Currawarna receives new artwork to celebrate local community
Cultural
Reynolds, Currawarna
Jenny Taylor, and artist Carla Gottgens, are excited about
Residents and community members gathered last week to celebrate the installation of a public artwork made for the community – an aluminium, stainless steel and timber bench located at the Currawarna Community Centre.
The project was funded through Council’s Public Art Plan’s City, Suburbs and Villages Project 2023/24.
Council’s Cultural Officer Lauren Reynolds says the Currawarna community was integral to the project and creating the final design for the artwork.
“The community wanted something that was practical, but visually appealing, and we came up with the idea for a bench seat with a creative element,” Ms Reynolds said.
“Council called for Expressions of Interest from experienced artists for the project and Carla Gottgens was selected by the Public Art Advisory Panel and this recommendation was then endorsed by Council.
“A workshop was hosted in the Currawarna Community Centre that was open to the village community where participants played around with ideas of water and the shapes and patterns it
makes.
“This then influenced the creative elements of the bench.”
Community member Barbara Johnson and Linda Inwood contributed to the design at the community workshop, along with other community members of all ages, and they are proud of the final result.
They are encouraging everyone to come along and check out the bench, located conveniently near the Currawarna Community Centre barbecue area and play space.
Artist Carla Gottgens said the artwork, titled The Surface, celebrates the nearby Murrumbidgee River, which is a core aspect of the local culture.
“The Murrumbidgee is part of the Currawarna community; it’s the place to fish, the place to wander, the place to stay away from when the water is high and fast, but also the place to sit and enjoy the sound of the river,” Carla Gottgens said.
“On the surface of the river, eddies and (currents) form as the water moves around fallen branches, stones and riverbanks, creating an everchanging array of patterns.
“The Murray Cod, a common freshwater
fish of the river, displays its dorsal fin softly above the water’s surface, with the currents moving gently around it.”
The bench is made of timber, aluminium and stainless steel; the artist used laser cuts to show the features of the fish and water in the steel inserts and seat backing.
These artistic elements were created with the Currawarna community in a workshop held in June 2024 where stories of the river were shared at the local community hall through words and drawings.
“The river is a part of growing up in Currawarna and the community here is very connected to the natural environment,” Gottgens said.
“This bench is a tribute to the close network of Currawarna residents and a welcome invitation to all visitors.”
Night works start on Kooringal Road reconstruction
Night works commenced this week on the reconstruction of three sections of Kooringal Road, being undertaken as part of the ongoing project upgrading the busy thoroughfare.
The works got underway on Monday (23 September) at the northern end of Kooringal Road, near the intersection with Hammond Avenue, before shifting to a section around the intersection with Simkin Crescent.
This will be followed by the stretch between Fay Avenue and Vincent Road.
Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Henry Pavitt said the upgrades are being carried out by contractors Complete Road Seal.
“The night works on all three sections of Kooringal Road involve removing the existing pavement by milling it out and replacing it with a new thick layer of asphalt at the base, with a 50mm wearing course on the surface,” Mr Pavitt said.
“This new asphalt mix will deliver a stronger road pavement that will be able to better carry the anticipated higher volume of traffic expected on this road over the next 20 years.
“More immediately, the result will be an improved surface that is safer and will improve the drive quality for the travelling public.”
The reconstruction works are taking place between 6pm and 6am.
During the night works on sections two and three (Simkin Crescent, Fay Avenue – Vincent Road), Kooringal Road will be closed to through traffic while the crews are on site.
The road will be open to traffic during normal business hours.
“We are undertaking these works at night in an effort to not only minimise inconvenience to road users and surrounding residents, but also for the safety of construction staff working on the site,” Mr Pavitt said.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause and appreciate the patience of residents and road users.”
These upgrades are funded under the State Government’s Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund, in partnership with Council.
Stay up-to-date about detours, closures and access via livetraffic.com
THE SURFACE: Council’s
Officer Lauren
Community Centre committee members Barbara Johnson and
the community creating new memories around the new public art bench seat.
GET READY! Council’s Events Officer
Emma Corbett and Events Assistant
Tyrelle Gow say a jam-packed program has been planned for Spring Jam, on this Saturday at the Botanic Gardens.
THERE’S ONE! Wagga Wagga City Library’s Outreach Services Team Leader Wendy Harper and Council’s Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid counting birds at the Marrambidya Wetland.
Events & Tourism
PLAYING ALONG: Senior Library Programs Officer Catherine Greenslade and Library Programs Officer Peter Casey warming up for Wagga Wagga City Library’s huge range of holiday activities.
Vacancies
Welder / Fabricator – Livestock
Marketing Centre (LMC)
Remuneration: $2,997.44 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 29 September 2024
Development Administration Officer
Remuneration: $2.507.68 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 29 September 2024
Town Planner
Remuneration: $3,245.96 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 6 October 2024
A big day of fun and imagination is in store for kids and their families at Wagga Wagga’s outdoor children’s festival, Spring Jam, this Saturday, 28 September.
This free, family-friendly event runs from 10am to 3pm at the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens.
Wagga Wagga City Council Events Officer Emma Corbett said a jampacked program of activities has been planned, from outdoor activities, roving performers, and hands-on creative workshops, to live music, tasty snacks and more.
“We are excited to bring a program of vibrant adventure play and interactive activities, curated to appeal to the diverse interests of children, aged two to 12 years, and their families,” Ms Corbett said.
“Make friends with the Rove ‘n’ Roar dinosaurs who will be roaming around the precinct or say ‘g’day’ to some of the furry friends from the Zoo & Aviary who’ll be out and about for some ‘meet and greet’ sessions.
“For those who have energy to burn, we will have an obstacle course at the Adventure Park, or you can drop in at the Games Garden and play giant soccer pool.
“There will also be plenty for kids to dance and groove along to at the main stage, with the line-up of musicians and performers including The Ukumamas, Mr Snotbottom, The Mudcakes and Emily Who.
“We will also have the chill-out zone for anyone wanting some quiet time and a book nook hosted by Wagga Wagga's Agile Library.
“Spring Jam has something for everyone; it’ll be an event not to be missed.”
Families can pack a picnic or grab some Spring Jam delights from the Food Alley, from dumplings and toasties to ice cream and coffee.
Bring the whole family along for a day of outdoor fun and excitement at this free festival, from 10am to 3pm.
To check out the festival program, map and more, head to visitwagga.com/ springjam
How many different kinds of birds live near you?
Next month’s Aussie Bird Count is a way to help answer that question.
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Environmental Education Officer
Christina Reid says all you need is a mobile phone and a spare 20 minutes.
“The Aussie Bird Count is a citizen science project run by Birdlife Australia and takes place between 14-20 October and asks every Australian to get involved by recording the birds they see around them,” Ms Reid said.
“This is an activity for all ages involving observing and counting the birds that live near you.
Ms Reid said you can register from 4 October, and download a free, easy to use app that will help you identify different bird species.
To help you on your way, Council has some bird-related activities taking place over the week, such as Wagga Wagga City Library’s bird-themed Storytime at the Marrambidya Wetland and walks along the Wiradjuri Trail in the company of local experts.
To learn more about the national event and to register, go here: aussiebirdcount.org.au
Online Services shut-down
Council’s Online Services is unavailable this weekend until 8:30am, Monday 30 September 2024 due to a software upgrade.
The outage means the following will be unavailable:
• Payment of rates and fees
• Submission of service requests
• Tracking of certificates
• Applications and property enquiries.
For urgent enquiries please contact the 24-hour call centre on 1300 292 442.
There’s a truckload of exciting events for the young and the young at heart to enjoy during the Spring school holidays in Wagga Wagga. Council will be hosting holiday events across the city and surrounding rural villages throughout the school break, starting Saturday 28 September and continuing until Sunday 13 October.
From workshops for animation and filmmaking to Persian dancing, from family movie events to walking tours at the Zoo & Aviary, the holiday action kicks off Saturday 28 September at Spring Jam, a huge day of fun at the Botanic Gardens.
Check out these amazing activities Wagga Wagga has to offer by heading to the ‘What’s On’ pages for the Art Gallery, City Library, Zoo & Aviary, Civic Theatre and the Museum of the Riverina, or head to visitwagga.com/calendar
Meet sweet Scruffy!
This male 18-month-old Jack Russell Terrier is looking for a forever home and lifelong friends.
Scruffy in name, but not in nature, he is an energetic dog that would perfectly suit an active family willing to commit to ongoing training.
Scruffy (ImpD24/0401) is available for adoption for $344 which includes microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, a heartworm test, flea and worming treatment and an ID tag.
Workshop TUE 1 OCT – WED 2 OCT, VARIOUS TIMES The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. Museum of the Riverina – School Holiday Activities MON 30 SEP –THU 10 OCT Museum of the Riverina – Historic Chamber site and Botanic Garden sites Junior Chef Kids Cooking Class TUE
Riverina Producers Market
THURS 3 OCT, 1PM – 6.30PM Hammond Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. Music & Meditation
Concert THURS 2 OCT, 6PM – 8PM CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St. Infusion Games Trivia and Karaoke
THURS 3 OCT, 8.30PM The Victoria Hotel, 55 Baylis St. Uranquinty Folk Festival FRI 4 OCT – MON 7 OCT Uranquinty Oval, King St. Uranquinty
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 6971 4651 graswagga.com.au R251000208
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) Operator – Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC)
Remuneration: $2,342.58 gpf +
wagga.nsw.gov.au/
Road closures
LAKE ALBERT RD, EASTLAKE DR, & LAKE ST
Road: Lake St and Eastlake Dr
Date: Sunday 29th September 2024
Duration: 8:30am – to 11:30am
Roads: Lake Albert Rd (from Lord Baden Powell Dr to Eastlake Dr)
Date: Sunday 29 September 2024
Duration: 9:30am – to 1pm
Reason: Lake Run & Ride 2024
Detour: As per signs
ATHERTON CRES
Roads: Atherton Cres (between Selwyn Pl and Jenolan Pl)
Date: Monday 30 September to Wednesday 2 October 2024 (weather permitting)
Duration: 7am to 4pm
Reason: Preparation for reseal works
Detour: via Tamar Dr
DEAKIN AVE (AT HOLBROOK RD)
Roads: Deakin Ave (closed at Holbrook Rd end)
Date: Monday 30 September to Wednesday 2 October 2024 (weather permitting)
Duration: 7am to 6pm
Reason: Intersection asphalt works
Detour: Access for residents maintained where possible
KOORINGAL RD (NEAR FORGE ST)
Roads: Kooringal Rd (near Forge St)
Date: Tuesday night 8 October 2024 (weather permitting)
Duration: 6pm to 6am
Reason: Final asphalt seal works
Detour: Access for residents maintained where possible
KOORINGAL RD (FROM FAY AVE TO VINCENT RD)
Road: Kooringal Rd (no entry to or exit from Fay Ave and Vincent Rd)
Date: Friday 11 October to Wednesday 16 October 2024 (weather permitting)
Duration: 6pm to 6am
Reason: Rehabilitation works
Detour: Access for residents maintained where possible