INSIDE: PET OF THE WEEK, ROAD WORKS & FUN EASTER ACTIVITIES
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
Issue No: 187
Weekly information from us to you
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 24 MARCH 2018
e g a b r a g w Ne d e l i e v n u s k c tru
RAD REECE: Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM (centre) and Council’s Waste Education and Communication Officer Alice Kent (right) with Sturt Public School waste warriors (from left) Gemma McNaughton 9, Thane Sherwood 10 and Ella Bridle 9, in front of the truck they named Rad Reece the Waste Warrior.
Local school students have named the new fleet of 10 garbage trucks that will empty 75,000 bins each fortnight when the new kerbside waste service starts on 2 April. The trucks were officially unveiled on Thursday at Sturt Public School in front of local school students who helped name them. The children were able to see a general waste, recycling and FOGO truck up close before they are put in action. The trucks feature the Your Waste educational characters ‘Munch and Crunch’ (FOGO), ‘Trixie’ (recycling) and ‘General Waste’. The 10 trucks have been named: • Colin Composter – Ashmont Public School • Compostasaurus – Wagga Wagga Public School • Green Lightning – Wagga Wagga Christian College • Lana Banana – Mount Austin Public School • Rad Reece the Waste Warrior – Sturt Public School • Wally the Waste Warrior – Kooringal Public School • Dusty – South Wagga Public School • Lord Waste – Forest Hill Public School • Trashy – Mater Dei Primary School • George – Lutheran Primary School
Levee works continue Stage one earthworks scheduled to be complete by mid-April Construction on the Main City Levee upgrade is continuing this week following successful discussions between Wagga Wagga City Council and contractor Central West Civil.
A deed has been signed to vary the scope of works that Central West Civil was initially contracted to complete. Under the deed, Central West Civil will resolve issues with existing work and complete the Flowerdale downstream spillway. The earthworks are scheduled to be completed by mid-April, while the spillway will be finished by the end of May. “Work is continuing on the Main City Levee and there will be a delay in finishing Stage 1, we are still on track to have the entire project completed by the end of the year Council staff recently identified as planned,” Wagga Wagga City that the contractor’s earthworks Council General Manager Peter had issues meeting the necessary compaction standards for the levee. Thompson said.
W ATC H C O U N C I L M E E T I N G S
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“We have worked through the compaction issues with Central West Civil under the terms of the contract and there will be no additional cost to the community. “Council is currently assessing whether the remaining works that were initially part of the Stage 1 Main City Levee upgrade will be packaged into the Stage 2 tender, or may be completed separately if possible. “I would like to again thank Council staff for their oversight in identifying the quality assurance concerns to ensure this vital project is completed to the highest standard.” The remaining work that was
initially to be part of Stage 1 is about 2km of levee – Gobbagombalin to Wiradjuri, and Copland Street, including spillway, to Kooringal Road Monumental Cemetery. “The scope of the Stage 2 tender is currently being finalised,” Mr Thompson said. “We are working towards it being advertised from early May and will keep the community updated on when the remaining Stage 1 works will be completed.” The main works of Stage 2 will be from Cadell Place wall (parallel to Fitzmaurice Street) to Johnson Street, then from Riverina Playhouse to Hammond Avenue.
First look at theatre upgrade Be one of the first to see your new-look Civic Theatre at an open day on Tuesday 27 March from 11am to 3pm. TJoin a self-guided tour through the venue, with tea and coffee on the balcony once you’ve tested out the new seats and had peek backstage. To find out more about the new-look theatre or book tickets or the first event, Music in the Evening 6pm Wednesday 28 March, visit civictheatre.com.au. The $700,000 Civic Theatre refurbishment is funded by Wagga Wagga City Council and a $60,000 grant from Create NSW.
Wagga Wagga City Council offers live and on-demand video of Council meetings. Watch the meeting from any mobile device browser or PC.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/watchlive
RI V E R S A F E T Y E D U C AT ION AT T HE O A S IS As part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s commitment to improving river safety, the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre has joined the Royal Lifesaving Society NSW’s open water survival program. The program is part of the Royal Lifesaving Society’s Respect the River project, which aims to educate the community about the unseen dangers of inland waterways and promote safe aquatic recreation. As part of the Open Water Survival Program, the Oasis received a Respect the River education kit worth $1000 including a boat, 12 lifejackets, whistles, balls, ropes and more. Staff also received training to
include open water safety in the Oasis’ Swim and Survive classes. “We’re conducting boat safety activities with our Swim and Survive students to help educate them about the importance of safety in our waterways and develop their skills and confidence in the water,” Oasis Manager Maurice Eames said. “Nine thousand local children learned to swim in the Oasis’ safe and controlled environment last year. “Swimming is a vital skill for children and adults outside the pool, especially if they participate in other water-based activities.” The Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre is a facility of Wagga Wagga City
Council and is visited by more than 280,000 people a year. It is rated by the Royal Lifesaving Society as a fivestar water safety status facility. For more information about the Oasis visit waggaoasis.com.au
SHARE THE MESSAGE AND HELP SAVE A LIFE – RESPECT THE RIVER:
• Never Swim Alone • Avoid Alcohol around water • Wear a lifejacket • Learn lifesaving skills Learn more at: wagga.nsw.gov.au/riversafety
VITAL SKILLS: The Royal Life Saving Society’s Ash Carter (centre) presents Oasis staff Nicole Peckham (left) and Jenee West with an open water survival program training kit last month.
DRO P I N TO C H A R LI E TH I S AU T U M N
Charlie, Council’s bright yellow community engagement truck, will be out and about in the city from next week. Keep an eye out for Charlie and drop in to find out information from Council, receive project updates, lodge a request, provide feedback and enjoy a free barbecue, sponsored by Bernadi’s. Staff from across Council will be available at Charlie to discuss a range of projects including the new kerbside waste collection service, the Active Travel Plan and FRESH festival. “Charlie aims to make it easier for residents to engage with Council, so that we can better understand the community’s needs and concerns, and tailor our services to meet these needs,” Mayor of City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said. “Over a three week period this autumn, Charlie will visit five busy locations across the city and in spring we will head back out to five different
locations. “I encourage all residents to pop in to Charlie to have a chat to Council and find out more about the exciting projects that are being rolled out.” Drop in to Charlie at one of the locations in the table below between 3pm and 6pm. To find out more about Charlie visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/charlie, visit Council’s Facebook or call 1300 292 442. Venue
Date
Apex Park
Tuesday 27 March
Ashmont Shopping Centre car park Jubilee Park carpark
Wednesday 4 April Thursday 5 April
Botanic Gardens Tuesday 10 April Harris Park
Wednesday 11 April
50 years
BOTANIC GARDENS WA G G A WA G G A 2018
PICNIC IN THE PARK FOR MORE INFO
Looking to discover a new playground? Three new playgrounds have recently been completed across the city. Head on down to Crisp Drive in Ashmont, Horsley Street in Kooringal or Vestey Street in central Wagga Wagga to discover three cool new playgrounds.
ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
SAT 31 MARCH SUN 1 APRIL
Swing in to three new playgrounds
WHAT’S
EASTER WEEKEND FUN!
EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY
PLAYTIME: Works and Playground Officer John Conlan at Crisp Drive Playground.
FREE E N T RY
+ LOTS OF FREE ACTIVITIES
wagga.nsw.gov.au/bg50
THIS WEEK:
DEMONSTRATION GARDENS – VEGE SWAP OR BUY
Every Sat, 9am - 12pm Community Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Albury and Shaw Sts. Ph: 0411 417 956.
MATES GULLY PRODUCE MARKET Every Sat, 9:30am - 12pm Mates Gully Café. Ph: 6921 4241
WAGGA WAGGA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Kids can enjoy a huge range of equipment, including slides, monkey bars, swings, climbing nets and a flying fox. Residents voted for the Ashmont, Kooringal and central Wagga Wagga playground designs late last year. A total of 237 votes were received. Playground upgrades are
OPEN DAY
Sat 24 Mar, 10am - 2pm Free. Wagga Wagga Christian College. Ph: 6923 8888.
RIVERINA BMW WAGGA WAGGA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
Sat 24 Mar, 12pm 10pm $20 entry, children free. Civic Centre Precinct. Ph: 0431 210 340.
SPLASH & TRASH
Sat 24 Mar, 2pm - 6pm Free. Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre. Ph: 1300 292 442.
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS: ODDBALL Sat 24 Mar, 6:30pm Free. Wagga Botanic Gardens Music Bowl.
RIVERINA CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC CONCERT SERIES NO.3:
delivered on an ongoing basis around the city, in line with the Playground Strategy 2016 – 2036. The strategy outlines when each playground within the city is proposed to be upgraded. To find out more about playground upgrades visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ playgrounds
WOMEN BY WOMEN
Sun 25 Mar, 3pm Adults $27, Concession/ Student $17, RCM Students. Riverina Conservatorium of Music. Ph: 6925 3522.
RIPPLES OF HOPE – REMEMBRANCE SERVICE FOR THOSE BEREAVED BY SUICIDE & TOGETHERNESS WALK Tue 27 Mar, 5:30pm Free. Apex Park. Ph: 0458 224 430.
RIVERINA PRODUCERS’ MARKET
Every Thurs, 1.30pm - 6.30pm Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0428 263 297.
THE GROOVE FACTORIE Thur 29 Mar,
8pm - 9:30pm Free. The Commercial Club. Ph: 0478 131 513.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY Sat 31 Mar, 9am - 2pm Free. Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. Ph: 1300 100 122.
PICNIC IN THE PARK Sun 1 Apr, 11am - 3pm Free. Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. Ph: 1300 100 122.
/waggaevents
For support in organising your event, contact Council’s events unit at events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon to Fri. To promote your event or for a full list of events call 1300 100 122. visitwagga.com
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN students, 51 percent are Aboriginal and another seven percent come from a “Language other than English” Last week I attended a Closing the Gap school background. The school’s index assembly at Ashmont of Community SocioPublic School where Educational Advantage I came across a great Wagga Wagga success is lower than the average with more story. than 80 percent of the By way of students in the bottom background, Ashmont quarter of the index. Public School has The really good news an enrolment of 242
is how well the students are performing. When compared with similar schools, Ashmont Public School achieves results “above or substantially above” the average. This includes results for reading, writing, grammar, punctuation and numeracy. The top four Ashmont Public School students in the Year 5 Naplan test in 2016 were
councillor.conkey@wagga.nsw.gov.au | 0417 467 760
Aboriginal students; eight of the top 10 students in reading were Aboriginal students; and the three top students in numeracy were also Aboriginal students. According to the report Aboriginal students report more positively than nonAboriginal students across most student engagement measures and attendance rates
are similar to nonAboriginal students. This has been achieved through engaging the students in learning and focusing on literacy and numeracy and recognising and celebrating Aboriginal culture in the school. All students at the school are taught Wiradjuri as well as learning songs in the Wiradjuri language.
The school’s success is due to the hard work and commitment of the teachers, the Aboriginal support staff, the Aboriginal community and the parents. Footnote: The Closing the Gap strategy is aimed at reducing disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This includes a target to halve the gap for
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Stop and smell the roses this Easter Head on down to the Botanic Gardens over Easter to enjoy a fun-filled weekend. An Easter Family Fun Day will take place on Easter Saturday, 31 March, and a Picnic in the Park is scheduled for Easter Sunday, 1 April. Entry to both events is free and visitors to the gardens can expect to enjoy a range of activities for the entire family. “The Easter Family Fun Day will kick off with the Triple M Easter Egg Hunt and throughout the day there will be games, displays, free activities and food stalls on offer,” Supervisor Horticulture Henry Pavitt said. “We then look forward to inviting everyone back on Easter Sunday, when we hold our Picnic in the Park event. “Come down with your packed picnics on Easter Sunday and enjoy some music, dancers, all the attractions of the Gardens, as well as miniature railway rides for two dollars.” These events are also an opportunity to celebrate the Botanic Gardens’ 50th Anniversary and the 40th Anniversary of the Miniature Railway. The Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens officially opened on 24 August 1968. There are many attractions within the Botanic Gardens, including playgrounds, the Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Zoo and Free-Flight Aviary, the Miniature Railway and a range of themed
Date: Saturday 31 March 2018 Time: 9am to 2pm Location: Botanic Gardens | Macleay Street, Wagga Wagga
OF THE
WEEK
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Date: Sunday 1 April 2018 Time: 11am to 3pm Location: Botanic Gardens | Macleay Street, Wagga Wagga For more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/bg50
CATS CATS ! CATS
gardens. Currently, the Shakespearian Garden is undergoing renovations to make the garden more user friendly. The pond in the centre of the Shakespearian Garden will be removed, water features will be installed along the walls and the plants within the garden will be replaced. It is anticipated work on the Shakespearian Garden will be finished by the end of May and once complete, it will be the perfect venue for weddings and other functions.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/bg50
We have lots of cats and kittens coming into the shelter at the moment, so if you are in the market for a furbaby that purrs, we are the place for you! We have big ones, small ones, short haired ones and fluffy ones, but they will all melt your heart! Our cats and kittens are available for $202 for a female
and $172 for a male, which includes microchipping, lifetime registration, first vaccination, desexing, worming and a vet check. You can meet all the animals at Glenfield Road Animal Shelter, 1pm to 4.15pm, Monday through to Saturday. Contact the shelter on 02 6971 4651 or visit graswagga. com.au.
graswagga.com.au Boat ramp WI
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Marrambidya Wetland
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M A IN T E N A N C E W O R K S F O R O A S I S P O O L S
There will be changes to pool availability over the next six weeks while scheduled maintenance works take place at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre. Each of the facility’s pools will be closed at different times from Friday 30 March to Thursday 10 May while expansion joints are replaced and repaired. Maintaining the expansion joints ensures the pools don’t leak and also minimises the risk of injury to pool users. Oasis Manager Maurice Eames thanked the community for their patience while the works take place. “We understand that the pool
Mayor Greg Conkey
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From late next week a section of the Wiradjuri walking track (pictured) will be closed while the track is upgraded. The section extends from the end of the access road in the Wiradjuri Reserve to the Marrambidya Wetland. Signs will be in place to inform pedestrians of the track closure. This section of the track will remain closed until the end of April, but will be dependent on weather conditions.
EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY
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W I R A DJ U R I WA LK I N G T R AC K UPGR ADE
Aboriginal students in reading, writing and numeracy. Five case studies of schools that have achieved success were undertaken as part of the strategy with Ashmont Primary School one of those five.
closures may inconvenience some of our patrons and user groups, and we are making every effort to ensure there is minimal impact for the community,” he said. “We’ve advised all of our major user groups and members of the upcoming maintenance. If anyone has any particular concerns, please give us a call and we can work out a solution depending on your situation. “During each pool closure we will have other indoor pools operating. The 50m outdoor pool and dive pool will also remain open during the maintenance works. “These are important
maintenance works and we thank all of the Oasis users for their patience.” The $78,100 maintenance works are being undertaken over the next six weeks due to contractor availability. During the first stage of works, the 25m pool will be closed from 30 March to 20 April and the program pool will be closed from 30 March to 16 April. In stage two, the leisure pool/ round pool will be closed from 20 April to 10 May and the two toddler pools will be closed from 26 April to 8 May. The Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre is a facility of Wagga Wagga City Council.
What’s going on in your neighbourhood? Drop in to Charlie, Council’s engagement truck!
WE’RE COMING TO VISIT YOU! Tuesday 27 March: Apex Park Wednesday 4 April: Ashmont Shopping Centre carpark Thursday 5 April: Jubilee Oval Tuesday 10 April: Botanic Gardens FREE BBQ Wednesday 11 April: Harris Park
What’s on offer: ► ► ► ► ► ►
Details of the upcoming kerbside waste service Updates on Council projects Ask a question Provide feedback Lodge a request Access online services
Drop in time betwany 3pm-6p een m
You will not be able to pay rates via cash, EFTPOS or cheque at Charlie.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER
1300 292 442 | wagga.nsw.gov.au/charlie
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Ferneligh Road safety improvements to continue after Easter The first two stages of safety improvements on Fernleigh Road, between Glenfield Road and Pinaroo Drive are complete (pictured left). Night works took place Monday to Thursday last week followed by resealing on Sunday, 18 March.
Public Notices
The new waste service starts 2 April.
EASTER LONG WEEKEND TRADING HOURS 2018
All other hours normal unless specified. 24-hour call centre: 1300 292 442 Facility
Trading Hours
Administration Offices Wagga Wagga Civic Centre
Closed Friday 30 March and Monday 2 April. Emergencies can be reported to Council’s 24-hour call centre on 1300 292 442.
Art Gallery & National Art Glass Gallery
Closed Friday 30 March Open Saturday 31 March and Sunday 1 April 10am-2pm Closed Monday 2 April
Civic Theatre & Booking Office
Closed Friday 30 March and Monday 2 April. Tickets available at civictheatre.com
Glenfield Rd Animal Shelter
Closed Friday 30 March, open Saturday 31 March 1pm-4.15pm, closed Sunday 1 April and Monday 2 April.
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC)
Closed Friday 30 March. Open Saturday 31 March 7am-4.30pm. Closed Sunday 1 April. Open Monday 2 April 7am-4.30pm.
GWMC Tip Shop
Closed Friday 30 March. Open Saturday 31 March 8am-4pm. Closed Sunday 1 April and Monday 2 April.
Rural Waste Facilities
Normal advertised opening hours except closed Friday 30 March and Sunday 1 April
Kerbside Waste Collection
No changes
Wagga Wagga City Library
Closed from Friday 30 March until Monday 2 April inclusive. Book chute available.
Lawn Cemetery Office
Closed from Friday 30 March until Monday 2 April inclusive
Livestock Marketing Centre
Closed from Thursday 29 March until Tuesday 3 April
Museum - Historic Council Chambers Site and Botanic Gardens Site
Closed Friday 30 March Open Saturday 31 March and Sunday 1 April 10am-2pm Closed Monday 2 April
Oasis Aquatic Centre
Closed Friday 30 March. Open Saturday 31 March 12pm-5pm, Sunday 1 April 12pm-5pm and Monday 2 April 12pm-5pm
Sewer Service Problems
Ph: 1300 292 442 (24 hours)
Visitor Information Centre
Closed Friday 30 March. Open Saturday 31 March 9am-4pm, Sunday 1 April 9.30am-2pm and Monday 2 April 9am-5pm
RFT2018-22 JUBILEE PARK CLUBHOUSE CHANGEROOM UPGRADE
Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT2018-22 Jubilee Park Clubhouse Changeroom Upgrade” are invited and will be received by
Please be aware of the new line markings and of loose stones while the new surface interlocks. The final stage of the safety upgrades includes concrete medians and signage, which will be installed following the Easter period.
the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 18 April 2018. This is a lump sum contract for the removal and upgrade of all existing fixtures and fittings in the male and female toilets at Jubilee Park Clubhouse. Enquiries should be directed to Tony Powell on
Contact us 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
1300 292 442 or powell. tony@wagga.nsw.gov.au. A compulsory pre-tender site meeting will held at 11am Wednesday 4 April 2018 at Jubilee Park. Registration to attend the site meeting can be directed to hewson. mark@wagga.nsw.gov.au. A non-refundable fee of
$110.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the Specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed from www.tenderlink.com/ wagga
Peter Thompson, General Manager
Follow us @waggacouncil
New bin delivery
Let’s Chat
The delivery of new bins to residential properties is now complete, with the exception of some multi-unit dwellings where direct swap arrangements are in place. If you haven’t received your new bins please contact Council’s Customer Service team on 1300 292 442.
Splash and Trash! 24 March, 2pm – 6pm Oasis Aquatic Centre, FREE ENTRY
Old bin removal The removal of old bins has now commenced. Once your old bins have been emptied for the final time this week, please lay them down on the kerbside ready for removal. The removal process may take up to 4 weeks to complete. Residents can take their old bins to Gregadoo Waste Management Centre and they will be accepted free of charge. Regular updates will be provided to residents throughout the removal process.
Charlie truck visit: Apex Park 27 March, 3pm – 6pm Apex Park, Lake Albert Facebook Live Chat 27 March, 5pm – 6pm facebook.com/ waggacouncil Tolland Shopping Centre Pop-up stall 28 March, 2pm – 6pm Tolland Shopping Centre, Bourke Street Markets by the Lake 29 March, 9am – 2pm Apex Park, Lake Albert
For further information contact Alice Kent on 1300 292 442.
This project was supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.
vacancies HEAVY VEHICLE MECHANIC Remuneration: $2,178.90 to $2,614.68 gpf + super Enquiries: Paul Wallace - 0438 245 049 Closing Date: Monday, 9 April 2018 MANAGER OPERATIONS Enquiries: Caroline Angel - 02 6926 9400 Closing Date: Monday, 16 April 2018 SENIOR ENGINEER Remuneration: $3,654.40 to $4,385.28 gpf + super Enquiries: Peter Ross - 0418 699 141 Closing Date: Monday, 16 April 2018
To view these opportunities and apply, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Values - Part of everything we do: Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication