Game on! Wagga comes down with footy fever

Tickets have been selling fast for today’s NRL blockbuster between Canberra Raiders and the Dolphins at McDonalds Park.

The main game between the Canberra Raiders and Dolphins kicks off at 3pm.

Raiders players arrived in the city earlier this week and have been out and about in the community over the past couple of days.

On Thursday night, the team held a community signing session at Oasis Aquatic Centre where Raiders fans were able to meet their sporting heroes.

On Friday morning the Raiders had their final tune up prior to Saturday’s game when they conducted their ‘captain’s run’ at McDonalds Park.

With the PSSA Rugby League trials also being played at Parramore Park on Friday morning, young football fans were able to watch their idols in action.

The interaction with the community

Take has been part of the build-up to the clash which will see more than 8000 people turn out in support of their team.

Wagga Wagga City Council Manager of Recreation and Economic Development Ben Creighton is excited about having the players from both teams in the city.

“We would like to welcome the footy fans who’ve made the trip across from Canberra or down from Queensland to see their teams in action,” Mr Creighton said.

“There have been strong ticket sales to date with more than 8000 tickets sold. However, General Admission tickets are still available for purchase for those who would like to attend the game.”

Gates open at 10.45am ahead of the Jersey Flegg Cup game at 11am, which will be followed by the NSW Cup game at 12.45pm.

Tickets will be available to purchase on the day at entry 1 of McDonalds Park.

Council reminds those heading to

Learn more: wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants

McDonalds Park and motorists in the area that there will be changes to traffic conditions during the day.

Kooringal Road between Copland Street and Parson Street, and Copland Street between Hiscock Drive and Lockyer Street will be closed from 11am and 6pm. Detours will be signposted.

“The upgrades are scheduled to commence next week and will be carried out as night works to minimise traffic disruptions and the impact of service disruptions to properties.”

The program will start with asphalting of two sections in Nagle Street in the city’s east on the night of Monday 1 May, weather permitting.

The street will be closed to through traffic from 6pm – 6am. Local business traffic will maintain access to Nagle Street via Sutton and Jones Streets only. Detours will be in place via Nesbitt, Jones and Sutton Streets.

Also starting next week is work on Copland Street. This will take place over three nights from 6pm Tuesday 2 May to 6am Friday 5 May.

A temporary road closure will be in place on Copland Street between the Tasman Road intersection and Hartog Place, with detours in place via Schiller and Lawson Streets. Hartog Place will remain open. The road will be accessible to local businesses only.

“We’re asking road users to allow extra travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the direction of traffic controllers,” Mr Harwood said.

“There will be some noise associated with this work, but every effort will be made to minimise the impact on residents and businesses. In the event of poor weather, work will be postponed until the next suitable shift.”

POOL TURNS GREEN: The successful Community Signing Session drew Raiders fans of all ages to Morgan Street, prior to Saturday’s round 9 NRL match with the Dolphins.

The program of works is being funded by Council and the Australian Government through its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. For information about road closures, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/roadclosures

Free Masterclass series to boost tourism and events industry

A series of masterclasses aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the tourism and events industry in Wagga Wagga will be held in May.

The workshops hosted by Wagga Wagga City Council will focus on a range of industry-relevant topics, from Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri culture to digital marketing and tourism insights.

As a leading regional destination in New South Wales, Wagga Wagga boasts a vibrant annual calendar of events and a strong visitor market.

Destination and Events Coordinator

Kimberly Parker said the masterclass series provides an opportunity for industry operators to gain a deeper understanding of the city's tourism and events landscape, emerging trends and learn current industry best practice skills and approaches.

"We want to help provide industry operators with a strong understanding of the varying opportunities in our city and how to make the most of key visitor markets through destination storytelling and marketing," Ms Parker said.

"The workshops are tailored to the tourism and events industry to work cohesively, and the categories developed are based on industry feedback and demands."

The masterclass series includes a full-day Wiradyuri Cultural Awareness

Walking Tour, hosted by Wiradyuri

Elder Uncle James Ingram from the Bidya Marra Consultancy. The tour will provide operators with an immersive experience and a deeper understanding of the significance of Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri culture in the city, allowing them to share our story to our city visitors.

In addition, event organisers and tourism operators looking to enhance their digital marketing skills can participate in one of two available digital skills workshops. Participants will learn how to strategically communicate with their ideal audiences and take-home practical tips and tricks to engage with key targets and attract visitors to the city at the right time.

Rounding out the series is a workshop focused on destination insights, open to accommodation operators, event organisers, and industry professionals interested in gaining a new perspective and understanding of the city's visitor segments.

“These workshops will also provide networking opportunities for industry to build positive working relationships with each other and consider collaborative projects that further promote Wagga Wagga as a leading tourism and events destination,” Ms Parker said.

The masterclass series is offered free-of-charge and is delivered as part of Council's Wagga Wagga Tourism Partner Program 2022/23 and as a key deliverable of Wagga Wagga City Council's Events Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2024 Registrations are currently open for existing members, and access for the wider industry will become available from Monday 1 May 2023, pending availability.

To secure your spot, head to visitwagga.com/partners or speak with one of Council's Visitor Economy & Events team members by phoning 1300 292 442 or emailing partners@wagga. nsw.gov.au