INSIDE: RED DOG FINDS A NEW HOME, PET OF THE WEEK + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 2020
Issue No: 317
Weekly information from us to you
Help us keep the kids safe Lifeguards at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre are reminding parents and carers to keep watch over their children. See full story inside.
WITHIN ARM'S REACH: Simone stays in the water with her children Scarlett (2) and Sawyer (5) leaving Senior Lifeguard Ryan Menz free to keep watch over the whole pool.
Join in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count Wagga Wagga City Council is encouraging residents to take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count as part of National Bird Week.
It’s an activity for all ages that involves observing and counting the birds that live near you – whether in your garden, a local park or even down Baylis Street. The Aussie Backyard Bird Count runs from 19–25 October 2020. To take part, simply stand or sit in one place for 20 minutes and note what birds you see on the free Aussie Bird Count app. Participants can submit multiple counts from any location. As a supporter of the count, Council will have access to locally captured data
including the species identified, the number of each species, and how many people took part. Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall said the information generated from the count would help Council identify what species are present within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and track any increase or decrease in their numbers. “The data also provides an indication of the health of our environment,” Ms Pascall said. “For example, if we see lots of birds in an area, we know there are resources available there – habitat, food and water. If, in a few years, we see a decline in those numbers, or in a particular species, we’ll know something is happening and be able to investigate and act.” The information gained from this year’s
count, and subsequent counts, will help Council track progress against the Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030. Ms Pascall is also hoping the count will help residents rediscover the important role their backyards play in supporting birds. “Birds are a crucial part of our ecosystem, and many native birds rely on our gardens, parks and wetlands for their survival,” Ms Pascall said. “They do so much for us – pollinating flowers, dispersing seeds and helping keep insects under control – as well as filling our spaces with beautiful bird calls. “By making a few changes to your backyard you can help ensure their survival, and enjoy their company for years to come.” BIRD LOVERS: Barbara and Tony Barton join More information on the bird count their grandchildren Walter (12) and Maxine appears on Page 2. (10) in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
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
Time to tidy up the nature strip The wet start to spring has given rise to abundant growth of grass and weeds on lawns and nature strips across the Wagga Wagga LGA. Wagga Wagga City Council is reminding landowners it is their responsibility to ensure nature strips along the boundary of their property are maintained for safe pedestrian access. Council has an ‘Activities in Public Road Reserves Policy’ as well as ‘Guidelines for Landscaping of Nature Strips’. Road Reserves Activities Officer Stephen Johnson said these require that residents keep nature strips free of litter, and in a generally tidy state. “They are all about allowing pedestrians, particularly elderly and vision impaired persons or those with prams, to access the strip freely and safely,” Mr Johnson said. “It’s also important to ensure visibility for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians at intersections or curves in the road and near driveways. “We encourage you to do your part by not letting your nature strip get overgrown with long grass and weeds, or shrubs blocking footpaths or overhanging tree branches obstructing pedestrian access. “The idea is to keep a regular maintenance program of the area between the front of your property and the kerb.” Council has an inspection regime in place for footpaths and nature strips,
with officers currently out and about, knocking on doors and leaving a letter at properties where the nature strip needs to be tidied up. Letters are also being sent to local real estate agents to ensure they are regularly checking on rental properties. Mr Johnson said maintaining your nature strip is part of creating a safer neighbourhood for everyone. “As the weather warms up, there could be snakes hiding in the long grass,” Mr Johnson said. “It can also give vermin like mice and rats somewhere to nest, which in turn, attracts snakes. “Everything’s nice and green now, but when it dies off as we head towards summer, then it becomes a fire hazard. “It only takes one not-so-bright spark to throw a live cigarette butt out the window of a vehicle or flick it away as they walk along a street, to cause a grass fire. “If your neighbour is an elderly person, or they’re struggling due to a job loss, illness or injury, then knock on the door and offer to mow their nature strip when you’re doing your own. “It only takes an extra five minutes, but it can have such a positive impact, on your neighbour, and the entire neighbourhood.” More information about nature strip maintenance can be found at wagga. nsw.gov.au/naturestrips
L A N DS C A PI N G N AT U R E S T R I P S All general maintenance of the nature strip is the responsibility of the adjoining landowner, with the exception of street trees and any concreted walkways, which will be maintained by Council. • • • •
Nature strip soil levels, including mulch, should not be allowed to significantly drop or protrude above the level of the footpath or kerb. Ideally, nature strips are gently graded towards the kerb for drainage purposes. Foliage must not be allowed to overhang or obstruct pedestrian access to footpaths. Residents are to keep nature strips free of litter, and in a generally tidy state.
pet
START UP THE MOWER: Wagga Wagga City Council’s Road Reserves Activities Officer Stephen Johnson urges residents to keep their nature strips tidy as we head towards summer.
H OW T O TA K E PA R T I N T H E B I R D CO U N T 1. Download the free Aussie Bird Count app, available for iPhones and Android smartphones on Google Play or iTunes. You can also submit your bird count through an online web form available at aussiebirdcount.org.au 2. Spend 20 minutes standing or sitting quietly in one spot and noting the birds you see. Dawn and dusk are ideal, but you can count anytime during the day. 3. You can submit multiple counts from multiple locations. For more information visit aussiebirdcount.org.au and wagga.nsw.gov.au/ biodiversitystrategy
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
Introducing our Pet of the Week, Lord Flufferton. As his attire suggests, Lord Flufferton is a distinguished gentleman full of charm. Aged between 12 to 18 months, this peer of the Riverina realm enjoys chin scratches, head pats and curling up on a lap and watching the world go by. The adoption fee of $212 includes desexing, microchip, lifetime registration, vaccinations, deworming and an ID tag. If you would like to meet Lord Flufferton, contact the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter. You can take a look at all our available pets at graswagga.com.au or pop in to visit – the shelter is open from 1.00pm–4.15pm today. #adoptdontshop R251000208
EYES ON THE SKY: Tony and Barbara Barton join in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
H OW T O C R E AT E A B I R D - F R I E N D LY G A R D E N
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
The aim is to provide year-round food, water and shelter for different species. Add to your existing plants, including a variety of different-sized natives creating a multi-layered habitat, including: • ground covers • small and medium-sized shrubs (for density) • trees (where possible). Add a bird bath or two. Sit back and enjoy your new feathered friends. For detailed instructions visit aussiebirdcount.org.au/gardening
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Keeping watch at the pool saves lives Lifeguards at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre are reminding parents and carers to keep watch over their children while at the pool to avoid tragedy. It’s a familiar and generally harmless sight at playgrounds across the city; children laughing and playing on equipment, while parents and carers sit nearby scrolling through their phones or chatting together. Put those same children in water, however, and it’s a very different scenario. Research included in the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2020 states that active adult supervision is vital to prevent young children drowning – and that lapses in supervision continue to be a contributory factor in child drowning. Oasis Aquatics Supervisor Taileigh King said active supervision meant focusing your attention on your children all the time, when they are in, on or around the water. “You must be within arm's reach, interacting with your child and be ready to enter the water in case of an emergency,” Ms King said. “If your child is five years or under, you need to be in the water with them the entire time.”
THE LIFEGUARD FACTOR
The Oasis has a dedicated team of lifeguards on standby watching over the pool. Their presence is reassuring – but may lull parents and carers into a false sense of security. These aquatic sentinels are ready to act when necessary – but they’re not the first line of defence against drowning. You are. “Lifeguards are not babysitters,” Ms King said. “The purpose of lifeguards is to keep watch over the entire pool. They have the skills for worst-case scenarios – they’re trained for spinal rescues, major first aid emergencies, CPR, defibrillation – they’re there as our last resort. What they are not doing is focussing solely on your child. “A lifeguard has no knowledge of your child’s swimming ability or whether they’ve had any lessons or practice, but you do. When it comes to your child and their capability and confidence in the water, you’re the expert. “And if you have trouble watching one or two kids, imagine being a lifeguard and
having to watch over fifty. Lifeguards need parents and carers to take care of their own children so they can focus on keeping the pool safe for everyone.”
THE RISK OF DISTRACTION
A common contributing factor in child drownings in Australia is distracted adults. It’s a tragic occurrence that Ms King has encountered in her time in the aquatic industry, and something that motivates her to help educate Wagga’s water-loving residents. “Tragically, children have drowned at public pools while lifeguards have been on duty,” Ms King said. “Their parents were distracted, the lifeguard was busy, and no one has seen them slip beneath the water – seconds later it’s too late. If parents and carers work
with our lifeguards by staying focused on their own children, together we can avoid a similar tragedy.”
ENJOY THE WATER TOGETHER
A supervision swim enables parents and carers to pay $6.50 for an adult swim with children aged 5 years and under entering for free. Family passes, for two adults and three children, are just $15. “Come in your swimmers, ready to get in with your children,” Ms King said. “Engage with them and play in the water together, rather than sit on the side looking at your phone. Your kids will learn so much from you, and you’ll be having fun while keeping them safe.” Find out more about Royal Life Saving Australia’s Keep Watch program at oasiswagga.com and royallifesaving.com.au
W H AT ’ S I N A N A M E? WAG G A’ S S P O R T S G RO U N D S I G N AG E T O B E R E V I E W E D
The naming signage at Wagga Wagga’s sportsgrounds will be reviewed, with the aim of identifying ways to improve recognition of the history of those names. At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday night (12 October 2020), Wagga Wagga City Council endorsed the development of a report into existing signage and how any new signage can provide acknowledgement of the history of the venue’s name. Council’s General Manager Peter Thompson said concern had been expressed by the community that over time an explanation for why a particular sports field had been named after an individual could be lost. “Wagga is widely known as an extraordinary breeding ground for elite sporting identities, and the city has, for a long time, had the practice of recognising
HOW TO KEEP WATCH •
Be prepared: Have everything you need before getting into the water, such as towels and dry clothes.
•
Be close: Stay within arm’s reach of your child.
•
All of your attention: Focus on your child, get into the pool and play with them.
•
All of the time: Stay with your child the entire time. Never leave them alone in the water or in the care of an older child.
Vacancies Animal Welfare Officer
Remuneration: $2,228.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Kathleen Bagshaw on 02 6926 9336 Closing date: Monday 19 October 2020
Ranger
Remuneration: $2,228.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Kathleen Bagshaw on 02 6926 9336 Closing date: Monday 26 October 2020
Customer Service Officer
Term Contract until February 2021 Remuneration: $2,228.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Meredith Hester on 02 6926 9102 Closing date: Friday 30 October 2020
Executive Assistant
those individuals by naming sports fields after them,” Mr Thompson said. “I think it's probably quite interesting for people to go to a sportsground and learn about the history of the particular individual who’s lent their name to that field. “This report will discuss how we might be able to embellish the signs with more information to recognise the influence of these people on
the city.” The signage at the Mark Taylor, Michael Slater and Geoff Lawson ovals at the Bolton Park complex were put up as examples of what Council is hoping to achieve. Mr Thompson said it was also suggested the signage could include an interactive element, which would allow people to download additional information via their mobile device.
Remuneration: $2,537.82 gpf + super Enquiries: Natalie Te Pohe on 02 6926 9200 Closing date: Sunday 8 November 2020
Manager City Strategy
Remuneration: Attractive remuneration package on offer Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9118 Closing date: Monday 9 November 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Rugby league role model lends voice against violence Canberra Raiders’ former captain Alan Tongue is back in Wagga Wagga next week to deliver the NRL’s Voice Against Violence workshops at Wagga Wagga City Council and two local schools. The workshops will focus on empowering community members to stand up, speak out, and take action to prevent violence against men, women and children. Students from Shepherd’s Park School and Kooringal Public School along with staff from Wagga Wagga City Council will attend the workshops which aim to increase awareness and understanding of gender-based violence.
Kooringal Public School students will participate in the Inspire Respect workshop and learn about principles of respecting self and others as a fundamental value in developing and sustaining positive relationships with others. The workshops are part of theDVproject:2650 aimed to educate the community on the causes of violence against women and their children, promote gender equality and respect, and challenge rigid gender roles and stereotypes. Equity Project Manager Maryna Bilousova said she was delighted to welcome Mr Tongue back to
work with different community groups. “To make genuine change in Wagga Wagga we need to encourage our young people to use their voices and influence to be part of the wider solution,” Ms Bilousova said. “The NRL Voice Against Violence workshops that Alan delivers encourage participants to challenge their attitudes and behaviours, which enable violence against girls and women to continue. “The workshops are all about promoting respectful relationships, but in a way that is conversational and informative. Participants leave feeling
empowered to speak up against violence towards women and disrespect.” The workshops use rugby league drills to educate and raise awareness of how gender inequality and disrespect lead to domestic and family violence. theDVproject:2650 and Council’s Equity and Respect team is funded through NSW Government and is delivered by Wagga Wagga City Council in partnership with Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre. To learn more about the NRL’s Voice Against Violence program, go to nrl.com/community/ voice-against-violence
VOICE AGAINST VIOLENCE: Former rugby league star Alan Tongue is back in Wagga Wagga next week to deliver workshops which aim to increase awareness and understanding of gender-based violence.
Funding boost for Council’s financial assistance budget
RANGER TO THE RESCUE: Zeus, as he is now known, is given plenty of attention by the Council ranger before being taken to the shelter where he has since be adopted by a Wagga family.
NEW HOME & NAME FOR RED DOG
Red Dog was on the run with nowhere to go before Wagga Wagga City Council rangers came to his rescue on a busy suburban street recently. But the story doesn’t end there. A few weeks after being taken to Glenfield Road Animal Shelter – and having his story featured in last week’s issue of Council News – Red has found a new home after being adopted by a Wagga family. And from all reports he’s settling in well. He even answers to his new name “Zeus”. Julie McPhail, Council’s Animal Welfare Supervisor at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter, said the story of Zeus is the best outcome for rangers and staff at the shelter.
Public Notices
PUBLIC EXHIBITION Land Description: Various lands at Cartwrights Hill and Byrnes Road, North Wagga Wagga Aim: To exhibit the Planning Proposal LEP20/0005 to amend the Wagga Wagga LEP 2010 for public comment and invite submissions until 27 November 2020. Exhibition Period:
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“It’s always great to see a nice ending to stories like this one,” Ms McPhail said. “It was a terrific team effort, and a huge shout out to Courtney (Council ranger) who did a fantastic job with the dog on the day. She put in the time and got the reward of his trust and ultimately he was taken into a safe and secure environment here at the shelter. “He was at great risk of being hit by a car before Courtney stepped in and spent the time to ensure everything ended well.” Community members interested in adopting an animal can visit the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter, open Monday-Saturday, 1pm-4.15pm. For more information visit graswagga.com.au
16 October 2020 to 13 November 2020 (inclusive) Submission Period: 16 October 2020 to 27 November 2020 (inclusive) Inspection Venue: The Planning Proposal is available for inspection at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Cnr Baylis and Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga during the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) or on Council’s website connect.wagga. nsw.gov.au/lep20-0005. Submission Procedure:
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
Wagga Wagga City Council has agreed to allocate the remaining funds from a pandemic Community Support Program to its financial assistance budget. On 14 April 2020, a Mayoral Minute was supported to establish a budget of $10,000 towards a program to support food security for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic closedown period. Council's General Manager Peter Thompson said the funds were for the purchase of food and supplies to cook meals. “The purpose was for Council to work in partnership with relevant agencies for the
delivery of the community initiative,” Mr Thompson said. “In addition, Anglicare provided $5000 to go towards the cost of purchasing food for Carevan to prepare meals. “Our staff who couldn’t work in libraries, and museums and the Civic Theatre due to the closedown were made available to help prepare meals for people, because the voluntary labour force in the city are often retirees and they were at special risk from COVID.” Out of the program’s total budget of $15,000, there was a remaining amount of
almost $7862. At its meeting on Monday night (12 October 2020), Council endorsed a recommendation to allocate those funds to its financial assistance budget, rather than putting it into general revenue. “Under this program, people write to us and request Council’s support for various activities,” Mr Thompson said. “It can be fee waivers for events or support for community events. They’re fairly modest sums and Councillors sit in on determining how we award the funds.”
Any interested person or organisation wishing to make a written submission in relation to the draft plan should do so prior to the close of the submission period. Submissions may be delivered to the Council Chambers or mailed to The General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@ wagga.nsw.gov.au
Peter Thompson, General Manager
CAREVAN KITCHEN: The Carevan service was busy at the start of the pandemic providing food security for those in need across the community.
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