Council News Issue #309 - 22 August 2020

INSIDE: SHEEPYARDS UPGRADE STARTS, FOCUS ON THE MUSEUM + MORE

Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2020

Issue No: 309

Weekly information from us to you

Can we help 2020

READY TO HELP: Wagga Wagga City Council’s Youth Development Officer Vanessa Jennings (left) delivers Can We Help 2020 initiative support materials to (from left) Wagga Wagga High School Student Support Officer Marty Jones, Senior Leader Laura Phillips and School Captain Sam Trood.

Support for our city's youth Council has developed a range of resources to support the Can We Help 2020 initiative with the assistance of $5,000 in funding through the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network Youth Community Grants program.

The Can We Help 2020 initiative aims to connect young people and their families and carers with key information on the support available from local agencies, such as youth-specific crisis accommodation, food security, and mental health and wellbeing support services.

Council’s Youth Development Officer Vanessa Jennings said the Can We Help 2020 initiative connects young people to key frontline youth services operating in the city.

“Wagga has a fantastic network of agencies ready to support our youth,” Ms Jennings said.

“The Can We Help initiative is all about ensuring young people have the right contact information at their fingertips, so they can seek out support if they need it.

“We’re working with young people along with wellbeing coordinators and facilitators at local high schools, community hubs and agencies, so staff can assist young people to access services.”

The resources were developed based on consultation with young people, service providers and wellbeing staff at local high schools, identifying what information young people needed and wanted. The Can We Help 2020 support material, including

Weekly waste tip Sipped on a soothing cuppa? Did you know you can put your tea bags - tab, string and all – in the green lid FOGO bin? Remember, the green lid bin is for food organics and garden organics only.

For more info visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste

posters, flyers and flip cards, are available from all local high schools, community centres and youth services locations.

Information is also available on Council’s website, the Youth of Wagga Facebook and Instagram pages, and on bus stop posters across the city, maximising the promotion of this vital information to the community.

The Can We Help 2020 initiative is supported by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and Mission Australia.

For more information visit wagga.nsw. gov.au/services/support-services/youthservices/can-we-help

Iconic Wagga store remembered in new book It was known as ‘The Friendly Store’ and was an iconic business in Wagga Wagga’s main street for almost eight decades until its closure in 1981.

Now the history of Huthwaites has become the focus of a new book, produced by the Museum of the Riverina in collaboration with the Charles Sturt University Regional Archives and the Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society.

Museum Manager Luke Grealy said the journey to publishing Huthwaite’s – The Friendly Store was sparked by a little red delivery bike used

by Huthwaites staff, which stood in one of the exhibition spaces at the Museum of the Riverina.

“It’s the only object we have in our collection from this iconic Wagga business and we were preparing a Statement of Significance on it,” Mr Grealy said.

“While researching this object a member of the team made contact with Charlie Blackburn, who was a former manager of the business.

“He produced these amazing glass plate negatives from Huthwaites and put the Museum in touch with other people and the story just grew like wildfire.”

Five-thousand dollars was awarded to the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society from Create NSW’s Cultural Grant Program, administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society, to fund the printing of the book.

William George Fitzroy Huthwaite founded the store in Baylis Street as a trader supermarket in 1906 which evolved into a Department Store. At its peak in the 1970s, the business had expanded to include agricultural machinery, timber yards, and service stations.

Mr Grealy said it was clear from the outset of the research that the community of Wagga Wagga loved the store.

“Huthwaites played a big part in the lives of generations of residents from the city and surrounding towns and villages, and it was a devastating blow when the business collapsed,” Mr Grealy said.

Copies of Huthwaite’s – The Friendly Store can be purchased at the Museum of the Riverina, Historic Council Chambers site or from the Charles Sturt University Regional Archives or Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society.

HISTORY OF ‘HUTHYS’: Council Communications and Engagement Officer Madeline Oldaker checks out the recently released history of Huthwaites book alongside the red delivery bike which kick-started the whole project.

WAGGA ICON: The Huthwaites store front in Baylis Street will be recognised by many local residents who shopped at the popular business.

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THE FRIENDLY STORE: The new book which captures the long history of Huthwaites in Wagga Wagga.

G REG A DOO WE I G H B RI DG E WORK S S TA R T N E X T WE E K Major improvements at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre are scheduled to start next week which means changed traffic conditions for those utilising the facility.

Motorists are advised to be aware of a reduced speed limit on the main access road and to be mindful of civil works staff and machinery that will be operating across the site.

The start of works involves site preparation for the new weigbridge construction taking place towards the entrance of the facility from Ashford Road.

The new weighbridge

facilities will be capable of weighing B-Double heavy vehicles in a single weigh.

The upgrade will also improve management of waste and recycling activities.

GWMC Manager Geoff Pym said the future planned for the centre will have small vehicles and the general public separated from the large vehicles and waste contractors with emphasis on waste separation.

“Business operators with smaller loads of recyclable materials only will not have to enter the tip proper to return to their business activities,” Mr Pym said.

“Waste truck operators will be directed and controlled at the tipping face. Lease holders on the site will have access to weighing services without diverting to a remote facility. Weighing B-Doubles in a single weigh is more efficient and accurate.”

Mr Pym said there are many benefits to the site upgrade.

“Council staff will have best practice facilities to improve efficiency and ensure their customers are processed with minimal delay,” he said.

“Traffic flow through the site will ultimately be reduced when the domestic precinct is operating close to Ashford Road.”

Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

SLICE OF HISTORY!: Louise and Dennis Blackett present Council’s Museum Manger Luke Grealy with the costume and fan used by Louise during the play, the Teahouse of the August Moon, performed at the grand opening of the Wagga Civic Theatre in June 1963.

Geisha costume from city’s Civic Theatre opening in 1963 donated to Museum A stunning costume worn on stage during the Gala Premiere Performance at the official opening of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre almost 60 years ago, has been donated to the Museum of the Riverina.

The silk kimono, obi belt, zori (flat and thongs sandals) and a Japanese folding fan were presented to Museum staff earlier this week by well-known Wagga performing artists Louise and Dennis Blackett.

The costume was worn

by Mrs Blackett, then Louise Montgomery, for her performance as a geisha named Lotus Blossom in the tea ceremony scene from the play, Teahouse of the August Moon.

“I think those costumes are history, but they were just sitting in storage at home and that’s why I’m giving it to you,” said Mrs Blackett.

“I’m getting to the stage where I’ve got a house full of memoirs and beautiful things which should be somewhere and not hidden away in my house.”

The costume was made by Mrs Blackett’s

FINAL REHEARSAL: Lloyd Mortlock, Dennis Blackett and Louise Blackett (nee Montgomery) rehearse the tea ceremony scene from the play, the Teahouse of the August Moon, which they performed during the grand opening of the Wagga Civic Theatre in June 1963. Photo taken by Tom Lennon.

Vacancies Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Support Officer Remuneration: $2,884.76 gpf + super Enquiries: Vanesa Mlinaric on 02 6926 9224 Closing date: Sunday 6 September 2020

Cadet Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Support Officer Remuneration: $2,410.30 gpf + super Enquiries: Vanesa Mlinaric on 02 6926 9224 Closing date: Sunday 6 September 2020

Property Coordinator

Remuneration: $3,039.68 gpf + super Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9118 Closing date: Monday 7 September 2020

Urban Growth Coordinator GOLDEN TOUCH: The Japanese fan, made by set designer Peter Barton, used in the performance from the Teahouse of the August Moon at the grand opening of the Wagga Civic Theatre in June 1963. mother under the supervision of Mitsue Stockley, a Japanese woman who came to Wagga Wagga in the early 1950s after marrying an Australian, Roy Stockley, who was serving with the occupational forces in Korea.

“Mitsue told us how to make the obi for the kimono, which has a sort of cage which goes up the middle of the back, so when you’re doing the dance you can’t move your back,” Mrs Blackett said.

“She also coached me with the language.

I remember I had to learn the whole part

from the scene in Japanese and she would help me with my pronunciation.”

The Japanese hand fan was made by Peter Barton, who was wellknown figure in Wagga Wagga’s performing arts community as a set designer, performer and producer, from the 1950s to 1980s.

Museum Manager Luke Grealy thanked the Blacketts for the items, which will be catalogued and added to the Museum’s collection.

“To receive this beautiful costume and incredible fan which

graced that new stage at the opening of the Civic Theatre in June 1963, is very special for the Museum,” Mr Grealy said.

“It’s a significant donation as the theatre has been such an important part of the city’s performing arts and cultural history over the past 57 years.”

Also donated to the Museum was a photo taken by Tom Lennon of Lloyd Mortlock, Dennis Blackett, Louise Blackett (nee Montgomery) rehearsing the tea ceremony scene ahead of the Gala performance.

Remuneration: $3,713.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9118 Closing date: Monday 7 September 2020

Manager City Strategy

Remuneration: An attractive remuneration in accordance with skills and experience Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9118 Closing date: Monday 7 September 2020

Apprentice Plumber / Drainer

Remuneration: $1,427.60 gpf + super Enquiries: Brad Tilyard on 0427 713 359 or Kamahl Leonard on 0417 906 734 Closing date: Monday 7 September 2020

Geospatial Technical Officer

Remuneration: $2,884.76 gpf + super Enquiries: Trent Whitehead on 02 6926 9522 Closing date: Sunday 20 September 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

COUNCILLOR COLUMN

Recently Wagga Wagga City Council signed an agreement for building the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub. This will act as an inland port

and accompanying the Special Activation Precinct (SAP) will make Wagga a more attractive, efficient and affordable place to do business. Not only will it be utilised by the inland rail project, it will have direct access to the industrial warehouses, storage facilities and manufacturing facilities

immediately adjoining the precinct.

There is another aspect of this project that has significant benefits for our area, that is jobs. Part of our role alongside industry and other levels of Government is to make sure those jobs are accessible and available to local

0447 231 080 | councillor.hayes@wagga.nsw.gov.au

people. Wagga has an unemployment rate of over 5% before Covid, with youth unemployment being higher. Increasing access to these jobs both directly and indirectly is important.

This means focusing on activities such as training and apprenticeships for

local people to be employable, but also needs to look at those indirect access issues such as transport for those who don’t have their own vehicle or driver's licence.

This will allow the opportunities from RiFL to be available to all of Wagga and not just for some.

A job can bring dignity and purpose to someone’s life, but the jobs have to be secure, permanent, and pay at a level that allows them to do more than just survive week to week.

Covid has exposed a significant failing in our economy, that being, insecure, low paying and temporary jobs

LMC sheepyards project starts at Bomen A $2.2M project to upgrade the sheepyards and significantly increase sale day capacity at Wagga Wagga City Council’s Livestock Marketing Centre has started this week.

This marks the first upgrade to the sheep yards since the year 2000 and will add 25 per cent capacity at the premier selling facility in New South Wales.

LMC Manager Paul Martin said the project sits in the facility’s 2016 masterplan and is a much welcomed improvement as demand for more serviceable useable space has consistently increased in recent years.

“We have seen more stock coming through the yards and to meet that demand we have made this upgrade a priority this year,” Mr Martin said.

“It will be widely welcomed by the agricultural community, particularly the Selling Agents’ Association and also producers who can put more stock through the yards at any one sale.”

Council Project Manager Kym Holbrook said preliminary works were completed this week before the works kick into top gear in coming weeks.

“We’ve had to address some relocation of power lines and power poles before we continue with the earthworks,” Mr Holbrook said.

“There has been some early progress with profiling on the old road to allow machinery to clear that space, and start work on a new road.

“In the meantime we have contractors manufacturing the yards and they’ll be ready to install once all the site works have been completed.”

The project is expected to be finished in late December 2020.

Works are not expected to impact normal operations at the LMC.

Public Notices

RFT 2021-01 SUPPLY OF READY MIX CONCRETE AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS

Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT 2021-01 Supply of Ready Mix Concrete and Associated Products” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 16th

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NEW YARDS: Wagga Wagga City Council Project Manager Kym Holbrook (left) and Livestock Marketing Centre Manager Paul Martin check over plans for the new sheepyards project.

BIGGER AND BETTER: An extension of the sheepyards facility at Livestock Marketing Centre will result in a 25 percent increase in capacity on sale days.

September 2020.

This Contract is for the supply of concrete and associated products including ready mix concrete, fibrecrete, fibremesh, stabilised sand and fill sand.

Tenders will be assessed on a number of criteria.

Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted.

Enquiries should be directed to Mr Mark Hewson via email hewson. mark@wagga.nsw.gov.au A non-refundable fee of

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

$145.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the Specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed on the following web address: info.vendorpanel.com/ workwithwagga waggacitycouncil/

Liberty Swing.

The swing needs to be in a location that can be of a greater benefit to the community or an organisation catering for children in wheelchairs.

Council are seeking expressions of interest from a suitable community EXPRESSIONS organisations to assist with OF INTEREST the Removal & Relocation EOI REMOVAL & of the Oasis Liberty Swing.

RELOCATION OF The suitable organisation OASIS LIBERTY would need to address and provide responses to the SWING Expressions of Interest (EOI) following for assessment, • Operative reason to be are called for the Removal considered. & Relocation of Oasis

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• Suitable location to reinstall the Liberty Swing.

• Financial contribution to assist with the removal, relocation and installation of the Liberty Swing.

More information: libertyswing.com.au/index. php/the-liberty-swing/ unique-features The Liberty Swing is currently located at Council’s Oasis Aquatic Centre. Please contact Maurice Eames mob. 0455 551 061 for further details and documentation relating to this EOI. Interested organisations must register

@cityofwaggawagga

A project is underway to upgrade the lighting around the perimeter of the Tarcutta truck changeover yard.

Contractors for Wagga Wagga City Council, AC Electrics, are carrying out the works, which began earlier this month.

Project Manager Thomas Lemerle said the project’s aim is to minimise electricity consumption on the site and save on operational and maintenance costs by upgrading the existing light system.

“This will be achieved through the installation of new LED fittings, a vehicle sensor system, lighting controls and smart programming,” Mr Lemerle said.

“The sensor system and programming will ensure drivers using the truck changeover will still have good lighting when they’re using the facilities at nighttime.

"Allowance has been made for additional capacity to install a CCTV system if required at a later stage."

The works are being carried out during daylight hours so there will be no disruption to lighting of the site at night.

While there is some noise associated with this work, Mr Lemerle said every effort is being made to minimise the impacts The project is expected to be finished by midSeptember, weather permitting.

RFT 2021-05 TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES

Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT 2021-05 Traffic Control Services” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2.00pm Wednesday 9 September 2020.

This is contract for the provision of traffic control services via a panel contract arrangement.

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Councillor Dan Hayes

TA RC U T TA LIGHTING UPGR ADE

with Vendorpanel via the below link. info. vendorpanel.com/ workwithwaggawagga citycouncil/

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weaken our resilience to difficult times. If this project can create those secure and permanent jobs, it provides a benefit in both the good and bad times for our community.

Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted.

Enquiries should be directed to Mark Hewson at hewson.mark@wagga.nsw. gov.au. A non-refundable fee of $145.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed at: info.vendorpanel.com/ workwithwagga waggacitycouncil/

Peter Thompson, General Manager