Council News #423 - 26 November 2022

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING WAGGA WAGGA CITY publication COUNCIL CouncilFEATURE News - ABY Wagga Wagga City Council

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Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter

Saturday 26 November 2022 | Issue #423

Join our journey to reconciliation

Council

Have your say on Council’s new Reconciliation Action Plan SIDE-BY-SIDE: Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson and Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes with original artworks by four young Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri siblings, which feature in the draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024.

Events & Tourism

JINGLE ALL THE WAY: Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Dallas Tout and Events Officer Emma Corbett announced this year's Christmas trail at Chambers Park in Tolland.

It's official - Santa and Mrs Claus are coming to town The man in the big red suit, Mrs. Claus and their merry helpers will be cruising our suburb parks and villages in the first week of December for Wagga Wagga's annual Christmas trail.

Santa is inviting community members to come out and meet him and Mrs. Claus on their magical tour kicking off Monday 5 December at Gobbagombalin, jingling on to Turvey Park, Tolland and Tarcutta, before dashing off for final

Christmas Eve preparations.

Events Office Emma Corbett said Council is excited to be bringing the Christmas trail back to visit local parks and villages across the Local Government Area with a new format in place.

“This year, the Christmas trail will take place across four afternoons with four locations selected for this tour, including a rural village, maximising the opportunity for as many people as possible living in both suburban and rural villages to join the celebration,” Ms Corbett said.

Each location will have free community activations for the public to enjoy including Christmas ornament and cookie decorating workshops, giant bubble play,

performances from local choir groups and garden games for everyone to enjoy.

“Santa, Mrs Claus and their elves have personally told us that they would love a grand entrance when they arrive at each location,” Ms Corbett said.

“So, if you are popping down, be sure to dress in your Christmas best and even jingle some bells to welcome Santa’s motorcade when he arrives at your neighborhood park.”

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said the Christmas trail is just one of many festive events that are delivered as part of the ‘A Very Wagga Christmas’ program.

“Other Council-led festive activities include our city’s merry and bright Christmas flags and decorations in Baylis and Fitzmaurice streets, the stunning trio of stars installed in the Civic Centre forecourt, and a new Santa and elf lighting installation under the Cyprus pine covered in fairy lights in the Victory Memorial Gardens.

“For me, Christmas is about family and friends and enjoying what we have as a community, so I encourage everyone to come along to one of the many festive events and spend some quality time together.”

For further information on the 2022 Christmas program and Christmas trail, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ waggachristmas

Stay sharp about disposing of sharps!

Sharps should never be placed in kerbside bins as they pose a threat to the workers that manage our waste.

Visit safesharps.org.au to find your nearest safe disposal point

To learn more visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste

The Wagga Wagga community is being encouraged to take the time to read Council’s draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024, which provides a strategic framework of priorities and actions for Council for the next two years.

At this week's Ordinary Meeting, Council endorsed placing the draft document on public exhibition.

Director Community Janice Summerhayes said the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024 reflects some of the actions already taken by Council in its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and looks at what it will strengthen going forward.

“Over the years, we have been developing and nurturing a strong relationship with our Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations people and this second RAP is a commitment to that progress,” Ms Summerhayes said.

The document was developed with guidance from the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations Elders and peoples, including a working group with First Nations representatives and Council staff.

“It is important that Council shows leadership in demonstrating inclusive practice for all our community members and that we take this guidance from those who are the knowledge keepers: our Wiradjuri and other First Nations Elders.

“We also thank Reconciliation Australia for its commitment and guidance to us on this journey.”

Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations Elder Aunty Cheryl Penrith was part of the RAP working group.

“Council’s RAP reflects the relationship that is strengthening between the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations community and Council,” Aunty Cheryl Penrith said.

“The consultation that has occurred in the development of this RAP demonstrates Council’s commitment to reconciliation to empower our local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations community in Wagga.”

There are four key areas for the draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024: relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance.

“One of the key deliverables is developing and implementing an employment and retention strategy for First Nations peoples,” Ms Summerhayes said.

“As an example of our commitment to cultural inclusivity, Council has joined the NSW Public Health trainee program.

“We will be appointing a First Nations public health officer and will support them to obtain their full university qualifications whilst on the job working in this important field.”

The public exhibition and submission period for the draft RAP runs from 23 November to 21 December 2022.

To read the document and make a submission, visit connect.wagga.nsw. gov.au/draft-rap

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

Parks & Recreation

Council

pet

Community

OF THE

WEEK

#adoptdontshop

Wagga Wagga’s destination playground at the Riverside Precinct has reopened after being inundated during the recent back-to-back flooding events.

The specially designed playground stood firm against the moderate flood in early October and the major flooding event at the start of November.

Council staff began clearing the playground once the flood waters from the Murrumbidgee River receded from the site, with the cleaning and disinfection process completed by the crew this week.

Strategic Asset Planner (Parks and Recreation) Ben Creighton said staff were keen to get the job done so families and kids could return to having fun.

“The main task this week has been tidying up all the mud and sediment around the play equipment, and replacing the mulch which washed away,” Mr Creighton said.

“We’ve power-washed the playground area and equipment, and disinfected them from flood water, cleaned the amenities building and reconnected it to power.”

The Wagga Beach car park, barbecue facilities and events infrastructure remain closed.

“In the short term, it is about reopening the play equipment and the amenities so that families can come down here and enjoy what is a great space,” Mr Creighton said.

“Council’s very thankful for the community’s patience while our crews worked to return the playground to safe standards, and we invite everyone to head down and enjoy the safe and fun area.”

While the Wagga Beach car park is closed, motorists are asked to park at the CSU Riverina Playhouse and walk down the levee path to the playgrounds.

In addition, please be wary of grassy areas which are still muddy from the water, and use the footpaths instead.

WHAT’S

ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS

THIS WEEK: DEMONSTRATION GARDENS – VEGETABLE SWAP OR BUY Sat 26 Nov, 8am – 12pm Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Shaw St & Albury St P. 0411 417 956 MARKETS BY THE LAKE Sat 26 Nov, 9am – 1pm

At this week’s Ordinary Council meeting, Councillors received a comprehensive report outlining the current status of the Wagga Wagga road network.

At the meeting, held on Monday 21 November 2022, Councillors agreed to undertake a series of workshops to develop strategies providing increased funding for roads maintenance and renewal as well as to address the backlog of works.

Director Infrastructure Services Warren Faulkner said Councillors recognise there is a funding shortfall.

“It’s a state-wide issue, not just in Wagga Wagga,” Mr Faulkner said.

“Councillors will be looking at how we can increase that funding leading into next year’s budget to reduce the maintenance and renewal funding gap.”

At the meeting, Councillors also agreed to call for Expressions of Interest from contractors able to undertake a variety of emergency road repairs. Council will also commence a select tender process for specialised road repair equipment.

Mr Faulkner said the budget planning process will take place over January to February 2023, with Councillors considering the first draft of the budget in February to March 2023 for public exhibition April to May 2023.

“We’re looking at a six-to-12-month timeframe for when any additional funding the Council may allocate becomes available,” Mr Faulkner said.

“We’ve also applied for a number of NSW Government grants, which will be announced in next year’s budget.

“The State Government will announce their pothole repair funding shortly, so we’re hoping to get additional works started before Christmas.

“In the meantime, we’ll keep working as quickly as we can to repair the roads and keep them safe for the travelling public.”

Wagga Wagga community members are invited to hear Joany discuss her life experiences and challenges, and how they've helped her become the person she is today during a keynote speech aimed to increase public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability.

Council’s Social Planning Coordinator Sarah Lehman said Council is committed to seeing our city become a more accessible and inclusive place to live and work.

“One of the many ways Council has set out to achieve this commitment is to facilitate a range of inclusive programs and events to help community members challenge the way they think about disability,” Ms Lehman said.

“Events such as International Day of People with Disability are an opportunity for us all to reflect on the very real barriers to access people with all abilities face.

“This year, International Day of People with Disability is encouraging communities to ‘look beyond’ disability and celebrate people and their stories.”

Auslan interpreters are available on the day. Please email Alexandra Osgood via osgood.alexandra@wagga.nsw. gov.au if you require an interpreter.

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WAGGA STAMP & COIN FAIR Sat 26 Nov, 9am – 3pm Sturt Primary School, White Ave P. 0488 081 933 OPEN STUDIO GALLERY Sat 26 Nov, 10am – 3pm Art Studio, 11 Small St P. 0413 786 209 VIEWCO XMAS PARTY RACE DAY Sat 26 Nov, 12pm – 5.30pm Murrumbidgee Turf Club, 142 Travis St P. 6921 2151 BELOVED BALLETS Sat 26 Nov, 2pm – 4pm & 7pm to 9pm Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way P. 02 6926 9688

Iddy (ImpC22/0543) is an affectionate and sweet cat. He only has one eye which hasn't slowed him down.

Iddy is FIV positive, so he needs to be the only cat in your home, or with other vaccinated cats.

Iddy’s adoption cost is just $86.00, which includes vaccination, de-worming, FIV test, and ID tag.

6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au

Expression of Interest

Improving Natural Landscapes The opportunity Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking expressions of interest from land managers wanting to improve natural landscapes on their properties by planting native vegetation.

Council is exploring opportunities for state and federal government funding for various revegetation and enhancement activities. Projects will be prioritised on biodiversity value, planting activities and timelines.

Sam Pascall on 1300 292 442 or council@wagga.nsw.gov.au

Vacancies

Christmas WAG GA

Wagga Wagga Christmas Trail 2022

Subscribe now wagga.nsw.gov.au/subscribe PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK Sat 26 Nov 2pm – 3.40pm & 7.30pm – 9.10pm CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St P. 02 6926 9688

This week’s Pet of the Week is Iddy.

For more information and how to apply head to: wagga.nsw.gov.au/naturallandscapes

WAG GA

Apex Park, Eastlake Dr P. 0497 937 934

@cityofwaggawagga

Join Council's free community event celebrating International Day of People with Disability, with keynote speaker Paralympian Joany Badenhorst on 2 December.

R251000208

All cleaned up! Riverside playground ready for families and residents to return

Our roads: addressing the funding shortfall

Special guest for International Day of People with Disability event

BOOK LAUNCH – A CONVERSATION WITH NATALIE ISAACS Tues 29 Nov, 6pm – 8pm The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St P. 02 6921 5391 AIDAN JONES & FRIENDS THE SPANISH KITCHEN Sat 26 Nov, 8pm – 11pm – TAPAS & PAELLA Melba's, 214 Baylis St COOKING CLASS waggacomedyjam@gmail.com Wed 30 Nov, 6pm – 10pm Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Place.

DARE 2 DANCE – MINA'S P. 0439 565 653 DANCE ACADEMY RIVERINA PRODUCERS Sun 27 Nov, 3pm – 5pm Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, MARKET Thu 1 Dec, 1pm – 6.30pm Burns Way P. 6926 9688 Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St P. 0428 263 297 PRIMARY STUDENT ART CLASS TERM 4 CHRISTMAS ART Mon 28 Nov, 4pm – 5.30pm EXHIBITION OPENING Thu 1 & Fri 2 Dec The Curious Rabbit, The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St 44 Johnson St P. 6921 5391 P. 02 6921 5391

5 - 8 December 2022

Wagga Wagga | Wiradjuri Country wagga.nsw.gov.au/waggachristmas

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Fri 2 Dec, 4.30pm – 8.30pm Bidgee Strawberries & Cream, Billagha St P. 0480 311 643 SANTA PHOTOS Fri 2 Dec Wagga Wagga Marketplace, 87 Baylis St P. 6931 7277 BEST ST CHRISTMAS ART SALE Fri 2 Dec, 9am – 5pm Best Street Art Studios & Garden Art Gallery P. 0427 212 977

/waggaevents visitwagga.com For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events unit: events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.

SUBSCRIBE news.wagga.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

Labourer - Two (2) Permanent Positions Available $1,957.26 gpf + super Closing: Monday 5 December 2022 Environmental Project Officer $3,363.92 gpf + super Closing: Monday 12 December 2022 Project Controls and Reporting Manager $3,681.74 gpf + super Closing: Monday 12 December 2022 gpf = gross salary per fortnight Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

Enquiries: 1300 292 442 For more details and to apply, visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

Public Notices ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ the-council/ news-and-updates/ public-notices

1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au