One Tree for Me done and dusted for another year!
It also provided seedlings to the Schools Tree Day and for National Tree Day, which saw one of its biggest turnouts at a site on part of the Charles Sturt University farm.
Council’s Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid said it takes a lot of planning to make the initiative happen each year.
“The team has already started looking to the 2024 One Tree for Me program, and as part of that process we are calling on residents who participated to complete a short survey,” Ms Reid said.
Saturday 7 October 2023 | Issue #466
Works & Projects
FUTURE GROWTH: The existing pathway next to Plumpton Road is proposed to be upgraded as part of Stage 3 of the Active Travel Plan project.
Planning Wagga Wagga’s next stage of active travel
The expansion of Wagga Wagga's shared pathway network is in motion as preparations for Stage 3 of the city’s Active Travel Plan progress. This week, Wagga Wagga City Council released a tender to appoint a contractor for the detailed design of this stage of the Active Travel Plan project.
Stage 3 features the creation of 15 kilometres of new shared pathways and road crossings throughout the city. Council's Director Strategy & Projects Phil McMurray said the detailed design phase is critical to the project’s success.
“The successful contractor will be responsible for tasks including site surveys, soil and material investigations and other activities to produce detailed designs and cost estimates for the project,” Mr McMurray said.
Funding from the NSW Government and Council will support the detailed design phase of Active Travel Plan Stage 3. Further grant funding will need to be sought for construction.
Wagga Wagga City Council’s environment team is thanking residents for helping get more than 11,000 seedlings in the ground since June 2023 and is encouraging participants to complete a short survey to help plan for next year.
The team held One Tree for Me seedling giveaway events in four suburbs across the city in June, July, August and September, as well as visiting several village areas in an effort to get seedlings to as many different parts of the community as possible.
“We would love your feedback on what worked well and where we need to do something different to help us make good decisions for our community as we work towards our goal of 65,000 seedlings planted in the local area over a six-year period.
“It’s a massive task that we could never do on our own so the positive response from the community has really encouraged us to keep going.”
Among the highlights for the team in 2023 was the local National Tree Day event at the end of July, which saw almost 150 community members turn out to plant more than 1000 seedlings in one morning.
All the plant species for the event were selected specifically to support the Superb Parrot flight path through this area.
The continuing strong support from the community for the One Tree for Me giveaways, was another highlight.
“We have such a good following of people asking where and when the next one will be and the thought of what might happen if we let them down has been a real driver for us,” Ms Reid said.
“People are really keen to know more about what they can to do to support the environment in the space they have and to hear about the concept behind it all, that is, how their own backyard can become a functional part of a broader bush corridor to support native wildlife, especially the little birds that have suffered the most from habitat loss.”
The 11,000 seedlings provided this year brings the total number of seedlings planted since the campaign began to 35,578.
Please have your say on the One Tree for Me initiative by completing the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/TKYZF97
For more information about the program, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ onetreeforme
Council’s Manager Recreation and Economic Development Ben Creighton said while there is a lot of work to be done before the new pathways are considered for construction, this is an important step towards planning for the future expansion of the network.
“One of the most significant aspects of Stage 3 will be the investigation of a pedestrian bridge, across the Murrumbidgee River linking into Boorooma Street,” Mr Creighton said. “This landmark feature would not only provide a stunning view of the river and wetlands, but also will serve as a vital link for residents, connecting the northern growth area to the city centre.
“Another key development will be the introduction of a new shared path, connecting Ashmont to Wagga’s health precinct and the city centre.”
Also proposed is an upgrade of the existing pathway next to Plumpton Road and its future extension to Rowan Road. While Stage 3 is in the planning phase, residents and visitors can take advantage of the shared paths that have been completed during Stages 1 and 2.
Find out where the Active Travel Plan connects with your suburb at wagga. nsw.gov.au/projects/cycling-network
Don’t forget to rinse it before you bin it!
All hard plastic and metal items should be given a rinse before you put them in the yellow lid recycling bin.
TONNE OF FUN: Heap: Taking Compost to Great Heights will engage green (and black) thumbs of all ages and be spreading the message about good composting habits at FUSION BOTANICAL at the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Precinct. Courtesy Brad Harris.
Taste the world at FUSION BOTANICAL
Excitement is building for Wagga Wagga’s annual springtime celebration of live music, street food and culture, which is on in two weeks’ time at the beautiful Botanic Gardens Precinct.
Thousands of residents and visitors from across the region and beyond are expected to soak up the sights, sounds and scents of FUSION BOTANICAL multicultural street festival on Saturday 21 October, kicking off at 4pm.
Council’s Community Development Officer Victoria Lowe said the city’s
premier outdoor music festival features a playfully curated program of live entertainment and fun activities, offering a window into many diverse cultures and traditions.
“We will have a mix of traditional and contemporary performances by talented community performers, ranging from live music and dance to martial arts,” Ms Lowe said.
“There will also be bountiful feasting options in the World Food Village, where you can devour a menu of authentic and modern street style bites from more than 25 street food and drink vendors.
“While some of the vendors are commercial operators, we also have several community groups, supported by the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga, who will be cooking their own international culinary cuisines.
“From Afghanistan to Burmese to Filipino and Tibetan, Iraqi to South Sudanese, just to name a few, there is sure to be a savoury or sweet treat to tempt your taste buds, so make sure you bring your appetite!”
As part of Council’s commitment to addressing waste management, FUSION BOTANICAL encourages a sustainable festival ground. Clearly signed and colour-coded waste collection stations will be strategically placed across the festival site.
One of the feature roving acts, Heap: Taking Compost to Great Heights, will be helping to spread the sustainability message, encouraging festival goers to turn their kitchen scraps into garden gold.
FUSION BOTANICAL will be presented at the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Precinct, Macleay Street, on Wiradyuri
includes the ceremonial ‘granting’ of the Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga which will take place outside the Civic Centre, at the corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets.
Following the march, the community are invited to a free concert showcasing the Rock Band of the Australian Army Band Kapooka from 12.30pm at the Victory Memorial Gardens.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga
Ngurambang (Country), from 4pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 21 October. To discover more about this year’s festival, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/fusion or follow Fusion Multicultural Festival on Facebook.
FUSION BOTANICAL is presented and funded by Wagga Wagga City Council and supported cultural partner the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga.
TASTE SENSATION: Habibi Chicken will cook up a delish serve of Knafeh at FUSION BOTANCIAL. Courtesy of Campbell Cole Photography.
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amazing musicians at their ‘Hour of Power’ concert in the Victory Memorial Gardens.”
The Australian Army Band Kapooka performs up to 300 official engagements for both military and community audiences every year.
R251000208
TEMPO SET: Officer Commanding and Music Director, Australian Army Band Kapooka Major Greg Peterson conducting the band.
Countdown on to Australian Army Band’s Freedom of the City parade
In just over a week, our city centre will be filled with pageantry and music during the Australian Army Band’s Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga Parade and free community concert on Sunday 15 October 2023.
The spectacular street march along Baylis Street starts at 10.30am and
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
Councillor Dallas Tout is encouraging the community to gather along Baylis Street for the parade and then stay in the city centre for the ‘Hour of Power’ concert.
“It is going to be an exciting event and we would really like to see residents of all ages be a part of the day,” Cr Tout said.
“Find a spot along Baylis Street between the Wollundry Lagoon Bridge and Forsyth Street to watch all the military pageantry, including the ceremonial ‘granting’ of the Freedom of Entry to the City to the Australian Army Band outside the Civic Centre.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity for the community to show their appreciation for the Australian Army Band Kapooka and all that it has contributed to us over the past 70 years, and you will also get to rock along with these
Gamelan Ensemble SAT 7 OCT, 3PM – 5PM
The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391
Saturday Night Roller Disco
SAT 7 OCT, 7PM – 9PM
Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0427 075 600
Downside Bush Dance SAT 7 OCT, 7.30PM – 12AM
Downside Hall, Downside-Shepherds
Siding Rd. P. 0427 042 686
The Best of Arj Barker –Power Hour
SAT 7 OCT, 8PM – 9PM
995 Sekar Langit
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way.
P. 6926 9688
Photography Workshops with Paul Kerr
TUE 10 OCT, 6PM – 8PM
The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St.
P. 6921 5391
Spinning in the Gallery
WED 11 OCT, 11AM – 2PM
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St.
P. 6926 9660
Digital Agrifood Summit
WED 11 & THU 12 OCT, 9AM – 5PM
Charles Sturt University, Boorooma St.
P. 6933 4020
Gulbali Stargrazing Dinner
WED 11 OCT,
It has provided hours of enjoyment and entertainment for community members, from its Music at Midday concert series and supporting Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day ceremonies, to performing at numerous community fundraising events.
The Freedom of Entry to the City event coincides with a reunion of ex-serving soldier musicians from the Australian Army Band Corps Association.
A Mayoral Reception will also be held in honour of the Australian Army Band Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga parade.
Freedom of Entry to the City Program – Sunday 15 October
10.30am – 11am – Freedom of Entry to the City Parade along Baylis Street.
11.30am – Mayoral Reception, Civic Centre
12.30pm – 1.30pm – ‘Hour of Power’ community concert by the Rock Band of the Australian Army Band Kapooka, Victory Memorial Gardens
6.30PM – 10PM
Food I
Road closures
BIROOMBA LANE
Road: Biroomba Lane between Edward St and Morgan St
Date: 9 October 2023 to 10 October 2023
Duration: From 6pm to 6am (night works)
Reason: Remove and replace existing surface
BAYLIS STREET
Road: Baylis St from north side of Forsyth St to north side of the Wollundry Lagoon Bridge
Date: 15 October 2023
Duration: 10am to 11.30am
Reason: Freedom of the City - Australian Army Band - march
Detour: Detours as signposted
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices
visitwagga.com
1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au