Healing together through truth telling this National Apology Day 2025
REFLECT: Council’s Trainee Aboriginal Community Development Officer Caleb-Aaron Atkinson and Aboriginal Community Development Officer Michaella Alexander are inviting the community to attend the commemoration of National Apology Day on Thursday 13 February.
Council warmly invites the community to attend the commemoration of the 17th anniversary of the National Apology. The event will feature reflections from local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations Elders and take place on Thursday 13 February at 10am.
Commencing outdoors on the grassed area in front of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, the event will be held on the banks of the Wollundry Lagoon, which is a highly significant cultural place for the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri community.
Council's Aboriginal Community Development Officer Michaella Alexander said that the event has been developed closely with the community and is an important day for reflection and healing.
“It’s vital to pause and reflect on the day when the former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the national 'Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples’,” said Michaella Alexander.
“This moment marked a powerful acknowledgment of the historical mistreatment of the Stolen Generations and demonstrated the profound impact of an apology.
“Honouring the Stolen Generations, remembering past injustices, and coming together to heal are essential
steps in the reconciliation journey. We invite everyone to join us and learn more about this important part of our shared history.”
The event will begin with a Welcome to Country by local Elder Aunty Dorothy Whyman, followed by a cleansing smoking ceremony, youth cultural dancers, and reflections from local Elders on the path of healing.
The community will then be invited inside the Civic Theatre for the launch of the Resettlement Podcast, dedicated to sharing local stories of resilience, connection and cultural strength within the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations community.
This project has been made possible because the Museum of the Riverina was successful in securing a $50,000 Community Heritage grant from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, to research and record local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nation oral histories.
This two-year project fulfills Action 8.9 in Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, which details Council will undertake programs to record Aboriginal People’s oral histories at the Museum of the Riverina and Wagga Wagga City Library.
These oral histories produced as part of the podcast series include interviews with local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First
Nations families who were part of the resettlement scheme to Wagga Wagga in the early 1970s. Many of these residents went on to contribute toward the establishment of a wide range of services for the local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations community in the City, including: Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Childcare, Riverina Medical and a local branch of the Aboriginal Legal Service.
“This podcast marks an important step in preserving and sharing the stories of First Nations communities in Wagga Wagga,” Council’s Museum Manager Luke Grealy said.
“It’s an enlightening and deeply emotional series, carefully curated with the invaluable contributions of Aunty Dorothy Whyman, Uncle Hewitt Whyman, Luke Wighton and Museum volunteer, Moyra Shields.”
After the launch event everyone is invited to stay for a free barbecue by the Wollundry Lagoon. No bookings are required to attend this event.
Council is committed to advancing reconciliation, and by commemorating National Apology Day as a community we take a collective step toward a future where past injustices are acknowledged, and meaningful progress is achieved.
For more information about National Apology Day 2025 in Wagga Wagga, visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/apologyday
In recent months, there have been many reports of residents dumping unwanted household items such as furniture, toys and appliances on roadsides in public places.
There are ways to dispose of these items responsibly, including booking a Hard Waste Collection, or to drop-off unwanted items to the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) Tip Shop, which now accepts donations seven days a week.
GWMC Supervisor Solid Waste, Tammie Cook says residents are being encouraged to use the services available to them.
“Hard Waste Collection is available to residents in the Wagga Wagga Local Government LGA Area to dispose of items that cannot go through the kerbside collection service,” Ms Cook said.
“All residential properties in the LGA, including rental properties, can access one free collection per calendar year to dispose of up to two cubic metres of hard waste.”
Another way residents can get rid of their unwanted items is take them to GWMC’s Tip Shop.
“Previously, we only accepted items on the days the Tip Shop is open, (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) but we have changed this and will now accept items every day between 8am – 4pm,” Tammie Cook said.
“Please be aware there are restrictions on the types of items we accept. Clothing, textiles, and items in poor condition will not be accepted and you will be directed to take them to the weighbridge for disposal.”
A list of items accepted by the Tip Shop is available at wagga.nsw.gov. au/thetipshop
Residents can book a Hard Waste Collection through Council via our Online Services portal, in-person at the Customer Service desk at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, or by calling us on 1300 292 442.
There are restrictions on the type, size, and weight of items that can be collected through a Hard Waste Collection. For more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/hardwaste
DROP-OFF HERE: GWMC Supervisor Solid Waste, Tammie Cook and Waste Education Officer Kirsty Vickers at the Tip Shop which now accepts items seven days a week.
Get ready to laugh with the launch of the 2025 Bald Archy Prize exhibition
Returning for its 29th year, Australia’s premier satirical art prize has attracted one of its largest field of entries, with 48 portraits vying for the 2025 Bald Archy Prize.
The 2025 exhibition was launched at the Watson Art Centre in Canberra today, Friday 7 February.
The Bald Archy Prize was created by the late Peter Batey OAM. Following his death in 2019, administration of the Bald Archy Prize was handed over to the Museum of the Riverina.
The prize provides artists of all styles and standards with an opportunity to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy, or caricature.
Museum Manager Luke Grealy is thrilled with the strong entry numbers for the 2025 Bald Archy Prize.
“Interest in the prize has been gaining momentum since it was relaunched in 2023 after a three-year hiatus,” Mr Grealy said.
MAKING CONNECTIONS: Council has unveiled its program for its 2025 Seniors Festival, which offers a range of activities and events that promote positive ageing, including All-abilities Tai Chi for Beginners
2025 Seniors Festival program launched
Get ready to be involved in this year’s Seniors Festival celebrations from Monday 3 to Sunday 16 March 2025.
Whatever your passion, there is something for everyone 65 years-plus to enjoy in this year’s program of fun, engaging, and diverse talks, workshops and events.
“The Seniors Festival program is jam-packed with over thirty low-cost or free activities,” Council’s Community Development Officer, Victoria Lowe said.
“The two-week festival program promises to bring together family, friends and strangers to spark conversations and strike up new friendships in safe, supported and inclusive public spaces.”
Workshops range from recreational to educational, including: Dancing with Dementia presented by dance/movement therapist, Jessica Lesosky; Over 65’s
“We received 48 entries this year, up from 40 in 2024 and more than double the number we received in 2023.
“The standard of entries is really high, and the artists have clearly embraced the concept of celebrating the lighter side of art and the irreverent, larrikin Australian spirit.
“There are plenty of famous Australians, politicians, and 2024 celebrities who get a brush with the art of parody and satire, such as Raygun, Hugh Jackman, Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary, Peter Dutton, Senator Lidia Thorpe, and Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia.
“And as a South Sydney fan, I’m not sure about a rather sinister painting of returning Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennet holding a rabbit featuring the head of superstar Latrell Mitchell!”
It is not just the artworks that are quirky when it comes to the Bald Archy Prize; the long-running judge is a sulphurcrested cockatoo.
In keeping with tradition, Professor Maude Cockatoo will review the portraits and select the finalists for the $10,000 prize, which will be announced on Friday 21 March 2025.
The 2025 Bald Archy Prize exhibition will be on show at the Watson Arts Centre from 7 February to 23 March, before embarking on a tour across NSW and Victoria.
“It will follow a similar path to our 2024 exhibition, which travelled to 10 venues,
Line Dancing for Beginners presented by the Senior Citizens’ Club of Wagga Wagga Inc. and Transport for NSW; and On the Road 65Plus program hosted by Wagga Wagga City Library.
Physical activities range from peaceful to rejuvenating, from All-abilities Tai Chi for Beginners presented by Wagga Community Care (Murrumbidgee Local Health District), to Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco Walking Tours for Old(er) Adults and Boxing for 65Plus presented by PCYC Wagga Wagga.
“With around one-fifth of our city’s population aged 60 and over, it is important to have a greater focus on finding ways for older adults to connect with others in the community and support activities and programs that promote positive ageing, and this is one of the key aims of the festival,” Ms Lowe said.
“Council is proud to fund and support social cohesion programs that promote positive attitudes towards older adults and challenge stereotypes about the ageing process.”
“So why not carve out some time with close friends and explore over thirty ways to nourish your body, mind and soul during March? It’s your time to have fun!”
For further information and bookings, download a copy of the Seniors Festival highlights flyer from Council’s website: wagga.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival
Alternatively, you can pick up a printed copy of the highlights from Council’s Customer Service desk, Wagga Wagga City Library, Seniors Community Centre, or Visitor Information Centre.
To view the full program, visit wagga. nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival
from Mansfield in Victoria to Brewarrina in north-west NSW,” Mr Grealy said.
“Our audiences have a well-developed sense of satire, and the humour of the Bald Archy Prize helps them process the major events and people of the year.
“Maude says, in these testing times people need a smile or laugh more than ever.”
The year-long tour will take in Griffith, Mansfield, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Corowa, Holbrook, Deniliquin, and Temora, before wrapping up in Wagga Wagga in December 2025.
For details of the 2025 tour program, visit baldarchy.com.au/tour-info
Road closures
IVAN JACK DR
Roads: Ivan Jack Dr (between The Esplanade and Johnston St)
Date: Monday 10 February to Saturday 22
March 2025 (weather permitting)
Duration: Road closed 24 hours a day every day. Works from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday each week.
Reason: Repairs to bridge approaches Detour: As per signage
ROWE ST
Roads: Rowe St (Lake St end)
Date: Tuesday 11 February to Wednesday 12 February 2025 (weather permitting)
Duration: 7am to 4pm
Reason: Stabilisation patching Detour: As per signage
WEST PARADE
Roads: West Parade
Date: Thursday 13 February to Saturday 15 February 2025 (weather permitting)
Duration: 7am to 4pm
Reason: Stabilisation patching
Detour: As per signage RED HILL RD, BOURKE ST, GLENFIELD RD, AND BOURKELANDS DR
Roads: Red Hill Rd between Bourke St and Glenfield Rd Bourke St between Red Hill Rd and Bourkelands Dr
Date: Friday 14 February, Saturday 15 February, Sunday 16 February 2025
Duration: 6am to 7pm
Reason: NSW JSC touch football carnival at Jubilee Park
Detour: Detour routes will be sign posted
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ publicnotices
Nifty lil Niffler!
Meet Niffler, a domestic long hair, female, silver tabby. As sweet, clever and cuddly as her namesake in Fantastic Beasts, this little lady is six years old and has been at the shelter since 28 November. She will do ANYTHING for wet food, including steal your heart.
She is FIV and FeLV negative.
The fee for adopting Niffler (C24/00485) is $301, which includes microchipping, desexing, vaccination, registration, flea and worming treatment, FIV test and an ID Tag.
Drafting Trainee
Musical Bingo at Tilly’s SAT 8 FEB, 3PM – 5PM Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis St. Wagga Wagga Hoedown Showdown SAT 8 FEB, 6PM – 10PM RDA 321 Plumpton Rd.
Hinterland Live at The Curious Rabbit SUN 9 FEB, 1PM – 3PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. Paint Club with Kate Smith
Saturday Night Roller Discos! SAT 8 FEB, 7PM – 9PM Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. Lazy Sundays at The Wild Vine – Lucy & Hayley SUN 9 FEB, 12PM – 3PM The Wild Vine, 1313 Oura Rd.
2025 Bald Archy Prize entry ‘Bloody Marvelous’ by Simon Schneider.