Free youth skater workshops are coming in January 2025!
GET YOUR SKATES ON: Wagga Wagga skater Nathaniel Brunt, 6, and his father Matthew, with Council’s Youth Development Officer Melissa Fattore, spread the message about the free Skate Workshops being held ahead of the skate competition at KOORINGAL KICKS & TRICKS later this month.
Wagga Wagga City Council is proud to present free youth skater workshops to coincide with KOORINGAL KICKS AND TRICKS in January 2025, thanks to funding from the NSW Government as part of the Holiday Break Program for Summer 2024/2025.
The free workshops will kick off at 3pm on Wednesday 29 January at Henwood Park, Kooringal.
Presented by Al’s Skate Co., the workshops will feature a wide range of activities for children and young people, including skateboarding, scooter riding, rollerblading, and BMX-ing.
Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer, Mel Fattore said this will be a fun and inclusive opportunity.
“Whether you’re experienced with wheel sports or are looking to learn some clever tricks, these free workshops are the perfect way to level up your skills,” Mel Fattore said.
In addition to the action-packed sessions, Al’s Skate Co. will lead a creative grip tape design activity, showing young people how they can personalise their own skateboards and scooters with unique designs.
“Al’s Skate Co. is offering an experience that combines creativity and skill-building and they will be
returning the following day on Thursday 30 January to host and judge our KOORINGAL KICKS AND TRICKS skate competition, kicking off at 2pm at Henwood Park,” Mel Fattore said.
“The competition will be an exciting showcase of local talent and there will be some great prizes up for grabs.”
Alongside the competition, young people, their friends, family, and circle of care will have the opportunity to engage with valuable local support services, and participate in fun and exciting activities like weaving, handball competitions, 3x3 basketball, and giant lawn games.
At the conclusion of the epic skate competition at 7pm, everyone is invited to stay around for a free family-friendly outdoor movie screening of The Wild Robot (PG) in partnership with Rural Outreach Counselling.
“With the cost of living pressures, Council wants to bring local youth services together to support young people and families returning to the new school year by finishing the school holidays with one last fun, social, and jam-packed giveaway event that is positive and provides much-needed support to our community,” Ms Fattore said.
Community partners Rapid Relief Team Wagga, St Vincent de Paul Riverina, The Smith Family, and NSW Youth Justice will
be providing free haircuts on the day, essential school resources, and free food.
KOORINGAL KICKS AND TRICKS is a youth and community, alcohol and drug-free event, proudly presented and funded by Wagga Wagga City Council, the NSW Government, and Wagga Wagga Community Drug Action Team, with thanks to our community partners Rural Outreach Counselling, Rapid Food Relief, St Vincent de Paul, and The Smith Family.
For more event information and to register for the free youth skater workshops visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ kooringal-kicks-tricks
For further information please contact Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer on 1300 292 442. Works & Projects
Finish line in sight for the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre upgrade
The highly anticipated upgrade of the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre at Jubilee Park is nearing completion, with a majority of key works now finished and preparation well underway to add the final touches.
The state-of-the-art venue promises to be a game-changer for sport in the Riverina, providing a premier venue for athletes of all abilities and hosting events ranging from regional meets to national competitions.
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton said while the project was impacted by a series of weather events in late 2024 the contractor has continued to make steady progress and has recovered a majority of the lost time.
“The track itself is now complete with the remaining works being the final installation of the field event cages, and the completion of the electrical works required for the new sportsground lighting,” Mr Creighton noted.
The project is now due for completion in late February.
While the upgraded site was initially proposed for use during the 2025 NSW Touch Southern Conference carnival, Council has decided, in agreement with organisers and stakeholders, to hold the carnival events on adjoining fields.
“In future there will likely be a crossover between the Bill Jacob site and Touch Carnival events, and we look forward to the first test of this facility being centred on use of the revitalised athletics amenities,” Mr Creighton said. Looking ahead, the new facilities will play a key role in supporting local and community wellbeing by encouraging active recreation, while also attracting athletes and officials from further afield via sports tourism events that will contribute much to the local economy.
Funded by the NSW Government in partnership with Council, the facility is scheduled to be formally opened in March 2025, weather and contractor availability permitting during the project’s final stages.
Big year of events on the calendar for Wagga Wagga
A bumper calendar of events is in store for locals and visitors to Wagga Wagga in 2025 with the aim of supercharging the local economy and raising the profile of our city as a must-visit destination for culture and experiences.
From flagship festivals, sporting and community events to exhibitions and markets, there’s events worth marking your calendar for in 2025, Council’s Destination & Events Coordinator Kimberly Parker said.
“Events are a key driver of visitation and provide a much-needed economic boost for our city and region through accommodation bookings, event equipment hire, artists, venue hire, plus the many flow-on benefits as well,” Ms Parker said.
Among the flagship events returning in 2025 are Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras, Wagga Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, Wagga Comedy Fest, Festival of W, Spring Jam, FUSION Botanical and the Gears and Beers Festival.
Other festivals and celebrations throughout the year include KOORINGAL KICKS AND TRICKS in January, the Caravan, Camping and Leisure
Events & Tourism
Roadshow in February, the new Riverina Harvest Festival in March, the Country Women's Association of NSW 2025 State Conference in May, the Riverina Readers Festival in July, and Run4Resilience at Mangoplah in October.
For the sports lovers, some top-level on-field action is also being hosted in the city, including the GIANTS Netball team’s pre-season match against Melbourne Vixens on Sunday 9 February, the NSW Touch Association Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival from 14-16 February, and the 2025 AusCycling Masters and Junior Road National Championships from 18-21 November 2025.
“Combined, these great events are set to thrill local residents and visitors alike and deliver an economic boost right across our city and region, contributing to the annual 1.2 million visitors to our city and the $374 million visitor spend.”
The latest Summer What’s On Guide and Top Spots Guide, and 2025 Wagga Wagga Surrounds Visitor Guide are available now with information about what events are happening in the region and great resources to build and plan your visit here.
Printed copies of these guides can be found in local businesses and at the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre or online at visitwagga.com
CHECK IT OUT: Council’s Destination & Events Coordinator Kimberly Parker is encouraging all visitors and residents to check out the latest Summer What’s On Guide and Top Spots Guide, and 2025 Wagga Wagga Surrounds Visitor Guide to plan their next events.
Museum of the Riverina receives donation of the Scott Shield Rugby League trophy
A key piece of local sporting history has found a new home at the Museum of the Riverina – Botanic Gardens site.
The Scott Shield, a prestigious local Rugby League competition between Wagga Wagga High School and Christian Brothers’ High School from 1937 to 1971, has been donated to the Museum by two former players, Greg Brentnall and Peter Mahoney.
The Scott Shield, first presented by Lionel Scott, President of the Wagga Rugby League, in 1937, was
a cornerstone of the local sporting community for over three decades and was fiercely contested. In a chance turn of events, while helping settle an estate of a family friend in Queensland, Mr Brentnall discovered the Shield.
In recognition of its history and legacy, Mr Brentnall and Mr Mahoney, both former players in the 1971 final, have now donated the Shield to the Museum of the Riverina.
Council’s Manager Museum Luke Grealy says the Scott Shield was a significant part of local rugby league history for 33 years.
"The Scott Shield was an iconic rugby league event drawing enormous public support, from street parades to huge crowds attending the matches,” Mr Grealy said.
“Local sporting history is a significant part of the museum's collection, and we
are proud to add the Scott Shield to our records. It's especially fitting that Greg, who has strong ties to the Shield, has helped ensure its preservation."
The Museum's Sporting Hall of Fame recognises the exceptional achievements of local athletes, including Greg Brentnall, who was inducted in 1996 for his accomplishments in rugby league.
“Everyone wanted to play the Scott Shield,” Mr Brentnall said.
“There was so much community spirit around the games, and we were all mates on and off the field.”
Both Mr Brentnall and Mr Mahoney have ensured that this symbol of local sporting pride has returned home to Wagga Wagga and will temporarily be on display for visitors and residents to enjoy and appreciate.
The Scott Shield can be found at the Museum of the Riverina, Botanic Gardens site, located on Lord Baden Powell Drive.
Road closures
CYPRESS STREET
Roads: Cypress Street
Date: Monday 20 January to Friday 24
January 2025 (weather permitting)
Duration: 7am to 3pm
Reason: Preparation for reseal works
Detour: As per signage ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ publicnotices
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