Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Duke of Kent community building officially opened to public
The new Duke of Kent Community Building has officially opened its doors to the Wagga Wagga community.
At the opening ceremony on Monday (24 June), Mayor Dallas Tout and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson joined with University of the Third Age (U3A) Wagga Wagga President Daphne Carswell OAM and Veteran & Vintage Motor Club (VVMC) Vice President Rob Le Lievre, to welcome guests and members of the community into the space and declare the project complete.
Motor Club members also displayed several cars and motorbikes on site during the event, using the freshly installed carpark to showcase their members’ passion for classic vehicles.
Council’s Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton described the new Duke of Kent Community Building as a versatile facility capable of suiting a variety of purposes.
groups at once.
Offices have been created for use by the VVMC and U3A, while external upgrades include a new 22-space carpark, solar and upgraded storm water and sewer systems, along with a new multi-purpose undercover area.
Ms Carswell from U3A Wagga Wagga said members were delighted the space is now available for use.
“We are a rapidly growing not-for-profit organisation, offering up to 35 courses weekly for over 500 current members,”
Ms Carswell said.
“This centrally located new facility will allow us to continue to grow and provide learning, social interaction and physical activities for members of the community in their 3rd age.”
Mr Le Lievre agreed, adding that Motor Club members had already begun to experience the benefits of the new building after successfully holding their first rally there in early June 2024.
“This new space elevates the VVMC’s ability to promote historic motoring through the City of Wagga Wagga to all people,” Mr Le Lievre said.
“We look forward to the ease with which the club will be able to operate in
the new building.”
The Mayor thanked the Motor Club and U3A as valued partners in use of the site, noting the venue will be equally accessible to other community groups and members of the public via Council’s online booking system.
“Council is committed to ensuring community organisations in our city are well supported with enhanced infrastructure that caters to the needs of many,” Cr Tout said.
“Looking forward, we’re excited to see the many benefits our city will experience via this wonderful new community space.”
The project was fully funded by Wagga Wagga City Council.
Feedback sought on temporary camping grounds proposal
Council is looking for your feedback on a proposed planning document for the temporary use of several recreational sites in Wagga Wagga for camping or caravans when the city hosts major events.
The concept aims to provide accommodation for visitors attending major events by designating specific sites for temporary camping and caravans.
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton said Council has been doing some planning around the potential accommodation options that might be available for major events into the future.
“There's a number of major projects and events coming to the city and as part of the planning for them, we're looking at what their impact might be on accommodation availability more broadly across the city,” Mr Creighton said.
“What we're looking to be able to do is potentially provide some temporary options so when these major events come to the city we've got some alternatives for people to stay in the city if all the other accommodation is already booked out.
“It is not intended to replace existing accommodation but to serve as a contingency plan when traditional lodging options are fully booked. It is anticipated that this would occur only once or twice per year.”
The possible sites are Riverside: Wagga Beach, the Wagga Exhibition Centre (Equex), Wiradjuri Oval, and Wagga Cricket Ground, which have been chosen due to their locations and existing infrastructure onsite.
Under the proposal, temporary structures such as toilet and shower amenities, generators, and food stalls could be installed and removed after each event.
The proposal is currently on public exhibition.
“We are encouraging the community to provide their feedback by letting us know if they have any concerns or questions about the concept,” Mr Creighton said.
“Once submissions close, we will collate that information and see what the broader community views are before we look at potentially progressing it to a formal planning application.”
Submissions are open until 31 July 2024 at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov. au/temporary-camping-grounds
Help keep Wagga Wagga Airport in community hands. Tell us how privatisation of the airport would impact you, your family, your business or organisation.
For more details and to take the 5 minutes to complete an online submission, visit our website.
haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Learn more
Council adopts overall budget for 2024/25
Wagga Wagga City Council has adopted an overall budget of $240 million, including total operating expenditure, capital renewals, and new capital projects.
The overall figure includes a total operating expenditure budget of $159.31 million in addition to more than $81 million of capital works projects and programs for the 2024/25 financial year.
Council adopted the Operational Plan 2024/25, the fees and charges for the financial year 2024/25, and the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) 2024/25, at its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 24 June.
These documents inform how Council operates, from rubbish and roads to our parks, cultural and sporting facilities, to maintaining or improving existing facilities.
For the 2024/25 financial year, Council has forecast a balanced budget for the first year of the LTFP, with the financial years 2025/26 to 2026/27 projecting deficits.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said Council’s budget and delivery program focus on delivering services for a growing and diverse community while planning for the future.
“Financial sustainability is one of the key issues facing local government due a range of factors, such as growing demands for community services and facilities and their ongoing operational costs, constrained revenue growth and ageing infrastructure,” Cr Tout said.
The capital works projects and programs account for more than $81 million of the planned activities for the 2024/25 financial year.
Council staff will present a further report at the next available Council meeting with the information necessary to consider an amendment to the Public Art Policy (POL109) to remove the $50,000 cap currently placed on Public Art funding.
JOIN IN: Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer Mel Fattore and Aboriginal Community Development Officer Michaella Alexander encourage the community to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024.
Council supports three
Wagga Wagga events
National NAIDOC Week 2024 commences on Sunday 7 July with a huge program of events across the community, held to recognise and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year’s theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud!'.
Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer Michaella Alexander said Wagga Wagga should be proud of the range of NAIDOC celebrations happening in our community.
“Based on community feedback, we are focusing this year on presenting educational activities and opportunities for local Elders and cultural knowledge holders to share their skills and knowledge,” Ms Alexander said.
“Council is working with Elders and the community to come together for a march down Baylis street along with a flag raising ceremony at the Civic Centre on Monday 8 July followed by local First Nations performances.”
On 9 July, people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are invited to join a night-time stargazing event at the Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens.
“We are excited to work with local Wiradyuri knowledge holders and an amateur astronomer to host a night of wintery stargazing,” Council’s Youth and Community Development Officer Mel Fattore said.
“The activity will include taking participants on a tour of the Wiradjuri/ Wiradyuri exhibits at the museum before heading outside to the telescopes to explore the stars.”
Other events will include the Wagga NAIDOC Week Ball and Awards, RivMed's NAIDOC Celebration, and community events at Kooringal Hub, Tolland Hub, Ashmont Community Resource Centre, and Ngurra Youth Hub in Ashmont.
For more information on NAIDOC Week 2024 events and how to take part, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/naidocweek
Country, Our Song –Art Exhibition SUN 30 JUN – FRI 5 JUL, 10AM – 4PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660 Emily Rose In Concert
Sapphire Quartz
SAT 29 JUN, 6.30PM - 9.30PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391 Woodcut with Elaine Camlin SAT 29 JUN, 10.30AM – 4.30PM Unique State Art Space, 43 Thompson St. P. 0437 699 995
Nganampa Ngura Inmatjara: Our
SUN 30 JUN, 6PM – 7.30PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P 6921 5391 Piaf and Aznavour –Back in Time MON 1 JUL, 11AM – 12PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 Recent Works: Kellie Hulm & Paul Williams Exhibition MON 1 JUL – FRI 5 JUL, 10AM – 4PM
Three major events in Wagga Wagga will be supported by Council’s Major Events, Festivals and Film Sponsorship 2024/25 fund.
At its Ordinary Meeting on 24 June, Council endorsed a total of $28,000 funding under Round One of the program toward the delivery of the Carols by Candlelight, the Wagga Wagga Swap Meet, and Christmas with the Con events.
Council’s Destination & Events Coordinator Kimberly Parker said this program plays an important role in supporting organisers to deliver major events in the city.
“This funding recognises the importance of events bringing visitors to our region, showcasing our public spaces and energising our city,” Ms Parker said.
After a hiatus, the Carols by Candlelight will return, rejuvenated by the not-forprofit organisation Specialist Medical Resources Foundation.
The event is scheduled to be held from 6-7 December 2024 at Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Music Bowl.
The second successful recipient is the Wagga Wagga Swap Meet, delivered by the ‘Classic and Historic Automobile Club of Australia – Wagga Wagga Region’, which is scheduled to be held at Wagga Wagga Showground from 21-22 July 2024.
The third recipient is Christmas with the Con, which is staged and delivered by the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.
It is scheduled to be held at the Riverside: Wagga Beach event space and mainstage area on 14 December 2024.
There are more opportunities for event organisers to apply for funding under the program.
Round Two applications close on Sunday 14 July, with two more rounds to follow, closing on 15 September and 15 December, or until allocated funds have been exhausted.
For more information or to make an application, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ eventsponsorship
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660
Wheelchair AFL WED 3 JUL, 6.30PM - 8PM Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0407 682
Vacancies
Friday, 12 July 2024
Trainee Aboriginal Community Development Officer (Identified) Remuneration: $1,910.12 gpf + super
Wednesday, 17 July 2024
wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs
Road closures
DOBNEY AVENUE
Roads: Dobney Ave (between Urana St and Pearson St roundabout)
Date: Wednesday 26 June to Monday 1 July 2024 (weather permitting)
Duration: Night works - 6pm to 6am
Reason: Road reconstruction
Detour: Via Pearson Street, Fernleigh Road, Bulolo Street
BAYLIS STREET - FESTIVAL OF W Road: Baylis Street between Morrow Street and the Wollundry Lagoon bridge
Duration: 6am Friday 12 July 2024 to 6pm
Monday 15 July 2024
Reason: Festival of W 2024
Detour: As per signage
BAYLIS STREET + MORGAN STREET - NAIDOC MARCH
Roads: Baylis Street between Morgan Street and the Wollundry Lagoon Bridge
Date: Monday 8 July 2024
Duration: 9:00am to midday
Reason: Wagga NAIDOC March 2024 & Flag Raising
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices