagga Mayor Cr Dallas Tout and Southern Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer Mark Calverley.

Academy Games ready to return to Wagga Wagga

The 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games will officially roll into Wagga Wagga next week, featuring the emerging talent of 1300 athletes from all 11 Regional Academies of Sport across NSW.

It is the second time the Southern Sports Academy has hosted the threeday youth sporting event in our city, with the action kicking off on Friday 21 April and running through to Sunday 23 April at various local venues.

Southern Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer Mark Calverley said the organisation was excited to build on the success of last year’s games.

“With the new PCYC available for basketball, and the opportunity to host basketball, volleyball, and triathlon all within the Bolton Park precinct, we can showcase some of the state's best athletes in the centre of Wagga Wagga,” Mr Calverley said.

The free and fun activities for children and young people continue into the second week of the school holidays at various Wagga Wagga City Council facilities, with the arrival of two miniature ponies at the Botanic Gardens Zoo & Aviary among the highlights.

Teddy, around six years old, and Miley, 12, joined the animals in the farmyard during the Easter break.

Zoo Curator Wendy McNamara said the ponies were much-loved family pets whose owners asked if the zoo would take over their care because she knew they would be “going to a good home where they would be well looked after”.

“They’re super cute and have really friendly personalities and have been loving all the extra attention they’ve been getting since they arrived here,” Ms McNamara said.

“We took them for a walk up near the café and playground and they were a big hit for the kids there.

“The ponies are only hip-high so they’re not quite big enough for pony rides, but they love to get lots of pats.”

Teddy and Miley are now part of the meet and greet sessions held each day from 10.30am, giving visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some feathered and furry residents.

“We start with our dingoes Simba, Shadow, Diego and Zeke, along with Arnold the snake then move around the zoo, feeding the emus and deer and visiting the farmyard before heading to the free-flight aviary for some interaction with the birds,” Ms McNamara said.

“We’ll have different animals out and about as much as we can over the school holidays and Wilbur the sheep will be out walking around as well so there will always be something going on through that middle section of the day.”

The Zoo & Aviary is open each day of the holidays from 9am to 4pm, with last entries at 3.45pm.

Wagga

Wagga Art Gallery’s Jackdaw

Film Series, ‘GreenScreen - Just for Kids’, curated for children of all ages, continues until Friday 21 April, with free screenings at 10.30am from Tuesday to Friday.

Films include The Jungle Book, Rio, Song of the Sea, Blueback and more. Bookings are now available to attend the free school holiday Wagga Wagga Zine Zine - Teen Workshop at the Art Gallery on Friday 21 April. It is designed for 12 to 17-year-olds and runs from 2pm to 4pm. For more information or to book your spot at these activities, visit waggaartgallery.com.au/whats-on

The Games generate an estimated 6228 bed stays in the region annually, with a total economic tourism value of more than $1.9 million.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout welcomes the return of the Games to the ‘City of Good Sports’.

“To the athletes, families, supporters, and friends coming along to the Games, enjoy your sports, have a great time doing that, but also get out and see our city and region,” Cr Tout said.

Wagga residents and motorists are advised there will be changed traffic conditions in Morgan Street near the Oasis Aquatic Centre during the cycling leg of the triathlon event at the Games. The westbound lanes will be closed between Tarcutta Street and Fitzhardinge Street from 6.30am12pm on Saturday 22 April and 7am –11am on Sunday 23 April.

Detours will be in place.

Still time to apply for Annual Grants funding

Community organisations, groups and individuals have just two weeks to submit their applications for a share in more than $202,000 available in this year’s Annual Grants Program.

Those who have a project, event or great idea for the local community are being encouraged to put together a submission and apply for funding.

Wagga Wagga City Council's 2023/24 program consists of 10 categories, with applications due to close on Monday 1 May 2023 at 11.59pm.

The categories are: Community Programs and Projects, Recreational and Community Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Environment, Youth Programs and Projects, and Small Business. Manager Community Services