Council News #401 - 25 June 2022

INSIDE: HELP SHAPE WAGGA WAGGA'S FUTURE, WINTER AT THE OASIS, CANINE CAKE + MORE

Council News

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

Weekly newsletter from Wagga Wagga City Council

First Printed Saturday 25 June 2022 | Issue #401

FESTIVAL OF W A pop-up, outdoor ice rink is returning to Wagga Wagga this winter school holidays.

The open-air rink in the Victory Memorial Gardens is part of the city’s Festival of W winter event. The new 16-day festival is a celebration of music, warming winter food, largescale light and sound experiences and more. There’s something for everyone, so rug and move out this winter.

Tickets to the popular ice rink are selling fast. Grab your tickets and discover the full festival program at visitwagga.com/fow

Museum on the hill aims to preserve history The $4.88 million redevelopment of the Museum of the Riverina’s Botanic Gardens site on Lord Baden Powell Drive has reached a milestone, with the roof completed and internal wall framing underway for the new exhibition gallery.

The capital works project will deliver major improvements

to the museum's exhibition space and upgrade storage areas to manage the museum’s large and diverse permanent collection holdings, as well as improve the overall visitor experience to this community facility.

While the new building works are progressing the museum team are working behind the scenes preparing to return the collections onsite that are currently located in temporary storage locations. The upgraded collections storage areas will include a walk-in freezer, which is essential for preventative pest management; museum grade climate control; specialised lighting; and custom

designed shelving. These upgrades will allow the Museum of the Riverina to improve the overall care and management of the thousands of objects that make up their permanent collection holdings, for future generations to research, explore and enjoy.

The project is funded through the State Government’s NSW Regional Cultural Fund ($3.18 million) and the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund ($1.7 million).

For more information about the project, visit: wagga.nsw. gov.au/projects/museumredevelopment

SCHOOL GETS MAKEOVER: Pictured in front of the schoolhouse on the museum site at Willans Hill is Project Coordinator Henry Collie with contractor Ayodeji Temilola.

WE’VE GOT OUR SCRAP SORTED put into your green lid bin Here’s the scraps you can BONES · MEAT · FISH · DAIRY · MILK · CHEESE · YOGHURT GRASS · LEAVES · GARDEN PRUNINGS ALL FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SCRAPS

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One Tree for Me Campaign The One Tree for Me campaign is back again for its second year.

This greening campaign is an action under Wagga Wagga City Council's Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030 and aims to get 65,000 seedlings planted in the local area over a six year period. The number of seedlings represents one seedling for every resident in our local government area.

Council staff aim to achieve this commitment through a mix of activities including free seedling giveaways; community tree planting activities on identified and approved community land; and supporting

weekly

MOWING REPORT 27 JUNE - 1 JULY 2022

schools through Planet Ark's Schools Tree Day campaign.

Last year Council achieved 12,124 seedlings planted within the community. This year we have four free seedling events, giving away 8,000 seedlings to the community over the months of June, July, August and September.

Our first giveaway event was at Forest Hill Shopping Centre, with other locations including Ashmont Shopping Centre, Tolland Shopping Centre and South City Shopping Centre over the next three months.

For more information about the program visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ onetreeforme For the week commencing Monday 27 June 2022, we’ll be mowing in the following locations: • Bourkelands • Currawarna • Mangain

GREENING THE FUTURE: Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid and Vegetation Management Officer Chris Holman at this week’s One Tree For Me giveaway.

Managing weeds in our riverside reserves

• Tatton • Wiradjuri Reserve

Vacancies Art Gallery Director

Remuneration: $3,426.26 gpf + super Enquiries: Madeleine Scully on 02 6926 9350 Closing date: Sunday 3 July 2022

Administration Officer

PROTECTING OUR RESERVES: Environmental Management Team Leader Tony Phelps and Riverina Local Land Services Weed Coordinator Mel Wilkerson discuss Council’s weed management strategy, focussing on our region’s riverside reserves.

Manager Traffic and Transport

Wagga Wagga City Council is embarking on a weed management strategy focussing on our region’s riverside reserves after successfully applying for a $30,000 grant from Riverina Local Land Service.

Council’s Environment Team will be using the grant to help fund the management and control of weeds of concern, including lippia, caltrop, khaki weed and a variety of thistles.

The team will carry out a variety of management activities on Council-managed reserves harbouring these weeds, reducing the risk of the weed spread onto neighbouring agricultural land, and enabling better community access and enjoyment.

Riverina Local Land Service’s Weed Coordinator Mel Wilkerson said while the lower-profile weeds identified in this project do not receive the high profile attention of weeds that pose a significant environmental, economic or public health threat, they are the weeds that most often stop people from enjoying an area.

“For example, various types of thistles, which may or may not be on the list of local species of concern, are what

Remuneration: $2,167.92 gpf + super Enquiries: Madeleine Scully on 02 6926 9350 Closing date: Sunday 3 July 2022 Enquiries: Warren Faulkner on 02 6926 9280 Closing date: Monday 4 July 2022

Customer Service Officer

Part-Time Term Contract until March 2023 - Fourteen (14) hours per week to be worked Thursday and Friday Remuneration: $909.22 gpf + super based on part-time hours Enquiries: Meredith Hester on 02 6926 9102 Closing date: Monday 4 July 2022

Business Support Officer - Airport

Remuneration: $2,167.92 gpf + super Enquiries: Leon Burger on 02 6926 9267 Closing date: Friday 8 July 2022

Administration Officer (Cemetery)

Term Contract until March 2023 Remuneration: $2,458.54 gpf + super Enquiries: Henry Pavitt on 02 6926 9615 or 0408 639 366 Closing date: Sunday 10 July 2022

Net Zero Emissions Project Officer Four (4) Year Term Contract Remuneration: $2,942.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Carly Hood on 02 6926 9342 Closing date: Monday 11 July 2022

Horticulturalist (Riverside)

Remuneration: $2,167.92 gpf + super Enquiries: Henry Pavitt on 02 6926 9615 or 0408 639 366 Closing date: Monday 11 July 2022

Horticulturalist (Cycling Complex)

Remuneration: $2,167.92 gpf + super Enquiries: Henry Pavitt on 02 6926 9615 or 0408 639 366 Closing date: Monday 11 July 2022 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

To view these opportunities and apply, visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

the community sees, reacts to, and what stops them from appreciating the local amenity,” Mr Wilkerson said.

“If you’re trying to walk along a riverbank and you want to go and look at the ducks, or even just sit by the river; you have to walk through a bunch of stinging nettles or thistles. These weeds stop you from doing that – that’s the impact of these weeds.”

Mr Wilkerson said Riverina Local Land Service encourages integrated pest management and projects like Council’s as they can have much bigger flow-on effects than just treating weeds.

“This project targets many of the more common weeds of concern,” Mr Wilkerson said.

“While this will make the project areas more amenable, it also removes weeds that can harbour other pests. For example, rabbits and foxes often build dens and hide in the protection of these weeds and breed exponentially.

By reducing these weeds, you are also removing animal pest harbour.

“There is a larger flow-on effect and, with the concept of integrated pest management and different types of control measures, the collective effect

achieves a lot more across a broader spectrum than just killing a thistle or a blackberry bush.

“Wagga Wagga City Council have come up with some really good weed management strategies which is why we’re more than happy to fund this project submission.”

Environmental Management Team Leader Tony Phelps said that, in addition to other management techniques, the Environment Team would be using a selective herbicide to deal with the problem weeds.

“We’ll be complying with Council’s Pesticide Use Management Plan, using a herbicide that’s safe to use in public areas,” Mr Phelps said.

“We will also put up signage to let people know we’re spraying in the area and obviously won’t be spraying near people. If we need to go close to the water, we’ll use chemicals that are safe for use near the water channel.”

Mr Phelps said the weed management program will begin in a few weeks.

“We’ll start spraying in July, treating the weeds before they get a foothold and are able to seed, and that way you’ve still got good ground moisture allowing the native grasses to come back quite quickly,” Mr Phelps said.

“Once we’ve sprayed, we’ll come back and assess the success of the treatment and whether the existing plants and native grasses have been able to out-compete the weeds. If we need to put a bit of native grass seed back in, we’ll also do that to help recovery and restoration along.

“We’re pleased that Riverina Local Land Services have supported this program, which will supplement the other weed work Council does under the NSW Weed Action Program throughout the year.”

Riverside reserves: weed management • Kohlhagen Reserve • Oura Reserve • Shanty Reserve • Ashmont Reserve

• Wilks Park Reserve • Pipers Reserve Other reserves will be treated as necessary.

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Just keep swimming: winter at the Oasis parents and caregivers a great opportunity to get their children started in learning an important life skill.

“Everyone deserves to learn to swim,” Ms Attwood said.

“A lot of kids have missed out on swimming lessons in their younger years due to COVID shut downs, and we’re aware that swimming skills are not where they need to be for a lot of children in our community.

“We have a lot of parents and caregivers who think of swimming as life insurance for their kids. They keep their kids enrolled throughout the year KEEP THOSE SKILLS UP: Oasis Programs Supervisor Lauren Attwood and because they want to know Learn to Swim Team Leader Breanna Wendt are encouraging parents and caregivers to enrol their children in swimming lessons over the cooler months to their children are going avoid losing important skills. to be safe swimming by themselves.

“It only takes seconds for in school, which can be used The Oasis Aquatic Centre a child to drown and drowning is towards the cost of swimming is encouraging parents and often quite silent. Ensuring your lessons. A new $100 Active Kids caregivers to enrol their children child learns to be confident in the voucher will also be issued from into swimming lessons to avoid water will give you peace of mind.”

1 July, which can be used for losing their skills over the cooler children between 4–18 years old months.

Ms Atwood said keeping children for swimming lessons. swimming over the cooler months From 1 July 2022, Service NSW would ensure a continuous Oasis Programs Supervisor will issue new First Lap vouchers Lauren Attwood said the First Lap progression of skills. worth $100 for children aged and Active Kids vouchers gave 3–6 years who are not enrolled “Not only are we working on their

confidence, we’re really building their skills,” Ms Atwood said.

“These are the kids that keep moving up the levels each term because they’re practicing their skills year-round. Unfortunately, for the kids who only take lessons during the warmer months, it takes them a lot longer to progress because they’re having to rebuild their confidence and skills each time. If they’re only swimming over summer, they’re having a very stop-start learning experience, which we’d prefer to avoid.

Consistency is important when learning to swim – and it’s a skill that could actually save your life.”

Learn to Swim Team Leader Breanna Wendt is a daily witness to the benefits of learning to swim early in life.

“We start swimming lessons from six months old,” Ms Wendt said.

“We want to get babies and children used to the water and able to swim confidently. If anything ever happened, for example if they fell into a pool, we teach children to be able to safely turn onto their back, float to the edge, and find their way to the exit.

“We want children to be confident and enjoy swimming, because it when it gets hot, everyone likes to swim, especially down at the river.

If kids can’t swim, more accidents can happen. That’s why we like to get kids learning to swim as quickly as we can.”

Oasis has an intensive program – two weeks of lessons every day – which speed up swimming skills.

“We see a lot of improvements,” Ms Wendt said.

“Kids who started out scared of the water one week; by the next week they’re swimming happily and love it. It’s all about confidence and safety.”

The Oasis team were happy to reassure any parents and caregivers worried about their children getting cold when swimming during the cooler months.

“It’s so warm in here, as soon as people arrive they start shedding layers,” Ms Attwood said.

“The program pool, which the small children swim in, is normally 34 C and our 25 metre pool is heated to about 28 C. The best way to stay warm is to have a hot shower here after your lesson, dry off, then rug up before you head out.

“When you consider how many kids are running around wet on a field during winter in a t-shirt, it’s pretty nice to be in a warm, enclosed building.”

Winter at the Oasis

SQUEAKY CLEAN: Lifeguard and Pool Deck Supervisor Jess Willis is part of the Oasis team keeping the water safe and warm, and the pool decks sparkling.

Active Kids vouchers $100 voucher per child, issued on 1 January 2022 and 1 July. Vouchers are valid for 12 months.

First Lap vouchers $100 voucher per child, issued on 1 January 2022 and 1 July. Vouchers are valid for 6 months.

Parents and caregivers who haven’t used their January voucher are encouraged to use it as soon as possible, as it will expire on 30 June 2022.

Both vouchers are available through the Service NSW app.

Swimming lessons Lessons start 18 July to 25 September 2022.

Winter is good time to enrol, as you’re more likely to be able to secure a swimming lesson at a time that best suits your family.

Intensive school holiday program 10 days in total, from 4 July to 15 July (excluding 9/10 July).

For more details, and to enrol, visit oasiswagga.com or call the Oasis team on phone: 02 6926 9390.

Help shape the future of Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking community feedback on three key plans that shape the future of your city, villages and their communities.

Council invites submissions from community members to ensure we’ve got your vision right, and you have the chance to have your say.

Council currently has three draft plans on exhibition; Public Art Plan 2022-2026; All Abilities Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026; and the Community Safety Action Plan 2022-2026.

The Wagga Wagga Public Art Plan is a framework for public art in the city and surrounding villages for the period 20222026.

Public art celebrates who we are and is an important way to bring our public spaces to life, adding to their vibrancy, accessibility and their role in education and sharing stories.

Council recognises the key role that public art plays in creating a thriving, innovative, connected and inclusive community; by creating a sense of place, supporting our arts and creative community, providing opportunities to connect with others and enhancing our public spaces.

Council’s Cultural Officer Lauren Reynolds encourages all local residents who have an interest in public art in the city to get involved in the process and submit their feedback.

“Public art ties us to our community and our surroundings,” Ms Reynolds said.

“It enriches and stimulates our lives and can be supported through planning in order to flourish.”

The plan’s four key areas of focus are Wiradjuri Heritage and Culture; Events; Neighbourhoods, Suburbs and Villages; and Explore the City.

The plan is open for submissions until 5pm, 12 July 2022.

The All Abilities Inclusion Action Plan 20222026 (formerly the Disability Inclusion Action Plan - DIAP) is also open for submission until 5pm, 12 July 2022. This is a framework for Wagga Wagga City Council to inform and understand what makes life easier for people living with all abilities in our community.

Social Planning Coordinator Sarah Lehman emphasises the importance of participation in the plan.

“It is imperative we co-create this plan with our community to continue working towards

improving the lives of people living with all abilities, as well as their families and carers, Ms Lehman said.

“Your feedback provides important insights into individual and community needs and aspirations, and will be used to build upon the knowledge contained in the draft plan.”

The plan focuses on developing positive community attitudes towards all abilities; creating liveable communities; improving access to mainstream services; and increasing access to meaningful employment.

Participation by members of our community will help us deliver responsive plans that will continue to build the vibrancy, accessibility, and character of our city, villages and communities.

The Community Safety Action Plan 20222026 follows on from the success of its predecessor the Wagga Wagga Crime Prevention Plan 2021. The Community Safety Action Plan 20222026 moves towards a broader safety focus with the understanding that everyone has a role to play in the safety of the community. This updated plan has a strong community voice informed by extensive engagement

Free up some space in your yellow lid bin by placing pizza boxes in the green lid bin.

Other paper products such as newspaper, shredded paper, toilet rolls and catalogues can also go in the green lid bin.

To learn more visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste

with a broad section of residents and organisations in Wagga. This process has resulted in a plan that reflects the diversity of the community.

Consultation was also conducted with key services and stakeholders that play a role in keeping the community safe, including, Wagga Wagga Local Police Service, Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Housing, Department of Community Corrections, NSW Health, Wagga Wagga Cooperative Legal Service Delivery Network, Wagga Women's Health Centre and representatives from Wagga Wagga Neighbourhood Watch.

Interested residents are encouraged to participate by reading the plan and submitting feedback online: wagga.nsw. gov.au/the-council/planning-andreporting/public-exhibitions The plan is open for submissions until 5pm, 12 July 2022.

Hard copies can be collected from Civic Centre Customer Service, Corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650.

You can contact Council’s customer service team on 1300 292 442 with any questions.

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Canine Cake goes down a treat!

Staff at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter pride themselves in providing the best care they can to animals in their safekeeping, so it made sense to help two guests celebrate their 10th birthday (yes, that’s 70 in dog years!).

Zac and Ahlia got to share a canine cake, made especially for dogs, provided by staff

this past week while awaiting their ‘forever homes’. Zac and Ahlia enjoyed their cake and then shared it with the rest of their friends at the shelter.

Staff dedicate a great deal of time caring for their ‘guests’, ensuring all animals in their care are in good health while at the shelter, and when they leave. All animal guests are

routinely checked each weekday by the shelter’s contract vet, who also undertakes a full vet check when our animals are adopted, ensuring all the animals get the best chance at life.

Staff are currently caring for a very large number of animals, and rely on the goodwill, time and effort of volunteers at the shelter

and in local groups to re-home some of these wonderful animals.

If you feel the urge to expand your family to include a pet, consider visiting our website to have a look, or stop by for a visit during opening hours.

Visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/services/petsand-animals/find-a-pet

pet

OF THE

WEEK

#adoptdontshop

Hello Zachary!

Zac is a beautiful, happy boy who would love to be your best buddie and guard dog.

He’s 10 years-old (check out his birthday party pic to the left) and is one of the cutest dogs we’ve come across.

Zac is a red American Staffordshire bull terrier x (impound 217).

His adoption fee is only $265.00 which includes de-sexing, vaccination, deworming, heartworm test and an ID tag.

Take a look at Zachary and meet all our available pets at graswagga.com.au or pop in to visit – the shelter is open from Monday to Saturday, 1pm – 4.15pm.

6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au

R251000208

WHAT’S

ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS

THIS WEEK: DEMONSTRATION GARDENS – VEGETABLE SWAP OR BUY Sat 25 Jun, 8am to 12pm 53 Shaw St. Ph: 0411 417 956 OPEN STUDIO GALLERY Sat 25 Jun, 10am to 3pm Studio Gallery, 11 Small St. facebook.com/groups/ waggawaggaartsociety

Youth Freeze Short Film Festival

During the winter school holidays, the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is presenting the Freeze Short Film Festival with workshops, film competitions and a short film screening afternoon for the region's youth.

The workshop series will focus on animation, acting and performance, as well as fundamental skills sessions in editing your own videos.

The three linked workshops will be facilitated by animation and motion designer Alice Peacock, as well as emerging local theatre company Freeroam Theatre.

Art Gallery Director Dr Lee-Anne Hall said the Freeze Short Film Festival was a perfect opportunity for the region’s creative young people to gain valuable experience and meet like-minded people.

“The program is completely free, and we’re really encouraging everyone between the ages of 12 and 25 who is interested in film, animation and performing to register for the workshop series,” Dr Hall said.

Contact us 1300 292 442 council@wagga.nsw.gov.au www.wagga.nsw.gov.au Civic Centre, cnr Baylis & Morrow sts PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

“It’s a safe, creative space, and you will learn so much in a short time.

“You’ll even have the chance to show your short film created during the festival on the final day of the program.”

The festival’s short film competition will open for entries from Saturday 2 July and close at 4pm on Wednesday 13 July.

All information will be given to participants at the first animation and performance workshops on Saturday 2 July.

“Even if you’re already working on a film at home, this will be a great opportunity to seek professional feedback before you submit your film to the competition,” Dr Hall said.

Short films are to be between 1 - 5 minutes in length. The competition is open to young people aged 12 - 25 years. There will be separate prize categories, with prizes to be announced shortly.

For more information and to register, visit waggaartgallery.com.au/whats-on

Follow us

WAGGA WAGGA ROAD RUNNERS Sat 25 Jun, 1pm Kapooka. www. waggaroadrunners.com/runs RIVERINA DANCE ACADEMY COPPELIA SCREENING Sat 25 Jun, 6pm to 8pm

Public Notices PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE (BAYLIS STEET BETWEEN STURT HIGHWAY AND MORGAN STREET)

Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Baylis Street between Sturt Highway and Morgan Street Date: 27 June 2022

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, LIVE AT LUNCH – Burns Way. DOUBLE TIME! civictheatre.com.au Thu 30 Jun, 1pm to 2pm CSU Riverina Playhouse, RIVER AND WREN Cross St. rivconmusic.nsw.

MARKETS Sun 26 Jun, 10am to 2pm edu.au/whatson Kyeamba Smith Hall, Wagga RIVERINA PRODUCERS Showgrounds, Bourke St. riverandwrenmarket.com.au MARKET Thu 30 Jun, 1pm to 6pm CONVERSATION WITH Wagga Wagga ANITA HEISS Showgrounds, Bourke St. Sun 26 Jun, 4pm to 6pm Ph: 0428 263 297 The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. THURSDAY TRIVIA events.humanitix.com Thu 30 Jun, 7.30pm THE BIDGEE BLUES Thirsty Crow Brewery, 153 CLUB PRESENTS THE Fitzmaurice St. MCNAMARR PROJECT + thirstycrow.com.au/events THE GROOVE FACTORY Sun 26 Jun, 5pm to 7.30pm FRIDAY NIGHT PIZZAS, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, MATES GULLY CAFE Burns Way. Fri 1 Jul, 5.30pm to 7.30pm civictheatre.com.au Mates Gully Café, 38 Morrow WAGGA SOCIAL NETBALL St. Ph: 6921 4241 Wed 26 Jun, 10am Bolton Park Stadium, /waggaevents Morgan St. visitwagga.com E: caronne@scvella.id.au TAKE OFF AT 4 – AFTER SCHOOL ART PROGRAM Wed 29 Jun, 4pm – 5.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. waggaartgallery.com.au

For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events unit: events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.

Duration: 8pm until finish, weather permitting Reason: Closed for removal of light pole

on to Morrow Street for traffic travelling north bound from Baylis Street and Tongaboo Lane.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Baylis Street between Morrow Street and north of Wollundry Bridge Duration: 2.30pm to 10pm Saturday 2 July 2022 2.30pm to 10pm Saturday 9 July 2022 Reason: Festival of W event

Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Morrow Street between O’Reilly and Peter streets Duration: 9am to 10.30pm Saturday 2 July 2022 9am to 10.30pm Saturday 9 July 2022 Reason: Festival of W event Detour: Left-hand only turn

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Peter Thompson, General Manager

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE

BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL