Council News Issue #494 - 4 May 2024

Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter

Shine bright for safety: Wagga Wagga lights up for National Road Safety Week

Director South Transport for NSW are urging the community

Week to have conversations about road safety.

The trees along Fitzmaurice Street will be glowing in yellow light each evening of the week 5 – 12 May as part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s recognition of National Road Safety Week.

Road safety advocates and stakeholders across Australia will join forces during National Road Safety Week to emphasise the critical importance of safe road practices and to honour the memory of lives lost and impacted by road incidents.

Recent statistics underscore the urgent need for heightened road safety awareness with the death count rising on Australian roads.

In 2023 alone, Australia witnessed a 7.3 per cent increase in road deaths, with 1,266 deaths and around 40,000 people hospitalised with injuries due to road crashes (roadsafetyweek.com.au).

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said National Road Safety Week is a good opportunity to reflect on how as a community we can work toward a safer future on our roads.

“Most vehicle accidents are avoidable and so many families in Wagga Wagga, NSW and Australia are affected by the

loss or serious injury of a loved one,” Cr Tout said.

“National Road Safety Week encourages us all to have conversations about road safety, have a conversation with your children, your parents, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

“I also encourage the community to learn about the data from road accidents, and how we can prevent further serious injury and loss of life in the future.”

The community are invited to come along to Coffee with a Cop in the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre forecourt on Wednesday 8 May where Transport for NSW and NSW Police will be on hand to promote road safety – handing out resources and information between 8.30am – 11am.

Inspector Darren Moulds, Riverina Highway Patrol, said we welcome all members of the community to come forward and have a chat about road safety.

“If we want to see our roads become safer, then we need to work together as a community,” Inspector Moulds said.

“It has been a tragic time on our roads this year and no one wants to see it continue.

“This is why I want to encourage everyone to come down and have a chat with police about how to be safer on Riverina roads.”

You can join the movement and show support for National Road Safety Week by placing a yellow ribbon on your vehicle, attending local events, promoting awareness on social media using #NRSW or #DriveSoS, and taking the online pledge for safe driving at roadsafetyweek.com.au

In addition, use this week to have conversations with your family, friends, and colleagues about how to use the road more safely and ensure everyone returns home unharmed.

For more information on National Road Safety Week visit roadsafetyweek.com. au

Coffee with a Cop

Wagga Wagga Civic Centre forecourt

Wednesday 8 May 8.30am – 11am Free to attend

This week Council met with local representatives to judge the many colourful artworks submitted as part of the Wagga Wagga 2050 Art Competition.

The judging panel included Council’s Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout and Eastern Riverina Arts (ERA) Communications and Engagement Officer Brittany Hefren.

Community members of all ages were invited to submit artwork showcasing their love for the city. This initiative was part of Council's efforts to develop the Wagga Wagga 2050 Community Strategic Plan, which outlines the longterm vision for our area.

Ms Priest remarked that it was challenging to choose just a handful of winners when around 450 entries were submitted from our community.

“We are grateful to every person who submitted an artwork, and to the many schools that got involved in the initiative,” Ms Priest said.

“It’s truly special to be able to celebrate our home and community in this way.”

Communications and Engagement Officer from ERA, Brittany Hefren noted that there were local favourites to be seen amongst the many artworks.

“From picturesque sunsets to local nature reserves, the bowling alley to the Civic Theatre stage, Wagga Wagga is filled with well-loved spaces and stories,” Ms Hefren said.

“We have a great deal of talent within our community and this competition has shown that there is a lot of local pride to be seen in Wagga Wagga.”

First, second, and third prizes were given across the five age categories with a ‘highly commended’ awarded to two runners up of the 18 years and over age group. To view the full list of winners, head to haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov. au/csp2050

DRIVE SAFE: Sergeant Hannah Bloomfield, Riverina Highway Patrol, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout, and Cassandra Ffrench A/Regional

to take the time during National Road Safety

WINNER WINNER: Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest, ERA Communications and Engagement Officer Brittany Hefren and Mayor Councillor Dallas Tout found it difficult to choose a winner from 450 entries.

There’s More 2 HerStory, an exhibition focusing on the stories of Wagga Wagga women, opens at the Museum of the Riverina – Historic Council Chambers site this Saturday 4 May.

A follow up exhibition to the groundbreaking 2019 exhibition Herstory, There’s More 2 HerStory explores the extraordinary lives of 45 Wagga Wagga women and was created to continue to address the underrepresentation of women’s stories within the formal historical record.

This exhibition takes the opportunity to explore the exceptional achievements, perseverance and resilience of women throughout Wagga Wagga’s history, including Indigenous Elders, artisans, sportswomen, performers, teachers and businesswomen.

Museum Curator Michelle Maddison said There’s More 2 HerStory highlights the often overlooked contributions of women in our community.

“I think it’s timely to remember the importance of women’s history to Wagga Wagga as a community, given the current protests and political discourse surrounding women’s rights,” Ms Maddison said.

“Highlighting women’s stories in this exhibition contributes to the rightful recognition of women both generally and within Australia’s historical record.”

Museum of the Riverina Manager Luke Grealy said the exhibition brings unknown stories to light.

“Exhibitions like There’s More 2 HerStory, that explore local histories previously untold or undervalued, are an important part of our work here at the Museum of the Riverina,” Mr Grealy said.

“They represent an opportunity for giving voice to stories and people who have often been unseen and unheard.”

Museum Curator Michelle Maddison will present an overview of the exhibition at a free public program at 2pm Saturday 4 May at the Museum’s Historic Council Chambers site.

For more information visit museumriverina.com.au

The upcoming local government elections on 14 September 2024 present a valuable opportunity for residents of Wagga Wagga to consider contributing to their community, as potential future members of Wagga Wagga City Council.

To encourage participation, Council is promoting the Local Government NSW Pre-Election Candidate Information Session, scheduled for Wednesday 19 June 2024.

The session aims to provide essential support and education for individuals contemplating a run for Council membership.

Led by Leanne Barnes from Local Government NSW, the seminar will offer valuable insights and guidance for potential candidates, including how to best communicate their reasons for standing.

Manager Corporate Governance and Performance David Galloway noted that Council particularly wishes to encourage women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider running for office in the upcoming election.

"By promoting diverse representation in this space,” Mr Galloway said, “Council aims to encourage a culture of inclusive leadership that values the voices and interests of all community members, and ensures they are effectively represented in local governance."

Seats for the face-to-face session – to be held at the Civic Centre – are limited, with only 20 places available. As such, interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spot promptly.

If you are interested in running for Council membership, we recommend visiting wagga.nsw.gov.au/thecouncil/city-council-elections and registering for the Candidate Information Session as soon as possible.

LGNSW Pre-Election Candidate Information Session

Wednesday 19 June 2024

5:30 - 9pm

Wagga Wagga City Council 243 Baylis Street Wagga Wagga

Scheduled power outage

Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Sunday 5 May 2024.

Essential Energy will be undertaking a planned power outage at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre on Sunday 5 May.

This will affect the Civic Centre building and associated facilities, therefore the facilities will be closed for the day.

• Wagga Wagga Civic Centre

• Wagga Wagga City Library (visit waggalibrary.com.au to access eLibrary and digital resources)

• Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and National Art Glass Gallery

• Museum of the Riverina – Historic Council Chambers

All other Council facilities that normally open on a Sunday will continue to operate as usual. This includes the Visitor Information Centre, Oasis Aquatic Centre, Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site, and Gregadoo Waste Management Centre. For urgent issues the 24-hour call centre can be contacted on 1300 292 442.

wagga.nsw.gov.au/

Reason: Road reconstruction

Detour: Access for residents maintained where possible

TRAVERS ST/FITZMAURICE ST

Roads: Travers St/Fitzmaurice St

Intersection

Date: Monday 29 April to Wednesday 8 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Duration: Night works - 6pm to 6am

Reason: Road reconstruction

Detour: Access for residents maintained where possible

COPLAND ST/KOORINGAL RD

Roads: Copland St/Kooringal Rd

Roundabout

Date: Thursday 9 May to Wednesday

15 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Duration: Night works - 6pm to 6am

Reason: Road reconstruction

Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides SUN 5 MAY, 10AM – 2.30PM Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. P. 0412 439 455

– The Art of Story Telling with Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar SAT 4 MAY, 7.30PM – 9.30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 2024 Auscycling Marathon National Championships SAT 4 – SUN 5 MAY, 12PM START Pomingalarna Reserve, Bagley Dr. P. 1300 137 397

Darren D.C Cross Live at The Curious Rabbit WED 8 MAY, 6.30PM – 8.30PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391

The World of Musicals in Concert WED 8 MAY, 7.30PM – 9.30PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688

Concert No.2: Australian Army Band Kapooka Woodwind Trio with Soprano THU 9 MAY, 1PM – 2PM Wesley Uniting Church, 17-21 Johnston St. P. 6925 3522 Wagga Wagga

Orchid Society Gathering THU 9 MAY,

Detour: Access for residents maintained where possible

ALL NOTICES

wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices

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

CURATED BY HER: There’s More

2 HerStory was curated by Museum Curator Michelle Maddison.