Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Last chance to experience Festival of W this weekend
Saturday 20 July 2024 |
development of a draft Regional Drought Resilience Plan through sharing of knowledge and ideas.
As part of the NSW Government’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, Wagga Wagga City Council, in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council, is required to develop a plan that will support drought resilience in our communities.
At its Ordinary Meeting on 29 January 2024, Council resolved to accept a grant of $450,000 from the program which is co-funded by the NSW Government and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
The two Councils, known as Eastern Riverina for the purpose of the plan, will commence community and stakeholder consultation in the coming weeks to develop the draft plan.
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton says it is important that we get input from the community to ensure a wide scope of ideas.
drought,” Mr Creighton said.
“This will be in the form of three key focus areas: Community – ensuring residents have access to support systems, Environment – water security and encouraging the use of sustainable practices, and Economy – ensuring economic stability during drought.
“We will be holding a series of community engagement opportunities in Wagga Wagga, Tarcutta, Lockhart and The Rock, as well as online engagement, in order to gather knowledge and ideas from the people that drought affects the most.”
These workshops will be held on 8 and 9 August, with details on the locations and times to be finalised.
The two Councils will collate the information gathered from the community and stakeholders and use it to identify key concerns and areas of improvement for drought resilience that need to be addressed in the plan.
This weekend is your last chance to immerse yourself in the light, sound, and experiences of Festival of W 2024.
The two-week festival, finishing Sunday 21 July, has been running since 6 July and so far has seen thousands of festival goers embrace Wagga Wagga’s winter weather and city offerings.
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Events and Destination Coordinator Kimberly Parker says she is really pleased with the support of the event so far.
“‘Lightvision’, the festival’s major light and sound show in the Wollundry Lagoon precinct – presented in collaboration with Mandylights –has proven popular with all festival attendees,” Ms Parker said.
“Skate Wagga Wagga also has everyone turning out in all weather conditions to show off their ice-skating skills.”
The opening weekend and the middle weekend have seen large crowds stroll through the festival site and enjoy what has been on offer, which included the special pop-up activations UV Spaghetti, Shish-Ka-Buoy, tree neons and Silent Dis-FoW on July 12 to July 14.
“The mid-week festival crowds have also been steady. It’s been wonderful to see residents and visitors get out and enjoy our city in what has traditionally been a quieter time of year.”
Those attending the final days of FoW can enjoy live music on Friday 19 July and Saturday 20 July, as well as the regular programming of Lightvision, light art projection Winter Walks (of Wagga Wagga), and Skate Wagga Wagga.
There is also House of FoW – the festival’s cosy dining hub for tasty food and beverages and great atmosphere with fire buckets and heaters to sit and enjoy the festival space.
A survey is also now open for festival attendees to share their feedback on the 2024 event and to help improve the festival for future years.
The survey, plus all the festival details and to purchase Skate Wagga Wagga tickets, can be found at visitwagga. com/fow
You can also follow along with all the festival fun at Visit Wagga Wagga’s social pages, @visitwaggawagga on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Festival of W is proudly presented and delivered by the City of Wagga Wagga with sponsorship from creative producers Mandylights for the contributions to Lightvision, and the NSW Government for funding the special pop-up street activations.
Residents in the Wagga Wagga and Lockhart local government areas are called to assist in the
“The aim of the Eastern Riverina Drought Resilience Plan will be to outline strategies that will support the communities living in the two local government areas during times of
A draft Eastern Riverina Drought Resilience Plan is expected to be exhibited to the public in October 2024.
For more information on the Drought Resilience Plan, visit haveyoursay. wagga.nsw.gov.au/draft-regionaldrought-resilience-plan
HIGH FIVE FOR GREAT FoW: Wagga Wagga City Council’s Visitor Economy Development
Officer Cassandra Farquharson and Events & Visitor Economy Officer Stacey Post celebrating the final weekend of an amazing Festival of W!
SHARE YOUR IDEAS: Wagga Wagga City Council’s Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton and Lockhart Shire Council’s Tourism & Economic Development Officer Matt Holt.
Wagga Wagga
Events & Tourism Community
NEW ROOTS: Council has 1,500 seedlings ready for their new soil, to be planted on Sunday 28 July for the National Tree Day community event.
The much-loved National Tree Day is returning for a morning of planting, with more than 2700 seedlings ready to put down new roots in the Riverina.
Wagga Wagga City Council has donated over 1,200 seedlings to 20 local schools and preschools for Schools Tree Day on Friday 26 July, and another 1500 for National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July.
The community planting on Sunday will run from 10am-12.30pm, and will be located at Bomen, with the exact address supplied upon registration.
Council’s Natural Resource Management Officer Catherine Conroy (pictured) says the national campaign is something Council looks forward to supporting each year.
“National Tree Day is one of Australia's most recognisable campaigns, promoting community-based action for the environment through the simple act of planting seedlings” Ms Conroy said.
“This year, Council has partnered with Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation to host a community tree planting event.
“Last year, we saw an overwhelming 145 volunteers for the planting. This year we have a limited amount of space for volunteers due to the location, so bookings are essential.”
Those interested in taking part in the planting, need to register online.
Planting equipment will be provided; however, volunteers are encouraged to wear warm clothing and enclosed footwear, and bring along a pair of gardening gloves, their own drinking cup/bottle and a soup mug for lunch.
All participants will be treated to a light lunch provided by ErinEarth and sponsored by Council.
For further information and to register, go to the website: wagga.nsw.gov. au/the-council/environment/enviroevents
The much-loved springtime festival, FUSION BOTANICAL is returning on Saturday 19 October 2024 to the spectacular Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Precinct, Turvey Park – and you can be part of it!
Wagga Wagga City Council and longterm cultural partners, the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga, are inviting expressions of interest from local performers, and street food and drink vendors to help entertain and feed festival goers.
Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes said this year’s festival is expected to be well supported by locals and draw crowds from across the Riverina region this spring.
“Wagga Wagga City Council’s FUSION BOTANICAL festival has grown to become a highlight on the region’s events calendar since its inception in 2011,” Ms Summerhayes said.
“Planning is underway for this year’s FUSION in October and we’re curating an exciting, diverse line-up of music and entertainment to be announced closer to the event.
“The street food precinct is a popular part of this community event, and festival goers can look forward to feasting on authentic and modern street style food again this year.
“Many geographical regions are represented in the World Food Village, from Europe to the Middle East, through to Asia and the Americas.
“We’re also looking for community performers to help add to the vibrant festival atmosphere.”
To apply, please submit your Expression of Interest by 5pm, Friday 16 August 2024.
If you would like to take part in FUSION BOTANICAL by adding your traditional cuisine to the food line-up or you would like to be a performer, for more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ fusion
Gardens Zoo, Macleay St. P. 1300 292 442
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever 2024
SAT 20 JUL, 2PM – 2.30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
Musical Bingo at Tilly’s SAT 20 JUL, 3PM – 6PM Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis St. P. 5925 5305
Experience
SAT 20 JUL, 8PM – 10.10PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 Wagga Swap Meet SUN 21 JUL, 7AM – 3PM Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. P. 6926 9688
International Street Food
SUN 21 JUL, 10AM – 2PM
Tall. Small. Wall. Wagga Wagga Potters Club Winter Exhibition
SAT 20, SUN 21, THU 25 & FRI 26 JUL, 10AM – 4PM Station Collective Workspace, 54 - 58 Johnston St. P. 6921 6890
Meet & Greet Encounters at the Zoo
SAT 20 JUL – SUN 21 JUL, 10.30AM – 1PM Wagga Wagga Botanic
Saturday Night Roller Discos! SAT 20 JUL, 7PM – 9PM
Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0427 075 600
The Emu War: Special Event Screening
SAT 20 JUL, 7.30PM – 9.30PM CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St. P. 6926 9688 Killer Queen
Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Pl. P. 0439 565 653
Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides
SUN 21 JUL, 10AM – 2.30PM Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. P. 0412 439 455
Candle Making Workshop with Murrawalirra
SUN 21 JUL, 11AM – 12.30PM The Curious Rabbit,
The election for your local government is less than two months away.
On 14 September 2024, more than 57,000 voters in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA) will decide who sits on the nine-member City Council.
To ensure you have your say, check that your details on the NSW Electoral Commission electoral roll are up-to-date.
The cut-off date to be enrolled correctly to vote on 14 September is 6pm, Monday 5 August 2024.
Remember that voting in Australia is compulsory for all citizens over the age of 18 years.
The period to nominate yourself as a candidate for the council election also opens on 5 August and closes on Wednesday 14 August.
To check or update your enrolment details call 1300 135 736, or visit elections.nsw.gov.au/voters/ enrolment
Important dates for those wishing to stand for council:
Monday, 5 August
• nomination period opens
• start of regulated period for electoral material
Wednesday, 14 August
• close of nominations close of registration of candidates and groups
• registration of electoral material opens
Friday, 6 September
• close of registration of electoral material
Saturday, 14 September, 6pm
• election day
44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391
Riverside Markets SUN 21 JUL, 11AM – 3PM Riverside Precinct, Johnston St. P. 0499 212 293
Mark VincentThe Best So Far SUN 21 JUL, 2PM – 4.30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
Women of the Riverina
TUE 23 – SUN 28 JUL, 10AM – 3PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660
Love & Forgetting: Tales of a Young Mixer
Partner with Paloma! Meet Paloma - part-time mouse wrangler and full-time fashion icon. A five-year-old tortoiseshell cat with a calm and affectionate personality, this sweet girl is excited to meet her new ‘bestie’ – someone she can cuddle up to and give all her love.
The adoption price for Paloma is $301 (Imp C24/0186), which covers desexing, vaccination, microchipping, FIV test, flea and worm treatment, ID tag, and registration.
Vacancies
Labourer
Patching Plant and Truck Operator
Riverina Producers Market THU 25 JUL, 1PM – 6.30PM Hammond Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. E. steve@ wfgb.com.au
Dan Connell – Little Aussie Battler FRI 26 JUL, 8PM – 9PM CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St. P. 6926 9688
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
TUE 23 JUL, 7PM – 8PM Bar Olivette, 24 Fitzmaurice St. P. 6926 9688 In Conversation with Rare Bird Ensemble WED 24 JUL, 9.30AM – 10.30AM Station Creative Workspace, 54 - 58 Johnston St. P. 6921 6890
