first responder services do battle in some different fun competitions.

“The purpose of these family events is to work collaboratively with Riverina Police District to engage with community on a regular basis about any community safety concerns.

“It is also an opportunity for the community to engage with their local first responders in settings outside of a crisis.”

Professional Standards, Youth and Engagement officer with the Riverina Police District Inspector Jillian Gibson believes the Family Community Safety Day is an important initiative.

“Community safety is about recognising the need for all sections of the community to work together to create a safer environment for people to work, live and travel,” Inspector Gibson said.

“This means building partnerships between police, government agencies, local councils, community organisations and individuals to promote and realise community safety for all.”

The Family Community Safety Day aligns with Council’s Community Safety Action Plan 2022- 2026 (CSAP), which outlines the strategies and actions to increase safety, reduce crime where possible, and work towards building a safe and vibrant city for the future.

The plan itself was informed by extensive engagement with community members from a diverse range of backgrounds to ensure it is reflective of the many different voices that make up our local community.

The top five community concerns identified through this engagement were break and enter of homes, domestic and family violence, arson, the sale and use of illegal drugs, and alcohol-related assault.

To read the Community Safety Action Plan 2022- 2026, visit wagga.nsw.gov. au/csap2026

Soft plastics including plastic shopping bags, bread bags, cling film and biscuit wrappers go in the red lid bin. They can also be dropped off at a REDcycle collection point - visit redcycle.net.au.

LANES CLOSED: Access to a section of Morgan Street near the Oasis Aquatic Centre will be restricted during the 2023 Academy Games.

The three-day event kicked off with a bang with its opening ceremony at Wagga Wagga's Equex Multipurpose Stadium (MPS) on Friday afternoon.

It is the second time the Southern Sports Academy has hosted the threeday youth sporting event in our city.

It features more than 1000 athletes across seven sports including basketball, cycling, golf, hockey, netball, triathlon and indoor volleyball.

Council’s Director Regional Activation John Sidgwick said the Games provide an opportunity for the city to showcase its top-class sporting facilities.

“These events are being held across various venues, from the Equex MPS and new PCYC facility, to our new Multisport Cycling Complex at Pomingalarna Reserve, the Jubilee Park Hockey Complex and Oasis Aquatic Centre,” Mr Sidgwick said.

“We encourage the local community to show their support for the Games and head to these venues to cheer on these sporting stars of the future.”

Motorists heading into the city centre over the weekend are advised there will be restricted access to the eastern end of Morgan Street on Saturday and Sunday mornings during the cycling leg of the triathlon event.

The westbound lanes will be closed between Tarcutta Street and Fitzhardinge Street from 6.30am12pm on Saturday and 7am – 11am on Sunday, and detours will be in place.

The 2023 Academy Games is supported by Your Local Club, the NSW Government, Wagga Wagga City Council, Regional Academies of Sport, and Active Health Riverina.

For more information on the Games, visit academygames.com.au

With only one week to go, Wagga Wagga City Council is encouraging not-for-profit groups in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area to apply for the 2023 ClubGRANTS Category 1 Funding.

Applications close on Friday 28 April 2023 at 5pm.

ClubGRANTS allows registered clubs with annual gaming machine revenue exceeding one-million dollars to share a percentage of that revenue with specific development and support projects.

The participating clubs for the Wagga Wagga Local Government area are the Wagga RSL Club and Rules Club Wagga Wagga, with the Category 1 funding administered by Council.

The main priorities for the 2023 funding are: mental health support initiatives, prevention and support of homelessness, domestic and family violence programs and First Nations support programs.

Other funding priorities include women and family health, childcare services, aged and veteran services, all-abilities programs, disadvantaged young people, and transport services for identified social needs.

Last year ClubGRANTS Category 1 Funding was provided to 14 local not-for-profit community groups and charities who shared in $90,491. Applications can be made online at wagga.nsw.gov.au/clubgrants until 5pm Friday 28 April 2023.

For more information, visit the website or contact Michelle Castle in Council’s Community directorate on 1300 292 442 during business hours.

Sustainable Wagga Wagga