National Apology Day commemorated in Wagga Wagga
WELCOME: Local Elder Aunty Dorothy Whyman did the Welcome to Country, accompanied by Luke Wighton on the Digeridoo, at Thursday’s National Apology Day event in front of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
On Thursday the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations was commemorated in Wagga Wagga, 17 years since it was first delivered by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
The event also featured the launch of the Resettlement Podcast – which shares stories of First Nations families who were part of the resettlement to Wagga Wagga in the 1970s.
National Apology Day on 13 February is a day of reflection and healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout says “reconciliation involves the whole community recognising the events of the past and moving forward together.
“Today we stand together as a community to reflect on the injustices of the past and reaffirm our commitment to creating a future built on respect, understanding, and shared purpose.
“The journey of reconciliation is not just a national aspiration; it is a local responsibility. Here in Wagga Wagga, reconciliation is woven into the very fabric of our community, and it is a cornerstone of Council’s values and actions,” Cr Tout said.
Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Michaella Alexander said the National Apology was a defining moment for our First Nations community.
“We honour the strength and resilience, acknowledge the pain, and stand with the Stolen Generations,” she said.
“It is not distant history – the Stolen Generation it is a lived reality for those who experienced it, and the lasting impact of those past injustices are still felt today.
“As a community, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that reconciliation is not just a word but something we take meaningful action toward every day.”
The event began outdoors in front of
the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre and featured a Welcome to Country by local Elder Aunty Dorothy Whyman, followed by a smoking ceremony and reflections from local Elders.
The attendees then moved inside the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre for the launch of the Resettlement Podcast and a special dedication to the late Uncle James Ingram, who is featured in the podcast series and sadly passed away last weekend.
To learn more about National Apology Day visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ apologyday
REFLECTION: Uncle Hewitt Whyman spoke of his first-hand experiences of being
during the initial engagement phase for the Community Strategic Plan.
Council is urging our local community to check out the draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP), or Wagga Wagga 2050, and tell us if we’re on the right track for the future of our city and surrounds.
At the 10 February Ordinary Council Meeting, Council endorsed placing the draft document on public exhibition from Tuesday 11 February 2025 to Wednesday 12 March 2025.
Wagga Wagga 2050 has been developed through strong collaboration and engagement with our local community throughout 2023 and 2024.
Council’s Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects Christine Priest said Council is grateful to everyone who took part in the initial consultation process.
“This is such an important document for everyone living and working in our local government area,” Ms Priest said.
“The CSP is the highest-level plan for Council, which will shape all other plans and strategies produced by Council.”
Feedback from the community informed the vision for Wagga Wagga – a vibrant, growing and sustainable regional city.
“We have heard what you had to say and have now developed a document that showcases our vision for the future with clear strategies linked to the four focus areas; Vibrant, Growing, Sustainable and a Regional leader,” Ms Priest said.
“Now we are encouraging the community to view the draft document and see how your voices helped shape our plan for Wagga Wagga, and to make sure we are on the right track.
“Across the next month, Council will be heading out across the local government area to show how your voices helped shape our vision for Wagga Wagga and to make sure we got it right.
“Councillors will also be joining Council staff at some engagement sessions, providing a further opportunity for the community to interact with Council.”
To read the draft document, make a submission, and to view a full list of where Council will be visiting, head to: haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ csp2050
WE’RE LISTENING: Council’s Executive Manager, Regional Activation – Projects, Christine Priest and Strategic Recreation Officer Kadison Hofert
Community
CLEANSING: Trainee Aboriginal Community Development Officer CalebAaron Atkinson taking part in the smoking ceremony.
part of the Stolen Generation.
The Museum of the Riverina has officially launched its new podcast project RESETTLEMENT: Wiradyuri Gawaymbanha-gu Mamalanha, a name which means Wiradyuri Welcome to Visitors.
Aunty Dot Whyman was the cultural advisor on this project and it is narrated by proud Wiradyuri man Luke Wighton.
The podcast series explores the history of the Aboriginal Family Resettlement Scheme, which saw Aboriginal families move to larger rural centres like Wagga Wagga to access housing, health and education services.
This project came about as part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan which identified the need to record the experiences of local First Nations people who moved to Wagga Wagga under this scheme which commenced in the early 1970s.
This podcast series would not have been possible without the generosity of the contributors telling their stories, including Aunty Dot Whyman, Uncle Hewitt Whyman, Aunty Maria Williams, the late Uncle James Ingram, Aunty Pam Honeysett, Uncle Craig Honeysett, Aunty Lottie Bamblett, Uncle Greg Packer and Geoff Simpson.
The stories that they shared throughout this project provide unique and important insights into Wagga Wagga’s history and
represent a significant contribution to an ongoing commitment to truth telling.
Council’s Museum of the Riverina managed this podcast series including securing the funding required to make it a reality from a NSW Department of Planning and Environment Community Heritage grant.
Over seven episodes, the nine First Nations contributors relate how the scheme impacted their lives and how it changed the social fabric of Wagga Wagga more broadly.
“This podcast series represents an important move forward in truth-telling in Wagga Wagga,” Museum Manager Luke Grealy said.
“The experiences related in this podcast series tell a multi-layered story that includes racism and the challenges experienced by Aboriginal families in finding access to essential services, but
also resilience, hard won success and community building.”
One of the podcast participants, Uncle Hewitt Whyman, said everyone involved had done a tremendous job working on the project.
“I think what’s important about the podcast is that it acknowledges and recognises First Nations people who came to Wagga on their own journey to bring about a better standard of living for their people,” Uncle Hewitt said.
“Over the more than 50 years I've been here, I’ve seen huge changes – better education and access to health, better health facilities, better housing and employment.”
The podcast is now available on the Museum of the Riverina’s website: museumriverina.com.au/explore/ podcasts/resettlement
SEVENTH TIME AROUND: NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout launching the
Southern Conference carnival in Wagga Wagga.
Junior touch cup carnival back for 2025
Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Touch Association (NSWTA) are hosting the Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival at the Jubilee Park precinct this weekend, 14-16 February.
This is the seventh consecutive year the carnival has been held in the city.
NSWTA General Manager Dean Russell
said he is thrilled the Wagga Wagga community is hosting the event once again.
“We have 180 teams here battling it out for the honour of being the Southern Champions,” Mr Russell said.
“Jubilee Oval provides an excellent venue for this prestigious event.”
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga
Councillor Dallas Tout said the city welcomed all the players, families, supporters, organisers and volunteers back to the Jubilee Park precinct.
“The carnival has been successful for both the NSW Touch Association and our local community,” Cr Tout said.
“I wish all participants and officials the very best for another successful carnival.”
The event has brought 10,000 participants, officials, and parents from 27 affiliates to the region. There will be nearly 700 games with 3200 players and referees involved over the three days of competition.
Games start at 8am on Friday and progress through to the finals at 12 noon on Sunday, with the prestigious Girls 18s and Boys 18s to be played at 1:30pm and 1pm respectively.
Changed traffic conditions at Jubilee Park:
Red Hill Road is closed to east-bound traffic between the Bourke Street and Glenfield Road roundabouts, with detours via Bruce Street.
Bourke Street between Bourkelands Drive and Red Hill Road roundabout is closed to non-event traffic, with detours via Berembee Road, Bourkelands Drive and Holbrook Road.
Road closures will be in place from 6am to 7pm on Saturday, and from 6am to 5pm on Sunday. Detours will be signposted.
can be a little shy, he's very affectionate towards people.
The adoption fee for Gordon (Imp No C24/0525) is $256, which includes microchipping, desexing, vaccination, registration, flea and worming treatment, FIV test and an ID Tag.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/
Road closures
GURWOOD ST/CAMPBELL PL
Roads: Gurwood St (west of Shaw St) and Campbell Pl
Date: Monday 17 February to Wednesday 19 February 2025 (weather permitting) Duration: 7am to 4pm Reason: Stabilisation patching
NIXON CRES
Roads: Nixon Cres (between Henschke Ave and Girra St)
Date:
and Then
16 FEB, 1PM – 3.30PM & 5PM – 7.30PM The Basement Theatre, Morrow St. Paint Club with Kate Smith MON 17 FEB, 6PM – 8PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. Riverina Producers Market THU 20 FEB, 1PM – 6.30PM Hammond Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, 27 Bourke St. Vases and Vino at Pottery & Pints
& Geoff Achison FRI 21 FEB, 7.30PM – 9.30PM
RESPECT: Uncle Hewitt Whyman, who is featured in the first episode of the Resettlement podcast, with Museum Education and Public Programs Officer Angus Cawdell-Smith.
Junior State Cup