Civic Theatre saves big on energy consumption
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Manager Civic Theatre Claire Harris and Net Zero
the environmental benefit and cuts to costs the new lights have made possible.
An upgrade of Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre’s overhead stage lights, completed in March 2024, is enhancing the experience of patrons while also delivering energy cost savings and environmental benefits.
The theatre was motivated to pursue the lighting upgrade to keep up with a rapidly changing entertainment industry and to better equip the Civic Theatre as a technical training ground, as well as to enhance lighting efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
The lighting upgrade was supported by funds from Council and $90,000 from the Office of Responsible Gambling Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure: arts and culture grant.
Council’s Manager Civic Theatre Claire Harris said the energy savings from the lighting upgrade ended up being much higher than they had initially estimated.
“We anticipated the energy saving from the lighting upgrade would be approximately 37 per cent, but looking at the data we can clearly see it’s a lot more than that,” Ms Harris said.
“When we compared the last three months – June, July and August – to the same months last year, the cost savings
stand at 66 per cent.
“Similarly, we were able to cut 73 per cent of CO2 emissions in these three months compared to the same months last year.”
In addition to the stage lighting upgrade, the theatre’s technical team has been replacing all venue lights with more energy efficient options over the past year and is also looking across the board and within the daily operations at how it can reduce its carbon footprint.
Council’s Net Zero Emissions Project Officer Hemendra Chaudhary said the theatre’s energy saving success shows the community even small changes, like upgrading your lights, can have huge financial and environmental impacts.
“Council is working in many ways to reduce the corporate carbon footprint and at the same time leading the community by example to achieve net zero goals,” Mr Chaudhary said.
“We are keen to look at any areas where we can increase energy efficiency or optimise our energy usage across other Council owned facilities.
“While these changes help Council work towards its Corporate Net Zero strategy, we also have support in place to help residents collectively achieve
community net zero goals.”
Council’s Net Zero Emissions Community 2050 Roadmap provides information on available pathways to engage in climate solutions, and the various initiatives, incentives and rebates on offer from different levels of government.
To view the Community Roadmap visit: haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ netzero
Jim Elphick Tennis Centre taking shape at Bolton Park
Contractors are making excellent progress on the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre at Bolton Park, with the centrepiece of the reinvigorated sports hub now taking firm shape heading into the last quarter of the year.
The warmer weather has been a welcome guest at this stage of construction, with several key works – including installation of the roof and roof trusses on the clubhouse – now successfully marked as complete.
Level 1 framing has also been finalised on the clubhouse, paving the way for the next stage of works on this exciting new multi-purpose venue.
On the ground, significant works have also been undertaken for key aspects of construction including service location, drainage, fencing and lighting.
Installation works for base pavements are at the halfway point on wider courts.
Project Manager Matt Griffin noted that the new facility, upon completion, will be a space designed to cater to both a variety of different sports and multiple fitness levels.
“We’ve been working closely with our construction and design partners throughout the life of this project to ensure the final product is not only a firstclass facility, but also one that reflects the feedback and aspirations of our key stakeholders,” Mr Griffin said.
These sentiments were echoed by Manager City Growth & Regional Assets, Ben Creighton.
“One of the most important aspects of this project is to ensure the Bolton Park Sports Hub is welcoming and meets the needs of all members of the community pursing their fitness and leisure goals,” Mr Creighton said.
Looking ahead, contractors have begun preparation for asphalt surfacing of the courts, which is scheduled to occur on the site in the coming weeks, weather permitting.
For more information visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.au/projects
Emissions Project Officer Hemendra Chaudhary are pleased with
Works & Projects
TAKING SHAPE: Construction is progressing on the Bolton Park Sports Hub and Jim Elphick Tennis Centre.
IN THEIR SIGHTS: Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer
Michaella Alexander, Youth Development Officer Melissa Fattore and Trainee Aboriginal Community Development Officer Caleb Atkinson are getting ready to Gaze the Miima.
A night full of stellar stories at the museum
Where Wiradyuri wisdom meets cosmic curiosities!
Have you ever wondered about the stars up above and what they mean to our First Nations communities?
The Wagga Wagga community is being invited to explore the wonders of the Spring-time night sky at the Museum of the Riverina – Botanic Gardens site for Gaze the Miima (stars), on Tuesday 8 October 2024.
Council’s Youth Development Officer
Melissa Fattore says the event was originally scheduled to be held during NAIDOC Week back in July but was postponed due to bad weather.
“We are thrilled to be able to put this evening of stargazing and storytelling with a local Wiradyuri knowledge holder and an amateur astronomer back on the calendar of events for our city and surrounds over the school holidays,” Ms Fattore said.
“People of all ages and abilities, and their circle of support are invited to join us for a magical night where ancient wisdom meets the wonders of the Miima.”
Wiradjuri knowledge holder Luke Wighton will be sharing stories, surrounded by Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri history and culture in the Museum’s Wiradyuri Gallery.
Afterwards, a local amateur astronomer will guide you through the constellations, connecting traditional narratives with modern-day astronomy.
Council's Aboriginal Community Development Officer Michaella Alexander says that participants will be treated with some scrumptious refreshments from a local First Nations caterer.
“A light selection of treats with native ingredients will be provided for refreshments to expand your palate,” Ms Alexander said.
Tickets are $10 per person, plus a booking fee.
Spots are limited and registration is required, so to snap up your ticket visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/youth
WASTE NOT WANT NOT: Wagga
Wagga resident Alison Tokley and Council’s Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid chatting about recycling, upcycling, community garage sales and making a dollar or two.
FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE: During October, we remember those who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby during pregnancy.
The Apple of Your Ira! Goofy, fun-loving, and sweet as can be, Ira is a one-year-old, male, mixed breed who gets along with other dogs and is looking for his forever home. Ira is available for adoption for $344 which includes microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, a heartworm test, flea and worming treatment and an ID tag.
(ImpD24/0403).
With the return of the 2024 Wagga Wagga Garage Sale Trail, November is the perfect time to get rid of unwanted items.
Registrations open for Wagga Wagga’s biggest Garage Sale event Fitzmaurice Street trees light up for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness
Wagga Wagga City Council is proud to be partnering with Garage Sale Trail again in 2024 and is encouraging residents to host a sale, either by yourself or with family and friends.
Registrations are open for sellers until the first weekend of sales on Saturday 9 November.
Council’s Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid said the Garage Sale Trail is a fun way to clear out your house and garage, while also saving items from landfill.
“We are encouraging everyone to get involved in this year’s community Garage Sale Trail,” Ms Reid said.
“The best part of this community campaign is that it puts your sale on the map displaying all the other sales happening that weekend, encouraging people to visit all of them.
“At the end of the campaign, we receive data to let us know just how much we have saved from landfill.”
Ms Reid said that whether you’re a seller or buyer, the event is an enjoyable social activity that has measurable environmental benefits.
“More than 2000 people got involved locally last year, and we’re hoping to have an even bigger and better go this year.”
The first step is registering your garage sale online. It’s free to sign up, and once you do you’ll receive promotional materials to advertise your sale.
“Because your sale is promoted for locals to see, it’s garage sales made easy!” Ms Reid said.
“The free resources include letterbox slips, directional signage, and posters to promote your sale.”
Ms Reid says now that we have hit Spring, it’s the perfect time to sort through your home or garage and make some extra cash.
Register for free here: garagesaletrail.com.au/waggawagga
10AM – 2:30PM Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. Downside Bush Dance SAT 5 OCT, 8PM Downside Hall, Downside-Shepherds Sidings Rd.
PCYC School Holiday Activities MON 7 – THURS 10 OCT
11 Fitzhardinge St.
8 OCT, 11:30AM & 2:30PM
Riverina
8 Cross St.
The street trees in Fitzmaurice Street are glowing pink and blue for the month of October as a way for Council to assist in the promotion of Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month.
This month, people around the world will take time to remember those who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby.
Wagga Wagga’s ‘The Vilomah Community’, established in 2021, supports bereaved families in the Riverina following stillbirth.
Founders, Bek and Megan, set up the support service so that no family ever has to walk the journey of pregnancy and infant loss alone. They can be contacted at: vilomahcommunity.com
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Manager Community Services Madeleine Scully said this temporary lighting display is a practical way that Council can support the community to raise the profile of important local, state and national community awareness campaigns.
Community organisations seeking to promote their upcoming health and community campaigns with temporary lighting of street trees in Fitzmaurice Street are encouraged to book their requests here: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ temporary-lighting
Long weekend
t r a d i n g h o u r s
Council administration will be closed for the long weekend. Check our website to see what facilities are open over the long weekend. wagga.nsw.gov.au/tradinghours
Producers Market
10 OCT, 1PM – 6.30PM
Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, 27 Bourke St. Thursday Trivia at Thirsty Crow Brewery THUR 10 OCT, 7PM – 9PM 153 Fitzmaurice St. Jeonghwan Kim –Piano Recital THUR 10 OCT, 7:30PM – 9PM Riverina Conservatorium of Music,
Road closures
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)
Roads: 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
KOORINGAL AVE
Roads: Kooringal Rd between Fay Ave and 200m north of Simkin Cres
Date: Thursday 17 October 2024 (weather permitting)
Duration: 6pm to 6am
Reason: Final asphalt seal works
Detour: Access for residents maintained where possible
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices