THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING WAGGA WAGGA CITY publication COUNCIL Council FEATURE News - ABY Wagga Wagga City Council
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Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Issue #479 Environment & Animals
Wagga Wagga 2050
Help shape our future
Community GET INVOLVED: Council’s General Manager Peter Thompson, Executive Manager Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest, and Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Amelia Parkins officially launch the engagement process for our Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan. All of our community are being asked to share their views, thoughts, aspirations, and visions for the future of the City of Wagga Wagga and its surrounding villages. Wagga Wagga City Council is facilitating the development of a new Community Strategic Plan (CSP) to be known as Wagga Wagga 2050. The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is Council’s highest-level plan and will provide direction and focus for all future plans and strategies for the City of Wagga Wagga over the coming 20 – 25 years. Council will be heading out across the local government area over the coming months to engage with all levels of the community to identify their long-term vision, aspirations, and main priorities. Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Amelia Parkins is encouraging residents of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the engagement process. “This is not a Council specific plan; it is a community plan, for the community, which defines who we are and where we want to be in the future,” Cr Parkins said. “While updating the Community Strategic Plan is a legislative requirement, I think that is secondary to why we, as a council, want to understand the current aspirations of the community. “We're looking ahead to 2050. A lot has
Have your say Wagga Wagga
changed in the world and locally in our community since we developed the last Community Strategic Plan in 2016. “We want to reach all sections of the community through this engagement process and ensure that the plan is representative of what they aspire to and that it reflects any changes in our community vision.” Wagga Wagga 2050 will provide a roadmap of how this vision will be achieved. It will address four key questions: where we are now; where we want to be in 2050; how will we get there; and how will we know we have arrived? General Manager Peter Thompson stressed the CSP should address the full width of community aspirations. “It covers all aspects of the community, from opportunities to interact on a social level, their sense of safety, cultural and recreational facilities and services, to economic sustainability, our environment, infrastructure and community leadership,” Mr Thompson said. “It is essentially looking at the big picture of what makes Wagga Wagga a great place to live, and that is why it’s so important to give everyone the chance to get involved and give us their input. “We want to have a conversation with the community and take the time to travel and get to all of the different places, to
connect with the community.” Over the coming seven months, Council staff will visit local villages and suburbs as well as attending community events, local shopping centres, schools, and facilitating focus groups. Residents are also encouraged to get involved online through our Have Your Say Wagga platform: haveyoursay. wagga.nsw.gov.au/csp2050 As part of our engagement, Council will have an interactive stall at the BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY being held on Saturday 27 January at Chambers Park in Tolland. “We’re also running an art competition asking people to draw or paint a picture of what they love about Wagga Wagga,” Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest. “We have already received more than 70 entries in the competition, which runs until Friday 26 April 2024. “We are also asking for the community to share why they love our community. This could be a photograph, a few words, a video, a story, or even a song, which can be posted on our Have Your Say page. “I encourage all residents to take part and make their vision for Wagga Wagga 2050 count.” For further information about Wagga Wagga 2050, visit haveyoursay.wagga. nsw.gov.au/csp2050
Wagga Wagga City Council has issued an alert for blue-green algae in Lake Albert and advises that contact with water from the lake should be avoided. Similar to past summers, a combination of warm weather and an influx of nutrients from the catchment have resulted in an increase in bluegreen algae blooms. Manager Environment & Regulatory Services Mark Gardiner said while the blooms are in high numbers, water from Lake Albert is unsuitable for all uses, including drinking and recreational use. “We’re advising everyone in the community to avoid coming into contact with water from the lake, and this includes your pets; dogs are especially susceptible to these toxins,” Mr Gardiner said. “Particular care should be taken where algae can be seen, or where the water has a strong odour.” Blue-green algae can appear as specking, suspended clumps or as algal scums which take the form of green or yellow discoloured slicks on the water surface. Signs have been put up by Council advising people to stay out of the water. Council will continue to monitor the situation. “We appreciate everyone staying out of the water and we will notify the community as soon as the readings are at an acceptable level,” Mr Gardiner said. Wagga Wagga City Council is a member of the Murrumbidgee Regional Algal Coordinating Committee and is following the protocols contained in the Murrumbidgee Regional Algal Contingency Plan. For more information about Lake Albert, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ lakealbert
Want to be more involved in decisions that are made about your region? Register now: haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Events & Tourism
GETTING ON BOARD: The Outback Lifesaver Program returned to the Oasis Aquatic Centre this week, with 21 participants learning vital water safety and lifesaving skills.
Diving in to water safety training with Outback Lifesavers Wagga Wagga’s newest batch of young Outback Lifesavers graduated from their intensive waterways safety program at the Oasis Aquatic Centre on Friday. The popular program attracted 21 participants aged from six to 13 years old, for the one-hour sessions covering water safety and lifesaving skills. Developed in partnership between Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW (RLSNSW), the initiative was piloted at Wagga Beach at the start of 2021. RLSNSW Riverina Regional Manager Mick Dasey was pleased to see the program held for a fourth time. “Unfortunately, inland waterways are a major area in the drowning statistics, around 30 per cent of all tragedies, which is about on even par with the surf beaches of Australia,” Mr Dasey said. “It's just as important here as it is anywhere else to have these opportunities in the community to learn lifesaving skills. Oasis Learn to Swim Instructors and community volunteers provided the training which covered basic water survival skills, some rescue techniques, as well as the ever-popular rescue board training. Manager Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre Marc Geppert said the young participants also had the opportunity on Wednesday to learn CPR. “Obviously kids who are aged seven, eight or nine, probably don't get the opportunity to learn CPR skills, so learning from the experts of Royal Life Saving was awesome,” Mr Geppert said. “We have the backyard pools, we've got the dams, we've got the lakes and the rivers, so running it in a controlled environment like the Oasis is really important. “I think it's found its place here at the Oasis and we will continue to run the program here for as long as it's relevant.”
WHAT’S
SAT 20 JAN, 8AM – 1PM
ON
Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835
MoR Summer Holiday Programs
Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. P. 0411 417 956
THIS WEEK SAT 20 – SUN 28 JAN, VARIOUS TIMES
Museum of the Riverina: Botanic Gardens site, Lord Baden Powell Dr. P. 6926 9654
Village Tarcutta Markets
SAT 20 JAN, 8AM – 1PM
Tarcutta Soldiers Memorial Hall, Sydney St. Tarcutta. P. 0477 472 154
Wollundry Saturday Markets
2024 brings a lineup of great events for Wagga Wagga and surrounds
2024 is shaping up to be a year full of vibrant and fun events in Wagga Wagga and the surrounding rural villages to bring the community together. Destination & Events Coordinator Kimberly Parker said during each month of the year there will be plenty of things to get involved in with a packed calendar planned for 2024. “People of all ages are invited to the Back to School Party at Chambers Park, Tolland, on Saturday 27 January, where there will be live music, food, creative activities and free school supplies available,” Ms Parker said. In March, Wagga Wagga will be one of seven hosts across the state for Great Southern Nights, a live music tour coordinated by Destination NSW and ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association). “We are very excited Wagga Wagga was chosen as a regional host for Great Southern Nights which will be held at various venues including the Civic Theatre, Birdy Bar Wagga, The Curious Rabbit and Tilly’s between 8 and 24 March,” Kimberly Parker said. “There will be performances by Australian singers and bands including Illy, Kingswood, Ella Hooper, Northlane, Sneaky Sound System, Tigerlily, Kasey Chambers, Y.O.G.A and more.” Wagga Wagga continues to be a popular destination for state sporting events with the NSW Junior Touch Football Southern Conference returning in February, and the Southern Sports Academy will again be hosting the Academy Games in April. Returning in 2024 will be annual favourites including the Mardi Gras Festival, Wagga Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, Wagga Comedy Fest, Festival of W, Spring Jam and FUSION Botanical. The latest Summer What’s On Guide is available now with information about what events are happening in the region. Printed copies of the guide can be found in local businesses and at the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre or online at visitwagga.com The Curious Rabbit,
Willians Hill 44 Johnston St. Miniature Railway Rides and MoR Train P. 6921 5391 Rides Riverina Producers SUN 21 JAN, Market
Demonstration 10AM – 2.30PM Gardens – Vegetable Wagga Wagga Botanic Swap or Buy SAT 20 JAN, 9AM – 12PM
Open Studio Gallery SAT 20 JAN, 10AM – 3PM
Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. P. 0413 786 209
Meet and Greet Encounters at Botanic Gardens Zoo
SAT 20 – SUN 28 JAN, 10.30AM - 12.30PM
Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. P. 1300 100 122
@cityofwaggawagga
Gardens, Lord Baden Powell Dr. P. 6926 9654
THU 25 JAN, 1PM – 6.30PM
Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke PCYC Wagga Wagga St. P. 0488 102 835
School Holiday Activities
MON 22 – THU 25 JAN
PCYC, 11 Fitzhardinge St. P. 6921 5873
Kids Cooking Class – Junior Chef 8+ Years MON 22 JAN, 9AM – 11.30AM
Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Pl. P. 0439 565 653
Something Whimsical Art Class TUE 23 JAN, 6PM – 8.30PM
International Street Food Cooking Class THU 25 JAN, 6PM – 10PM
Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Pl. P. 0439 565 653
Murun-Dhu (I Live, I Breathe) Community Event THU 25 JAN, 6PM
Riverside: Wagga Beach, Johnston St. P. 1300 100 122
Australia Day Awards Ceremony THU 25 JAN, 7PM
Community
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Mission Australia, Headspace, Rapid Relief Team and NSW Department of Communities and Justice are joining Wagga Wagga City Council to deliver the 2024 BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY.
BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY Returns in 2024!
Wagga Wagga City Council is proud to announce the return of our BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY. This free event will be kicking off from 5pm on Saturday 27 January 2024 at Chambers Park in Tolland. People of all ages are invited to come along for a relaxed afternoon with live music from young local artists, free barbeque, giant lawn games, free haircuts, pop-up library and giveaways. Council’s Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood said the event was a direct result of Council’s OUTLOUD WAGGA youth consultation held in 2022 and follows on from the successful 2023 event. “The 2024 event will include more local organisations bringing along food offerings and important supplies for young people and families getting ready to return to studies in 2024. This event will also be a lot of fun!” Community partners Rapid Relief Team Wagga, Vinnies Riverina and Mission Australia are returning alongside NSW Youth Justice, headspace Wagga, Ngurra Connected Beginnings and Basketball NSW. Headspace Wagga will be bringing their mindfulness tent and the Agile Library Van will also be there. Access is a key focus with free city loop buses operating throughout the event, disability permit parking and wheelchair accessible bathrooms will be available. “We’ll have everything there for you, just bring a hat and sunscreen,” Alex Osgood said. The BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY is an all-ages, alcohol and drug free event proudly hosted and funded by Council and the NSW Premier’s Department with thanks to our community partners: Mission Australia, Rapid Relief Team, Vinnies Riverina, NSW Youth Justice, Basketball NSW, Ngurra Connected Beginnings and Headspace Wagga. For more information visit wagga. nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-party Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 1300 100 122
Australia Day Community Breakfast
FRI 26 JAN, 7AM
Riverside: Wagga Beach, Johnston St. P. 1300 100 122
Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony
FRI 26 JAN, FROM 9AM
Riverside: Wagga Beach, Johnston St. P. 1300 100 122
Murun-Dhu (I Live, I Breathe) Community Event
FRI 26 JAN, 10AM – 4PM
CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St. P 6921 5391
Markets by the Lake FRI 26 JAN, 9AM – 1PM
Apex Park, Eastlake Dr. P. 0497 937 934
South Wagga Apex, Australia Day Mighty Murrumbidgee River Duck Race FRI 26 JAN, 12.30PM – 5PM
Riverside: Wagga Beach, Johnston St. P. 0402 006 378
Australia Day at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club
FRI 26 JAN, 1PM – 7PM
Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers St. P. 6921 2151 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
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Benny and the pets Benny is a 12-month-old, male, red and white, mixed breed who is looking for his forever home. He is a very happy and playful boy that cannot wait to find a home he can call his own. The adoption cost for Benny is $312 and includes microchip, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, heartworm test, flea & worming treatment and ID tag. (Impound no: D23/0665).
R251000208
Council
6971 4651
graswagga.com.au
Vacancies Ranger Remuneration: $2,422.82 gpf + super Closing: Sunday, 28 January 2024
Plant Operator (GWMC) Remuneration: $2,263.38 gpf + super Closing: Monday, 29 January 2024
Sewer & Stormwater Labourer – Three (3) Positions Available Remuneration: $2,088.00 gpf + super Closing: Friday, 2 February 2024
Facility Manager – Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) Remuneration: An attractive remuneration based on skills and experience Closing: Sunday, 4 February 2024
Civil Works Supervisor – Three (3) Positions Available Remuneration: $3,136.26 gpf + super Closing: Monday, 5 February 2024
Plant, Fleet and Stores Coordinator Remuneration: $3,652.10 gpf + super Closing: Sunday, 11 February 2024
Aboriginal Community Development Officer (Part Time / Job Share) Remuneration: $1,215.68 gpf + super Closing: Friday, 16 February 2024 gpf = gross salary per fornight Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Enquiries: 1300 292 442 To learn more or apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
Public Notices ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ publicnotices
1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au