Council News Issue #489 - 30 March 2024

Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter

Planning a major event?

Apply for funding now!

Saturday

Event organisers looking to develop new experiences or build on their event offer in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area are encouraged to consider applying for Wagga Wagga City Council's 2024/25 Major Events, Festival and Films Sponsorship funding program.

Applications are open now for events held between 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, with applications open all year round or until available funds are exhausted.

Funding is available across three event categories: incubator events, developing events and flagship events.

With a $100,000 funding pool available, Council is committed to supporting innovative, creative, and high-quality events to build a vibrant annual events calendar for our community and visitors.

Council’s Events Officer Emma Corbett says Council recognises the value of events in driving tourism, creating social connection, celebrating our culture, and enlivening our city.

"The program provides financial support to develop new events

or festival experiences and also encourages the growth and development of existing or maturing events," Ms Corbett said.

“Council’s Major Events, Festival and Films Sponsorship funding program ensures our city continues to present a vibrant and diverse annual events calendar, which provides important economic and cultural benefits to our city.

“Successful applicants in previous rounds included Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras, Christmas with the Con, as well as a new event TEDx Wagga Wagga.”

There are four assessment rounds throughout the financial year, with the first round closing on Sunday 19 May 2024.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Events team prior to applying via email events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 292 422.

The funding guidelines, application form, and instructions on how to apply can be found online at wagga. smartygrants.com.au

All funding applications received will be reviewed by an assessment panel, after which recommendations will be made at

the next Ordinary Council Meeting. Successful and unsuccessful applications will be notified 10 days after Council’s decision.

For more information on the program visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ eventsponsorship

Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship funding categories

Incubator Events

New innovative events that are in their first or second year can apply for funding from $3,000 - $10,000

Developing Events

Events that have been running successfully for more than two consecutive years can apply for up to $20,000

Flagship Events

Events that have already received three (3) years of funding through the Major Events, Festival and Film Sponsorship program in previous years can apply for funding from $10,000 - $20,000.

New roadworks added to Road Rehabilitation Program

A new package of roadworks is to be undertaken in Wagga Wagga from April to June 2024 as part of the current Road Rehabilitation Program.

Wagga Wagga City Council, in conjunction with contractors, will be undertaking asphalt works in various roundabouts and intersections in Wagga Wagga and surrounding suburbs.

Locations and approximate timeframes include (weather permitting):

• Travers Street/Trail Street intersection from 22 April

• Travers Street/Fitzmaurice Street intersection from 29 April

• Copland Street/Kooringal Road roundabout from 3 May

• Kooringal Road/Lake Albert Road roundabout from 10 May

• Bourke Street/Holbrook Road intersection from 14 May

• Pinaroo Drive/Fernleigh Road roundabout from 17 May

• Best Street/Tompson Street roundabout from 22 May

• Best Street/Forsyth Street roundabout from 27 May

• Best Street/Morgan Street roundabout from 30 May

Director Infrastructure Services Warren Faulkner said this package of works looks to repair damage to roads at major intersections throughout the city.

“This is a large scope of works that will be undertaken at various intersections and roundabouts in central Wagga Wagga, Kooringal, Lake Albert, Lloyd and Glenfield Park,” Mr Faulkner said.

“This is package four of the major roadworks rehabilitation program that has been rolled out since January.

“The initiative aims to transform roads by enhancing both safety and the overall driving experience for motorists.”

Roadworks will be carried out during the night, while VMS boards (mobile variable message signs) will be in place to notify motorists of commencement dates and scheduled work times.

Council advises there will be some noise associated with this work, but every effort will be made to minimise the impact on residents.

For more information visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ road-rehabilitation-program

APPLY NOW: Wagga Wagga City Council's 2024/25 Major Events, Festival and Films Sponsorship funding program is now open for the first round of applications until Sunday 19 May 2024. 2023 Christmas with the Con.

Community encouraged to apply for Annual Grants Program 2024/25 funding

Community organisations, groups and individuals are encouraged to submit their applications now for a share of the $217,450 available through Council’s Annual Grants Program 2024/25.

There are 10 categories available to support community programs within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area: Community Programs and Projects, Recreational and Community Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Environment, Youth Programs and Projects, and Small Business.

Manager Community Services Madeleine Scully said the Annual Grants Program is an opportunity for Council to provide assistance to a diverse range of community-based projects and programs.

“We want to really encourage any local community groups and organisations who have identified a community project or program they want to develop and deliver, to apply for funding support through Council’s Annual Grants Program,” Ms Scully said.

“It does take a bit of time to complete the application, so it is best to get started now while there is still plenty of time to apply.

“We encourage applicants to contact Council to discuss your ideas and project plans with a category grants officer before you apply.”

Last year Council supported 63 community and small business projects through its 2023/24 program.

The Annual Grants Program is part of Council’s commitment to developing a vibrant and diverse community in line with the goals of the Community Strategic Plan 2040

Applications for the Annual Grants Program 2024/25 close on Monday 6 May 2024 at 11.59pm.

All applicants will be formally notified of the result of their application in August 2024.

Projects can commence from August 2024 and be completed by 30 June 2025

For more information, visit wagga.nsw. gov.au/grants

Lord Baden Powell Drive upgrade enhances Botanic Gardens precinct

The completion of the Lord Baden Powell Drive upgrade marks the final phase of the Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal project, offering an ideal opportunity to explore the fantastic attractions in this part of the city.

The project aimed to improve pedestrian safety access, traffic flow and improve the overall visitor experience to connect the Museum of The Riverina within the Botanic Gardens precinct. Museum Education and Public Programs Officer Angus CawdellSmith said the improved access to the Museum has made it easier for visitors to enjoy all aspects of the Botanic Gardens precinct.

"We're thrilled to welcome visitors to the Museum of The Riverina redeveloped Botanic Gardens site,” Mr Cawdell-Smith said.

“Our semi-permanent galleries, including the Wiradjuri, Rural and War Galleries, offer something for everyone.

“With significantly improved access, we're proud to provide the community with a cultural experience at the museum where there is something for everyone."

The Lord Baden Powell upgrade has made this area safer and more convenient for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Safety enhancements include installing two refuge crossings for pedestrians, along with vegetation management to improve visibility for pedestrians and vehicles.

Reshaping the intersection to the Museum has also boosted safety for vehicles exiting the Museum to safely access Lord Baden Powell Drive.

The Museum of the Riverina will be open on Easter Saturday 10am - 4pm, and Easter Sunday 10am - 2pm, and closed for the public holidays either side (Friday 29 March, and Monday 1 April).

The Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund, Create NSW through the Regional Cultural Fund, Restart NSW through Infrastructure NSW, and Wagga Wagga City Council.

Further information is available on the Museum’s website museumriverina. com.au/visit

For more information on this project, its components, and related funding, please visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ projects/botanic-gardens-precinctrenewal

Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis St. P. 5925 5305

Riverina Producers Market

THU 4 APR, 1PM – 6.30PM

WEEK

Have your say Wagga Wagga

Share your ideas for the future of Wagga Wagga + surrounds

We are holding pop-up information stalls to collect community feedback on two important Council plans.

Upcoming pop-up information stalls: Come out and share your ideas! The two campaigns currently available for public feedback, are the Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan and the Wagga Wagga CBD Masterplan

Tuesday 2 April

Wagga Wagga Marketplace | 11am – 2pm CBD Masterplan

Apex Park, Lake Albert | 3pm – 5pm Community Strategic Plan & CBD Masterplan

Wednesday 3 April

Wagga Wagga City Library | 10am – 12pm Community Strategic Plan

Thursday 4 April

Sturt Mall Wagga | 11am – 2pm

CBD Masterplan

Friday 5 April

Wagga Wagga City Library | 10am – 12pm

Community Strategic Plan

Gobbagombalin Park | 2.30pm – 4pm

Community Strategic Plan

Saturday 6 April

Riverside Park | 10am – 12pm CBD Masterplan

Stay updated on session times via Council’s Have Your Say website, and the City of Wagga Wagga socials.

Join the conversation: haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au

Is Bryer the friend you desire?

Bryer is a 12-month-old male, tan, American Staffordshire Terrier x. The name Bryer means gentle and sweet, very fitting for this beautiful boy!

Bryer has been working on his confidence and is a happy and energetic boy who would make a very loyal companion. Bryer is looking for a forever home where he can continue to work on his confidence.

The adoption cost for ‘Bryer’ is $312 and includes: microchipping, lifetime registration, desexing, vaccination, heartworm test, flea and worming treatment and ID tag. Imp D24/0100.

Vacancies

P. 6926 9688

Musical Bingo at Tilly’s Wagga WED 3 APR, 7.30PM

Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835

Tempo: Flying Fruit Fly Circus

THU 4 APR, 6.30PM – 7.25PM

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

Infusion Games Trivia and Karaoke