Council News Issue #464 - 23 September 2023

Saturday 23 September 2023 |

Issue #464

Community

Australian Army Band Freedom of the City Kapooka to exercise its

FREEDOM OF THE CITY: There will be plenty of excitement and pageantry as the Australian Army Band Kapooka marches along Baylis Street for a ‘granting’ of the Freedom of Entry to the City on Sunday 15 October 2023. The event will commence at 10:30am, followed by an 'Hour of Power’ concert at the Victory Memorial Gardens. Pictured: Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Brown, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout and Officer Commanding and Music Director, Australian Army Band Kapooka Major Greg Peterson.

Events & Tourism

Just add Kids!

Wagga Wagga’s largest children’s festival, Spring Jam, is ready to delight and entertain youngsters and their adults with a full day of activities planned for this Saturday 23 September.

The free event runs from 10am to 3pm at the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. A jam-packed program of activities is planned, with hands-on creative workshops, roving performers, and music curated to appeal to the diverse interests of children and youth.

Destination and Events Coordinator

Kimberly Parker says Wagga Wagga City Council is excited to deliver this vibrant event for visitors and community.

“We’re expecting a busy day in the gardens on Saturday with the weather predicted to be a beautiful spring day, combined with a program full of outdoor fun - it’ll be an event not to be missed,” Ms Parker said.

“Make sure to say hello to the largerthan-life roving performers who will be wandering the festival grounds, as well as our furry friends from the zoo who will pop out into the festival grounds for meet and greets throughout the day.

"The zoo will also be open to wander around and explore, plus don't miss the live music and creative performances thanks to Australian children's performers

Whistle and Trick, The Vegetable Plot and Junkyard Beats.

“There will also be a chill-out zone for anyone wanting some quiet time, a games garden to play over-sized games, a book nook hosted by the Agile Library and the perfect shaded picnic spot to sit and enjoy a snack and the festival atmosphere.

“You can grab a bite to eat from the Food Alley made up of local food vendors or pack a picnic to enjoy in the sun.”

There will also be an adventure zone for those that have energy to burn and a creative zone for those that want to get more hands-on and create something unique. Spring Jam has something for all kids.

To check out the festival program, map and more, head to visitwagga.com/ springjam

Spring Jam Program

Main stage: Live entertainment from Whistle and Trick, The Vegetable Plot, and Wagga Wagga's Freeroam Theatre.

Creative zone: Workshops in the Mini Maker’s Yard including how to spin the decks by DJ Skool, plus an array of

featuring: Freeroam Theatre’s mischievous clowns, Jigsaw Art and Craft with local artist Ashleigh Pengelly from Little Black Duck and Pressed Floral Card Workshop delivered by Ash Higginson and her team from With Love Bespoke Styling.

Roving performers: Catch the beautiful, larger-than-life animals and florals who will meander throughout the festival space, along with the crew from Junkyard Beats and their loud and interactive instruments and contraptions made from junk.

Adventure Park: Featuring Wagga Wagga’s Little Champions circus workshop and an obstacle course from In-Motion Fitness.

Zoo Safari: Ask our friendly zoo staff all your animal questions.

Games Garden: Play the over-sized games, including giant soccer pool, giant chess, cornhole, horse racing, plus enjoy the Book Nook presented by Wagga Wagga's The Agile Library.

Food Alley: Wander the alley and enjoy a range of delectable Spring Jam delights.

Community

Spring school holiday activities

School holidays are here, with a range of fun and engaging activities starting Saturday 23 September and will continue until Sunday 8 October. Check out some of the events our city has on offer!

Wagga Wagga City Library and Agile Library

Storytime Mon 25 Sep, 2pm to 3pm (Botanic Gardens) & Fri 6 Oct, 2.30pm to 4.30pm (Gobbagombalin).

Board Games, Tue 26 Sep, 2pm to 4pm & Thur 5 Oct, 10am to 12pm.

Gettin' Papercrafty, Wed 27 Sep, 10am to 12pm & Tue 3 Oct, 10am to 12pm.

School Holiday Family Movie, Thur 28 Sep, 2pm & Wed 4 Oct, 10.30am.

Print n Go, Tue 3 Oct, 10am to 12pm (Mangoplah) & Fri 6 Oct, 2.30pm to 4.30pm (Collingullie).

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre

Actors Bootcamp with Freeroam

Theatre, Tue 3 Oct to Fri 6 Oct, 10am to 4pm.

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and National Art Glass Gallery

Spring creation station, Tue 3 Oct to Fri 6 Oct, 10am to 12pm.

Capturing Nature, open now until Tue 26 Nov, 10am to 4pm.

Oasis Aquatic Centre

Holiday Intensives, Mon 25 Sep to Thur 28 Sep & Tue 3 Oct to Fri 6 Oct.

Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens and Zoo + Aviary

Zoo + Aviary opening hours, Mon to Sun, 9am to 4pm.

Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides, Sun 1 Oct & Sun 15 Oct, 10.30am to 2pm (weather permitting).

Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site

Free Tours, Sat 23 Sep, 11am & 1pm. + More Activities

Saturday Night Roller Discos, Bolton Park Stadium, Every Saturday from 23 Sep to 21 Oct, 7pm to 9pm.

Clay Impressions, Unique State Art Space, Fri 29 Sep, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

PCYC Sports Program, PCYC Wagga Wagga, Mon 25 Sep to Fri 6 Oct, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

For more information head to www.visitwagga.com/whatson

Soiled and unsoiled tissues, serviettes and paper towel can go in the weekly green lid bin collection.

Spring Jam is set for a day of fun and imagination

Southbound lane closures on Bourke Street

Wagga Wagga City Council advises motorists and residents about lane closures on Bourke Street next week as essential roadworks are carried out.

Southbound lanes between Urana Street and Fernleigh Road will be closed to all through traffic between 6am and 6pm from Monday 25 to Friday 30 September, weather permitting.

Traffic control measures will be in place to guide motorists safely through the affected area.

Residents who live on Bourke Street in the designated area will maintain access to their properties, though at times access may be limited.

Council Director Infrastructure Services

Warren Faulkner says the project will address defects found following the works on this section of Bourke Street earlier in the year.

“In this instance, our quality assurance processes found the work was not completed to the required quality and safety standards,” Mr Faulkner said.

“The contractor is returning at their own expense to rectify the issues."

Council has timed the works to coincide with the school holidays to minimise the inconvenience to road users.

Motorists and road users are encouraged to plan their trips in advance and consider alternative routes to avoid potential delays.

Motorists can keep up to date with traffic disruptions by visiting livetraffic.com

BIKETOBER

October long weekend trading hours and services

Wagga Wagga City Council's administration offices will be closed for the Council Picnic Day on Friday 29 September and the Labour Day public holiday Monday 2 October. Business returns as normal on Tuesday 3 October.

Kerbside waste services will not be affected. For details on changes to services and facility hours, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/openhours

GET INVOLVED: Wagga Wagga City Council Health and Wellbeing Officer Taylah Frazier, Wagga Wagga City Mayor Councillor Dallas Tout and Strategic Recreation Officer Kadison Hofert are encouraging everyone in the local government area to get involved in Biketober.

Join the ride this spring!

Wagga Wagga is well-known as an active community, and as spring ushers in a change of season, the city's excellent network of shared pathways comes to the forefront. With approximately 56 kilometers of shared pathways for cycling, walking, and jogging, Wagga Wagga offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Spring's arrival brings not only the blossoming of nature but also two exciting cycling events: Biketober and Gears & Beers. Wagga Wagga City Council invites everyone to celebrate the season and explore our city's remarkable cycling infrastructure.

Council Manager of Recreation & Economic Development Ben Creighton says Biketober is a national biking challenge taking place throughout October for both seasoned cyclists and those who haven't pedaled in years.

“It's a fantastic opportunity to dust off

your bike, venture onto the city's cycling tracks and shared pathways, embrace a healthier lifestyle and have a chance at winning some prizes,” Mr Creighton said.

Additionally, the Wagga Wagga Multisport Cycling Complex at Pomingalarna has something for everyone who likes to get out and cycle. The complex caters for a wide range of cycling preferences, from the velodrome and the criterium track to the learn to ride area for younger kids.

The family-friendly complex also serves as the gateway to a series of excellent mountain bike trails throughout the reserve and can be reached by the active travel network, meaning you can leave the car at home.

“Our network of shared paths created through the Active Travel Plan project, provide a safer and easier way to cycle to the places you want to go, while collecting points for Biketober.

“Biketober welcomes participants of all backgrounds, whether as individuals or as part of a workplace team.”

Biketober runs from 1 to 31 October 2023. Register online at www.lovetoride. net/wagga

Featuring over the long weekend is Gears & Beers which combines a range of cycling challenges with a craft beer festival.

“The festival caters to individuals of all ages as well as cycling enthusiasts, beginners, and craft beer connoisseurs alike,” Mr Creighton said.

“The cycle challenge offers a variety of ride distances and includes a very family friendly scenic river ride.

“The event brings cycling to the fore at a perfect time of the year and makes good use of the active travel network.”

Find out more by visiting gearsandbeers.org.au/

Our community's inclusion in Biketober is funded by Wagga Wagga City Council.

The Active Travel Plan project is jointly funded by the NSW Government and Wagga Wagga City Council.

Snuggle up with George!

George is a male, 11-year-old ginger tabby cat. This affectionate boy can be reserved at times and loves to nap. He is very happy following people around and responds when called.

The adoption fee for George (Impound no C23/0393) is $88, and includes: lifetime registration, vaccination, flea and worming treatment, FIV test and an ID tag. George has already been microchipped and desexed.

Meet all our available pets at graswagga.com.au or visit the shelter from Monday to Saturday, 1pm –4.15pm

Road closures

WAGGA LAKE RUN AND RIDE CLOSURES

Date: Sunday 24 September 2023

Location: Lake St and Eastlake Drive

Duration: 8.30am to 11.30am

Location: Lake Albert Rd (from Lord Baden Powell Dr to Eastlake Dr)

Duration: 9.30am to 1pm

Detour: As per signs

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSUREBAYLIS ST (BETWEEN PETER ST AND O'REILLY ST)

Date: Sunday 1 October 2023

Duration: Between 5.30am and 4pm

Reason: Gears and Beers Festival and associated bike event

Detour: Via Tarcutta Street and Johnson Street BOURKE ST SOUTHBOUND LANES (BETWEEN URANA ST AND FERNLEIGH RD)

Date: Monday 25 September to Saturday 30 September 2023

Duration: 6am to 6pm

Reason: Reseal preparation

Detour: Access for residents maintained TOM WOOD DR

Date: Saturday 23 September 2023

Duration: 6am to 4pm

Reason: Spring Jam family festival

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

Wagga Lake Run & Ride

24 SEP, 9AM –12PM Apex Park, East Lake Dr. P. 0419 220 001

Asian BBQ Cooking Class SUN 24 SEP, 10AM –2PM Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Pl. P. 0439 565 653

Buddy Holly in Concert SUN 24 SEPT, 2PM –4PM

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688

Building Blocks – Creative Lego Holiday Workshop

TUE

Roller Disco SAT 23 SEP, 7PM – 9PM Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0427 075 600

3.30PM8.30PM

Unique State Art Space, 43 Tompson St.

P. 0437 699 995

Thursday Infusion Games Trivia and Karaoke

THU 28 SEP, 8.30PM

The Victoria Hotel, 55 Baylis St. P. 6921 5233

For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events team: events@ wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442. Mon

Detour: As per signs

ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices

gpf + super Closing: Monday, 2 October 2023 Mechanic $2,896.12 gpf + super Closing: Sunday, 15 October 2023 For more

AHEAD: Southbound lanes of Bourke Street to be closed for roadworks