INSIDE: NEW EQUEX FOOTBRIDGE, DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY HISTORY + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020
Issue No: 290
Weekly information from us to you
CARING COMMUNITY: Kim McLaren enjoyed her first day in a new role as a cook with Carevan this week. Kim’s usual daily work role is with Riverina Regional Library.
Council staff help local charities Looking out for the community’s most vulnerable members in these tough times is a responsibility many Wagga Wagga City Council staff are accepting as part of their “new” daily work routines amid the pandemic. Council staff have answered a call from General Manager Peter Thompson to assist local charities which are working harder than ever to have meals available for those people in need. Mr Thompson asked Council staff members whose roles may have changed in the current situation to redeploy in other capacities, and
he received an overwhelming response from staff willing to assist those agencies working with the city’s less fortunate. The response has come from not only staff impacted, but staff already working full-time in their usual roles. More than 120 Council staff indicated their intention to help in various roles which led to Council working closely with Carevan to co-ordinate a number of other agencies with the sole goal of getting food on the tables of those who need it. Carevan’s Lynne Graham said the relationship with local charities and Council will be invaluable in coming weeks and months as challenges to provide meals across the city increase. Mrs Graham said the charities had been tested through a lack of resources as many volunteers were elderly and could no longer assist due to being “at risk” and self isolating during the pandemic.
“It has been quite challenging for all of the agencies who offer various services across the city,” Mrs Graham said. “When you lose quite a large percentage of your volunteer base, things can start to look a bit dire as the demand for your services is still there. “We were so grateful to get an offer of assistance from Council. The Mayor, the General Manager and the Member for Wagga Dr Joe McGirr have been instrumental in working with all agencies to ensure we have people available to do those everyday things that need to be done … it keeps the supply chain going, and that is vital to everything we do.” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM praised the efforts of all involved. “We are a strong, spirited and proud community which has a great desire to look after others in need,” Cr Conkey said. “I am proud to know that Council staff
have stepped up when the offer to assist was made available. The response was immediate and overwhelming, and I thank all those staff involved in making this possible. “Our charity organisations in Wagga Wagga do a fantastic job and they deserve a huge shout out as we all approach these tough times together to help a neighbour in need.” Cr Conkey, Mr Thompson and local agencies have been working over the past two weeks to ensure Council’s involvement in various roles. Council will have a working group providing labour and one staff member, who is a cook, started in the Carevan kitchen on Tuesday 7 April. Council has also secured a reliable food source, and is providing a process to ensure agencies have access to it, and can therefore provide more meals. Social distancing is being practised with all staff following the guidelines in place.
Weekly waste tip Sharps should never be placed in kerbside bins as they pose a threat to the workers that manage our waste. Visit safesharps.org.au to find your nearest safe disposal point
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK A N D S T AY H O M E F O R E A S T E R
Residents are being urged to continue their social distancing practices and stay home over the Easter long weekend. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said the community had responded admirably to the social restrictions introduced by the pandemic and implored people to adhere to the guidelines over the holiday. “Easter is a special time of year for many of us,” Cr Conkey said. “We’re used to gathering with our extended families and friends or taking a trip to neighbouring townships. Unfortunately, this year those options are off the table. We don’t want to undo all our good work in halting the spread of COVID-19 in our region by having a get-together or jumping in the car and heading off for the weekend.” Public health orders regarding staying at home
and not gathering in groups of more than two people in public remain in place. “You still need a reasonable excuse for leaving your place of residence – unfortunately visiting family and friends over Easter isn’t one,” Cr Conkey said. “The best way to show your love and support for each other, and to ease the burden on our healthcare workers, is to stay home.” Cr Conkey encouraged residents to keep in touch with their loved ones via other means. “Pick up the phone or get on the webcam. Have a chat with your neighbours over the fence. If you know of someone who’s alone, give them a call. It’s important we stay connected to each other as best we can, while we stay apart.” For more information about Council’s response to COVID-19 visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ coronavirus
Disruption to Council services
Weekend project: Discover your family history, for free Family historians are now able to access online digital archives for free, through the library’s website. Ancestry.com is a service usually only available for free within the Wagga Wagga City Library building itself. During the current COVID-19 pandemic however, Ancestry.com has granted library members free online access. History buffs can also access Trove, the National Library of Australia’s free online database, which is home to countless
digitised newspapers, magazines, books, photographs, government gazettes, maps, music, diaries and journals from across Australia. With everyone spending more time indoors due to the current public health orders, Library Services Manager Claire Campbell said it was an opportunity for residents to begin or continue to chart their family’s history. “Having free access to Ancestry.com is fantastic, especially in a time like this. It
means people can really start to explore their history, and use their time at home productively, creating something that the next generation can cherish and build on,” Ms Campbell said. “Trove is also an invaluable resource for family historians, and it provides a window into Wagga’s past with local newspapers digitised from 1868–1954. “Charting your family history not only keeps memories alive, it can help you understand who you are and where you’ve come from.”
HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY HISTORY For free access to Ancestry.com, visit rrl.nsw.gov.au/elibrary Select ‘Information Online’, then ‘Ancestry.com’ and follow the instructions using your library card. Non-members can still get access using the following generic card number: R094217, password: 24032002 To access Trove, visit trove.nla.gov.au Trove contains Wagga Wagga newspapers digitised from 1868–1954 under several titles: • Wagga Wagga Advertiser and Riverine Reporter 1868–1875 • Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser 1875–1910 • Wagga Wagga Express 1879–1917; 1930–1939 • Wagga Wagga Express and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser 1858–1859, 1866, 1872–1874 • Wagga Wagga Daily Express 1919–1930 • Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) 1911–1954. If you have any queries, email the library team on wcl@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Service
Notes
Airport
Reduced operating hours from Monday 6 April. Please check website.
Animal Shelter
Existing operating hours are in place. Front gate will be closed with staff meeting public at front gate for safety for animal pick ups and drop offs. No cash payments.
Art Gallery
Currently closed - For more info visit the Wagga Art Gallery website.
Building Inspections
Existing operating hours are in place.
Call Centre
Existing operating hours are in place for 1300 292 442.
Cemetery
Funerals attended by a maximum of no more than 10 people and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies.
City of Wagga Wagga Library
Currently closed - For more info visit the Wagga Library website.
Civic Theatre
Currently closed - For more info visit the Civic Theatre website.
Community / Recereation Centres
Currently closed.
Easter Weekend Trading Hours
Community Centres / Halls
Currently closed.
24-hour call centre: 1300 292 442 | wagga.nsw.gov.au/openhours All other hours normal unless specified
Council Committees
Changes to committee meetings and dates. Read the Council Committees page for more information.
Council Meetings
Council meetings will still be held but they will be conducted remotely. Members of the public are encouraged to watch these meetings on our livestream or via Facebook.
Customer Service
Customers are encouraged to utilise Online Services(external site) or contact the Call Centre on 1300 292 442.
Development Assessment
Existing operating hours are in place.
Family Day Care
Facility
Trading Hours
Administration Offices *Closed. After hours emergencies can be reported Wagga Wagga Civic Centre to Council's 24 hour call centre on 1300 292 442 Art Gallery & National Art Glass Gallery
*Closed. Information at waggaartgallery.com.au
Existing operating hours are in place.
Civic Theatre & Booking Office
*Closed. Information at civictheatre.com.au
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre
Existing operating hours are in place. No cash payments.
Glenfield Rd Animal Shelter Closed Friday 10 April and Monday 13 April.
Health Inspections
Currently closed.
Livestock Marketing Centre
Existing opening hours are in place. Closed to members of the public. Only agents, current employed processor buyer’s, transporters, contractors and staff are permitted to attend LMC.
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC)
Friday 10 April - All waste facilities closed Sunday 12 April - All waste facilities closed Monday 13 April - All waste facilities open Tip Shop: *Closed
Rural Waste Facilities
Closed on public holidays (Friday, Sunday)
Museum
Currently closed.
Kerbside Waste Collection
No changes – collection as normal
Oasis Aquatic Centre
Currently closed - For more info visit the Oasis Aquatic Centre website.
Wagga Wagga City Library
Parks
Boot camps, personal training operating outside are limited to groups of no more than 2 people and social distancing must be exercised.
*Closed. Access the library online at waggalibrary.com.au
Lawn Cemetery Office
*Closed.
Riverina Regional Library (RRL)
Currently closed.
Livestock Marketing Centre
Closed Monday 13 April. Re-opens on Wednesday 15 April.
Sewer Services
Still operating.
Sporting Facilities / Stadiums
Currently closed.
Museum - Historic Council Chambers Site
*Closed. Check out online content at museumriverina.com.au
Oasis Aquatic Centre
*Closed.
Sportsgrounds
Closed to sporting organisations as well as social sporting-based activities.
Sewer Service Problems
Ph: 1300 292 442
Visitor Information Centre
Closed as of 5pm Wednesday 25th March.
Waste and Recycling (Kerbside) Collection
Existing collection schedule in place.
Visitor Information Centre
*Closed.
Wilks Park and Oura Beach Reserve
By Public Health Order Wilks Park is closed from 26 March 2020 until further notice. Oura Beach Reserve was closed to the public on 2 April.
Zoo
Currently closed.
Note: *Council operations closed until further notice due to State and Federal government guidelines around the management of COVID-19
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Exhibition Centre projects reach milestones A new 42-metre footbridge was delicately placed across Marshalls Creek on Wednesday morning (8 April) as part of ongoing improvements at the Exhibition Centre in Wagga Wagga. The bridge will allow access to McDonald’s Park from the eastern side of the precinct
N N N N N N N AN AN AN AN ? AN E ? AN E ? AN ? E CAN P? P? E CAN P? E CAN P? WE CAN P? P? WE LP? CAN LP? WE CAN LP? WE CAN LP? WE LP? CAN ELP? WE CAN ELP? ELP? WE CAN ELP? WE CAN ELP? WE CAN HELP? HELP? WE CAN HELP? WE HELP? WE HELP? HELP? WE HELP? WE HELP? WE HELP? HELP? WE HELP? HELP? HELP? HELP? HELP?
when overflow parking areas are developed in the future. Local contractors and a 200-tonne crane were on site to complete the installation which took less than an hour once set up. A new road exiting onto Kooringal Road from the Exhibition Centre has also
been completed as part of the project. Road construction started on 13 January 2020 and reached practical completion on the 13 March 2020. It is expected the new road will ease congestion when exiting the sporting complex, particularly after major events.
EQUEX PROJECTS: A new walkway bridge was installed this week (above and right) which follows the recent completion of a new exit road from the Exhibition Centre on to Kooringal Road (inset images).
YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA SERVICES YOUTH WAGGA WAGGA SERVICES YOUTH WAGGA WAGGA SERVICES YOUTH WAGGA WAGGA SERVICES YOUTH WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA YOUTH SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA WAGGA
HELP?
If you need food, someone to talk to or somewhere to sleep and shower, there are services that can help. Can we help? is a community awareness initiative of Wagga Wagga City Council. This campaign has been made possible with a youth grant from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network through the Australian Government’s PHN Empowering our Communities program.
Supported by:
An initiative of Wagga Wagga City Council.
Mental health services ACCESSLINE CRISIS LINE 1800 800 944 (24/7)
KIDS HELPLINE 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE Up to 18 years 2 O’Reilly St, Wagga Wagga 6923 5700
HEADSPACE WAGGA WAGGA 12 to 25 years 2/185 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga 6923 3170
MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY PROGRAM
Food relief CAREVAN WAGGA INC Pre-prepared evening meals across Wagga on alternate nights. For dates and places: facebook.com/ carevanwaggainc 0444 554 588
ANGLICARE EMERGENCY RELIEF Food, bedding, utility vouchers, household items and childrens clothing. Please note restrictions apply. 257 Lake Albert Rd, Kooringal 6937 1555
SALVOSCONNECT (THE SALVATION ARMY) Vouchers and other goods. 180 Forsyth St, Wagga Wagga 1300 371 288
WAGGA UNITING CHURCH
VINNIES CARE & SUPPORT CENTRE (ST VINCENT DE PAUL) Bread, canned goods, clothing vouchers and other material support. 15 Peter St, Wagga Wagga 6923 1912
ASHMONT NGURRA HUB 15 Blakemore St, Wagga Wagga 0466 491 431
TOLLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Homelessness support LINK2HOME CRISIS NUMBER 1800 152 152 (24/7)
EASTERN MURRUMBIDGEE YOUTH SERVICES (MISSION AUSTRALIA) 16 to 17 years 36-40 Gurwood St, Wagga Wagga 6983 4200 (24/7)
EDEL QUINN SUPPORT SERVICES (ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY NSW)
Tuesday/Thursday 41 Bruce St, Tolland 0436 804 340
18 years and above 6 Edel Quinn Ln, Wagga Wagga (Rear 34 Kincaid St) 5942 3555 (24/7)
KOORINGAL COMMUNITY CENTRE
SISTERS HOUSING ENTERPRISE INC.
4 Wilga St, Kooringal 0436 805 468
51 Trail Street, Wagga Wagga Crisis: 6921 8211 (24/7) Duty: 6921 6793
ARGYLE HOUSING
16 years and above Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Edward St, Wagga Wagga 5943 1822
Bread, fruit/veg and hampers. 17/21 Johnson St, Wagga Wagga 6921 4666
ROAR (INTEREACH)
WAGGA ANGLICAN PARISH PANTRY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES & JUSTICE - HOUSING
Emergency food hampers. 42 Tobruk St, Ashmont 6937 7552
Ground Floor, 25-27 Tompson St, Wagga Wagga 6921 0099
Up to 18 years 20 Peter St, Wagga Wagga 6932 8300
8 Fitzhardinge St, Wagga Wagga 1300 274 953
For more information visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/youth Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
is better than many. That said, we must all continue to do the right thing, because together we can get to the other With the troubled side of this pandemic. times we find ourselves It is also encouraging in, it is refreshing to see to see that all is not people pulling together doom and gloom. and united, looking Whilst not diminishing out for each other and the severity of the doing the right thing. situation, it is great to Whilst there is a long see the Aussie spirit and way to go, the situation larrikinism with some of in our own backyard
the intuitive methods of living and coping in these circumstances. Keep up the good work and human spirit. Easter is upon us and with churches closed, it should not be lost nor forgotten that Christians throughout the world see their places of worship as an essential service. However, what should be recognised is
0459 988 402 | councillor.funnell@wagga.nsw.gov.au
that Christ suffered and died so that we may be saved. This is the true meaning of Easter. The sacrifice made now will help all, and that is what the Christian faith is truly about. Anzac Day is just around the corner and with all services cancelled, I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects,
give my thanks to all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices that they have made for us. Further, I would like to extend that thanks to all current and former service personnel who do what they do, without question or thought unreservedly. Myself and my family will be thinking of you
on Anzac Day. Australians, and particularly regional Australia, have experienced wars, plagues, droughts, floods and fires, whatever can be thrown at us. So I would like to finish with the point that if we stick together, keep our chin up, look out and help each other and remember
empathy for those who are really struggling, and fight the good fight, as our forebears did, we will come through all that tests us. Keep smiling, well done and all the best to all. I wish everyone a happy and holy Easter.
Councillor Paul Funnell
N AT I O N A L E M E R G I N G A R T G L A S S P R I Z E W I N N E R
The National Emerging Art Glass Prize was judged remotely this year by renowned glass artists Holly Grace and Tom Rowney, who both agreed it was a difficult decision amongst such a diverse range of works. This year, the prize showcased innovative works from 23 of Australia’s top emerging glass artists The 2018 National Emerging Art Glass Prize recipient Rose-Mary Faulkner announced this year’s winner, Nancy Yu, for her rendered work “Headcase, Phantom
of Ego/Glass Armour Series”. Nancy said her work explores the way people “deal with our ego; the tension between the image we think we project and the reality of our experiences donning the armour of pride”. “I use glass to create the phantom of ego we wrap around ourselves for protection,” Nancy said. In exchange for the acquisition of her work into the National Art Glass Collection, Nancy will receive $4,000 prizemoney plus a masterclass study trip to North Lands Creative in
WINNING WORK: Nancy Yu, Head Case (Phantom of Ego series). Image courtesy the artist. Photography: Felix Esteban Scotland. The People’s Choice Award is now open and voting can be cast online
via the Gallery website waggaartgallery.com.au/ neagp-2020
Applications for community grants now open TransGrid’s Community Partnerships Program is offering grants for community groups and non-for-profit organisations within your region. Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 1 May 2020.
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Public Notices
are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 6 May 2020. The work is to undertake detailed designs and create specification to enable ROAD UNDER the construction to be DIRECTION undertaken as a separate OF TRAFFIC tender. CONTROLLERS Enquiries should be Notice is hereby given directed to Mark Hewson under Roads Act 1993 Part via email hewson.mar@ 8 Division 4 of changes in wagga.nsw.gov.au. conditions along: A non-refundable fee of Road: Huthwaite Street $110.00 will be charged Date: 15 – 17 April, 2020 for each hard copy of Duration: 7.00am to the specification or 5.00pm, weather permitting specifications at nil cost can be accessed at the Reason: Upgrading and following web address: resealing of road. Detours tenderlink.com/wagga will apply. Access to local residents.
RFQ2020-551 DETAILED DESIGNS & SPECIFICATIONS Suitably endorsed Quotations marked “RFQ2020-551 Detailed Designs & Specifications”
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response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed fees and charges amendments will be on exhibition from Tuesday 31 March 2020 for a period of 28 days, until Tuesday 28 April 2020. Council invites public submissions on the proposed fees and charges amendments, to be lodged within the exhibition period. Inspection Venue: The proposed fees and charges amendments can be accessed and reviewed from Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/cityof-wagga-wagga/council/ public-exhibitions Submission Procedure: Persons wishing to make a EXHIBITION OF submission in relation to the PROPOSED FEES proposed new fee should AND CHARGES do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. AMENDMENTS Council hereby gives public Submissions should be in writing and emailed to notice of the exhibition council@wagga.nsw.gov. of its proposed fees and au. Persons making written charges amendments in
p 1300 292 442 e council@wagga.nsw.gov.au w www.wagga.nsw.gov.au a Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
submissions regarding the above are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPPA) and may be attached to the final report, in its entirety or in part, to Council unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur. Any questions relating to the proposed fees and charges amendments may be referred to Zachary Wilson on 1300 292 442.
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Baylis St from
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Morrow St to Wollundry Lagoon Bridge and Morrow St from Peter St to Baylis St Duration: 6pm Friday 24/04/2020 to 5am Saturday 25/04/2020 Reason: Preparations for ANZAC Day Centenary services Road: Baylis St from near Tompson St to Wollundry Lagoon Bridge. Morrow St from the eastern side of Baylis St to the eastern side of Peter St Duration: Saturday 25/04/2020 5am to 7am Reason: ANZAC Day Dawn service Road: Baylis St from south side of Morrow Street to the north side of Morgan St (not including cross streets). Duration: Saturday 25/04/2020 6:45am to 9:30am Reason: ANZAC Day – preparade organisation Road: Baylis St from south side of Morgan St to the
north side of the Lagoon Bridge. Duration: Saturday 25/04/2020 9:30am to 12pm Reason: ANZAC Day parade and commemorative service Road: Morgan Street from the western side of Berry Street to the western side of Baylis Street. Duration: Saturday 25/04/2020 9:30am to 10:30am Reason: ANZAC Day parade Detours: Detours around each road closure will be indicated by signs.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of changes in conditions along: Road: Lawson Street (between Copland Street and Wentworth Street)
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Date: 27 – 29 April, 2020 Duration: 7.00am to 5.00pm, weather permitting Reason: Asphalt works. Road will be under the direction of traffic controllers. Access to local businesses.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of changes in conditions along: Road: Leavenworth Drive (between Malaya Drive and Northcott Parade) Date: 14 – 16 April, 2020 Duration: 7.00am to 5.00pm, weather permitting Reason: Asphalt works. Road will be under the direction of traffic controllers. Access to local residents.
Peter Thompson, General Manager