INSIDE: NEW FLOWERDALE FOOTBRIDGE, 'REUSABLES' REBATE RETURNS + MORE
Council News
THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
Weekly newsletter from Wagga Wagga City Council
First Printed Saturday 3 September 2022 | Issue #411
WAGGA WAGGA “UNITED IN DIVERSITY” A flag raising ceremony featuring the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags was held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre forecourt this week, marking the next wave of NAIDOC events taking place in the city. Continued inside
SHARED JOY: Raising the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags at Friday’s ceremony: Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Dallas Tout, Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson, Wagga Wagga Public School Captain Oliver Felke (12), and Mr Patty Sagigi.
Getting Tech Savvy at your library: sessions restart Would you benefit 2016 as Tech Savvy Seniors. “We had a lot of seniors from learning how who’d been given smart to use the internet tablets as Christmas gifts, but didn’t really have the and improving digital literacy to use them,” Mr Scutti said. your digital “Initially we covered literacy? the basic levels of using
Wagga Wagga City Library’s series of free Tech Savvy sessions restart in September and run until the end of November. The sessions cover how to use your iPhone or iPad, Android tablet or phone, how to email, and how to shop online. Bookings are recommended, as sessions regularly book out in advance. Library Services Team Leader Michael Scutti said the program was originally introduced at the library in
technology, such as how to use a mouse or how to scroll on a screen, but I have noticed a growth in digital literacy amongst this cohort in the past couple of years. “Now it’s more about being able to use devices and apps for online shopping and to access online government services, such as MyGov and Service NSW, which really accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The library is really an ideal place to provide those skills as
it’s a central spot in town, it’s a free service, and we have people here who are trained to deliver those services.” In the six years since its introduction at the library, the Tech Savvy program has expanded to include five languages other than English – Arabic, Dari, Burmese, Tibetan and Kurmanji – with Wiradjuri and First Nations Elders classes beginning this year. Wagga Wagga resident Lat Aung Nanghee volunteers to teach the Tech Savvy sessions in the Burmese language. “When I first came to Wagga after leaving Burma (Myanmar) in 2013, I struggled a lot because at that time I didn’t know where to ask for or to get assistance in learning
about accessing services and support and so on,” Mr Nanghee said. “Fortunately, I had an IT background and knowing some English helped a lot in becoming familiar with the system, so I decided to help others in the local Burmese community with the same challenges by volunteering for these sessions. “The people who come along like the classes because they’re able to speak and learn in Burmese, so they understand what website and apps we're talking about, so that helps them a lot.” Tech Savvy Seniors sessions are held on Fridays from 10am–12pm. To book your spot, visit HELPING HANDS: Lat Aung Nanghee, who volunteers waggalibrary.com.au/ to teach the Tech Savvy session in Burmese, with Library whats-on Services Team Leader Michael Scutti.
Motor oil should not be placed in any of the kerbside bins. Up to 20L of motor oil can be disposed of at the Gregdaoo Waste Management Centre for free.
To learn more visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste
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Flag raising ceremony recognises shared cultures The ceremony, held on Friday 2 September, marked the commencement of the Wagga Wagga NAIDOC Committee’s celebratory events coming up in the first week of September, which include a Cultural Tour and the NAIDOC Ball & Awards. Local Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Cheryl Penrith gave a Welcome to Country to begin the proceedings, while Aunty Mary Atkinson raised the Aboriginal Flag on behalf of the local Wiradjuri community and Mr Patty Sagigi raised the Torres Strait Islander Flag. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said NAIDOC is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. “A number of events were held during NAIDOC week in July, but our local NAIDOC committee, of which Wagga Wagga City Council is a supporter, have their larger programming occurring in September – which brings us together today,” Cr Tout said. “As the Wagga Wagga NAIDOC Committee events begin again this week, we also wanted to formally recognise the statement that raising these flags makes about our identity as Australians. “By flying the three symbols we are honouring every Australian and
recognising the primordial contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have made to the development of this country and we're showing the pride we feel in that fact. “To have these flags raised side by side today says three things: we are united in diversity, we are proud of our shared cultures, and we are all Wagga Wagga community members.” Council contributed $5000 toward local 2022 NAIDOC events and is sponsor of the Reconciliation Award category at this year’s NAIDOC Ball & Awards. The award has been named in honour of the late Senior Wiradjuri Elder and Councillor Aunty Yvonne Gilchrist. The Wagga NAIDOC Ball & Awards will be held on Saturday 10 September, with 60 nominations received for the eight categories: • Community Person of the Year •Y oung Person of the Year (18-25 years) •R econciliation Award (open to non-Aboriginal people) •C aring for Country & Culture Award • Speak Truly Award • Innovation Award • Yindyamarra Award • Lifetime Achievement Award To purchase tickets to the ball, visit eventbrite.com.au and type NAIDOC Wagga in the search bar.
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Vacancies Trainee Information Technology (IT) Support Officer
Remuneration: $1,485.40 gpf + super Enquiries: Reece Hamblin on 02 6926 9243 Closing date: Sunday 11 September 2022
Trainee Aboriginal Environmental Health Officer
Remuneration: $1,456.20 gpf + super Enquiries: Sharomi Dayanand on 02 6926 9345 or Mark Gardiner on 02 6926 9330 Closing date: Sunday 11 September 2022
Gardener (Sportsgrounds)
Two (2) Permanent Positions Available Remuneration: $1,957.26 gpf + super Enquiries: Brian Cattell on 02 6926 9635 or 0436 914 838 Closing date: Monday 12 September 2022
Senior Town Planner, Town Planner or Cadet Town Planner
Remuneration: $3,494.78 gpf + super (Senior Town Planner), $2,908.36 gpf + super (Town Planner), $2,507.80 gpf + super (Cadet Town Planner) Enquiries: Cameron Collins on 02 6926 9577 or Paul O’Brien on 02 6926 9510 Closing date: Monday 19 September 2022
Labourer (Gregadoo Waste Management Centre)
Two (2) Permanent Positions Available Remuneration: $1,957.26 gpf + super Enquiries: Mathew Windle on 02 6926 9163 or 0437 701 447 Closing date: Monday 19 September 2022 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
DISCOVERY: Participants were asked what they knew about Council, where they go if they need help, and what their key concerns are as young people living in Wagga Wagga.
We’re all ears: young adults encouraged to get loud. Young adults got loud at Wagga Wagga City Council’s youth forum, OUTLOUD WAGGA on Wednesday night (31 August). The interactive forum provided a platform for young adults to communicate their vision for the city to Council staff and Councillors. OUTLOUD WAGGA kicked off with a ‘Discovery’ activity, where participants were asked what they knew about Council, where they go if they need help, and what their key concerns are as young people living in Wagga Wagga. Youth Development Officer Alex Osgood said the
‘Discovery’ phase was all about active inquiry and searching for what drives and inspires our youth community. “We then moved into ‘Dreaming’, where participants were asked to imagine potential positive futures for our community,” Ms Osgood said. “The forum was also a great opportunity to inform young adults about how we can support their concepts through the Youth Led Initiatives grants which open March 2022. “If anyone missed the forum, young adults aged between 12 and 25 still have the chance to help shape the future of Wagga Wagga through a Council-led
VISIT to take the short 5-minute online survey and go in the draw to win some awesome prizes including:
ULTIMATE EARS Boom 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
FUJIFILM INSTAX 40 Camera +Film + Camera Case
NIMBLE APOLLO Wireless Charger Dual Pad
MOVIE MEMBERSHIPS
youth survey. “We want to find out about important issues for young people in the local area to inform Council decisions, and help inform the development of new events, programs and opportunities in our community.” If you know someone aged 12 to 25 years who lives, works or studies in Wagga Wagga, encourage them to complete the short youth survey online at connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ youth or email youth@wagga. nsw.gov.au to go in the draw to win some awesome prizes. Survey closes at midnight on Friday 30 September 2022.
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Heavy lifting! New Flowerdale Lagoon footbridge installed A 100-tonne crane was used to lower in a new footbridge over the Flowerdale Lagoon anabranch on the Wiradjuri Trail this week. The pre-constructed 3-metre wide by 15-metre long footbridge arrived in Wagga Wagga from Queensland on Wednesday 31 August and was installed the same day. It replaces the old footbridge, which was approaching the end of its useful life and was in poor condition. Council’s Works and Playground Officer John Conlan said the installation was a challenging process as the site is in an awkward position and ground conditions were quite damp. “We had to bring in a 100-tonne capacity crane
to lift the structure off the truck and then raise it over the large gum trees which line the banks of the anabranch, before lowering it on to the new concrete abutment,” Mr Conlan said. “It all went smoothly, and the contractors have now secured it in place. The next task will be putting in the approaches, which is scheduled to take place next week, depending on weather conditions.” This section of the Wiradjuri Trail between Scott Street and Flowerdale will be closed until the works are completed. The new footbridge will provide a safe, all-inclusive crossing of the Flowerdale Lagoon, making walking and riding the trail easy and enjoyable for all users.
IN PLACE: A new 3-metre wide by 15-metre long footbridge now spans the Flowerdale Lagoon anabranch on the Wiradjuri Trail.
BRINGING IN THE BIG GUNS: A 100-tonne crane moves the footbridge into its new home.
Just add kids! Spring Jam set to delight and entertain Outdoor adventure is coming back to the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens this month. An occasion for youngsters (2–12 years) and their grown-ups, Spring Jam is a place for colourful imagination and play. Taking place on Saturday 24 September, the free fun starts at 10am and will continue all the way through to 3pm. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Director of Community Janice Summerhayes said Spring Jam has been a spring staple and Wagga Wagga’s biggest outdoor festival dedicated to kids. “We are excited to
be back in 2022 and the different zones and activities will be sure to carry you throughout the entire day,” Ms Summerhayes said. “Staff have carefully curated each zone to appeal to the different interests of children and young people across our city.” Bring the whole family along for a day of outdoor fun and excitement. Kids and grown-ups alike will be able to lose themselves in the fun and excitement that awaits – and remember to bring the picnic rug! You can find the full program details at visitwagga.com/ springjam
• Adventure zone features Fruit Fly Circus, an obstacle course and an 8-metre-high rock wall! •C reative Space is the perfect place to get your hands dirty! You can enjoy clay workshops, terracotta pot painting, Imaginary Botanicals workshop and even a Scrapboy Mudpie Bake Off. •M ain stage will have live entertainment (all ages, all day) including Bunny Racket, High Voltage Rock School, The Pretty Amazing Jono, and Jerry and George.
pet
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
Spring Jam 2019 (Chloe Smith Photography)
• Jam zone features a high-energy family dance party and The Pretty Amazing Jono. • Chill-out zone with children’s yoga, meditation and mindfulness, garden games and storytelling. • Zoo Safari where you can ask all your animal questions to friendly Zoo staff and you may even get to walk with a peacock or meet a python. • Food Alley where a delectable range of Spring Jam delights await you.
It’s one small step for this kitty, before taking one giant leap into your life. Apollo the cat is ready to launch. He’s a handsome white and tabby domestic shorthair male cat, keen to explore your world. Apollo is a sweet and loving four-year-old who, once landed in your lap, loves to scrunch into a ball and be patted as he drifts off to sleep. You can adopt Apollo (Imp No.:390) for $222, which includes de-sexing, vaccination, worming, FIV test, microchipping, lifetime registration and ID tag. Look at all our available pets at graswagga.com.au or visit the shelter from Monday to Saturday, 1pm – 4.15pm. R251000208
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
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Return of the reusable nappy and menstrual products rebate Council will once again offer a rebate on reusable nappies and menstrual products after last year’s successful trial prevented approximately 33,315 kilos of waste going into landfill. The initiative gives residents from the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area the opportunity to apply for a rebate after purchasing reusable nappies and menstrual products. The response to the initial trial in 2021 exceeded all expectations, with Council receiving a total of 232 applications; 70 for reusable nappies and 162 for reusable menstrual products. Council’s Manager Commercial Businesses Ray Graham said he was pleased the rebate was being extended, noting that Council would focus on encouraging the community to start using reusable nappies as part of an overall strategy to reduce waste that ends up in landfill. “The average baby goes through 2500 nappies per year,” Mr Graham said.
“A used disposable nappy, on average, weighs approximately 195 grams, so you’re looking at around 485 kilos going straight to landfill each year per baby, which is quite unbelievable. “Swapping to disposable nappies is an easy way to instantly stop that extensive amount of waste ending up in landfill.” A study undertaken in the United Kingdom in April of this year indicates the estimated use of menstrual products by the average person over their lifetime can be between 40 and 80 kilos. Based on a 40-year span, this equates to approximately 2 kilos per person each year. “We were really pleased with the uptake for the reusable menstrual products rebate last year,” Mr Graham said. “Now we’re hoping to increase the community’s applications for the reusable nappy rebates, given that disposable nappies generate an extensive amount of waste. “Switching to reusable is so much kinder to our environment
and, over the lifetime of the product, is much cheaper than constantly having to purchase new disposable products.” In line with the new focus on nappies, the terms of the extended rebate have been updated, with Council implementing a two-part rebate system that distinguishes between nappies and menstrual products, recognising the overall impact on the waste stream. The updated rebate offers a 50 per cent rebate on the purchase price of nappies, up to a maximum of $100 per child, and a 50 per cent rebate on the purchase price of reusable menstrual products, up to a maximum of $50 per person. The trial rebate will be extended between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024, with products purchased during this period by residents living within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area eligible. For more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ reusableproductsrebate
It’s time to change our nappies
Spring has sprung: discover ‘What’s On’ as our region shines bright Discover the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds where the yellow brilliance of our canola fields brightens the horizons, and the vibrant outdoor festivals shine through the newly released “What’s On’ spring guide. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator Sophie Gairn said there is a great mix of community, major and regional events on offer this spring. “Spring is a busier period for events in our region with an abundance of things to do and places to visit,” Ms Gairn said. “We will see the return of key events, some of which are re-launching after being impacted by COVID-19, as well as the delivery of numerous events supported by Council’s Annual Grants and Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship program.” Start the season with Motor Mania, the inaugural lawn mower race being presented by the Apex Club of South Wagga Wagga, followed by Ocrowberfest, a stein-sized day of German inspired food, craft beer, live
WHAT’S
ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
THIS WEEK: DEMONSTRATION GARDENS – VEGETABLE SWAP OR BUY Sat 3 Sep, 8am to 12pm 53 Shaw St. Ph: 0411 417 956 OPEN STUDIO GALLERY Sat 3 Sep, 10am to 3pm Art Studio, 11 Small St. Ph: 0413 786 209 MOTOR MANIA Sat 3 Sep, 12pm to 9pm Riverina Kart Racing Track, Tasman Rd. Ph: 0428 266 938
music and more. Another highly anticipated event is Spring Jam, a family day out at Wagga Wagga’s Botanical Gardens. “After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team are excited to welcome the community back to Spring Jam being held on Saturday 24 September, specifically designed for kids aged two to 12 years,” Ms Gairn said. “FUSION BOTANICAL is also back in a big way, returning on Saturday 15 October to its new home; the Botanic Gardens Precinct in Turvey Park.” Pick up your copy of the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds What's On guide for spring 2022 at the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre, local businesses, or download your copy at visitwagga.com Event organisers are encouraged to register upcoming events by Friday 21 October 2022 to ensure they are included in the summer edition of the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds What's On guide.
DOWNSIDE BUSH DANCE Sat 3 Sep, 7.30pm to 12am Downside Hall, DownsideShepherds Siding Rd. Ph: 0427 042 686 TWO OF US – THE SONGS OF LENNON & MCCARTNEY Sat 3 Sep, 8pm to 10.20pm Civic Theatre, Burns Way. Ph: 6926 9688 ANCHORS AWAY Sun 4 Sep, 3pm to 5pm The Basement Theatre, Morrow St. Ph: 6921 2594 WILLANS HILL MINIATURE RAILWAY RIDES Sun 4 Sep, 10am to 2.30pm Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. Ph: 0412 439 455 FATHER’S DAY AT COTTONTAIL WINES Sun 4 Sep, 12pm to 2.30pm Cottontail Wines, 562 Pattersons Rd. Ph: 6928 4554 ART CLASSES WITH LEIGH HEWITT Mon 5 Sep, 6pm to 8pm The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. Ph: 6921 5391
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
GLOBAL ART HISTORIES – PUBLIC LECTURES BY DR SAM BOWKER Tue 6 Sep, 6pm to 7pm CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St. Ph: 6926 9688 LEARN THE ART OF STILL LIFE: AGES 50+ Wed 7 Sep, 10am to 12pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660 PRIMARY STUDENT ART CLASSES Wed 7 Sep, 4pm to 5.30pm The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. Ph: 6921 5391 RIVERINA PRODUCERS MARKET Thu 8 Sep, 1pm to 6.30pm Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. Ph: 0428 263 297 BBQ AND CHARCOAL (GLUTEN FREE) – COOKING CLASS Thu 8 Sep, 6pm to 10pm Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Pl. Ph: 0439 565 653 THURSDAY TRIVIA Thu 8 Sep, 7.30pm Thirsty Crow Brewery, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 6921 7470
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WHAT’S
ON
WAG G A WAG G A + S U R RO U N D S
WIRADJURI
SPRING The ‘What’s On’ Spring guide sees the return of many local and regional event favourites, as well as the introduction of new events, including: Motor Mania | 3 September Gathering of the Faithful | 9 – 11 September Ocrowberfest | 10 September Henty Machinery Field Days | 20 – 22 September Spring Jam | 24 September Gears and Beers | 1 – 2 October FUSION BOTANICAL | 15 October Wagga Wagga Fringe | 17 – 20 November
WAGGA WAGGA SHOW Fri 9 Sep, 9am to 9pm Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. Ph: 0427 252 180 DARRYL JONES Fri 9 Sep, 6.30pm to 8.30pm The Curious Rabbit, t44 Johnston St. Ph: 6921 5391 INTELLECT WITH TONY RINAUDO Fri 9 Sep, 7pm to 9pm Fairfax Centre, Building 382, Charles Sturt University. Ph: 6933 4966 JPY: 50 YEARS YOUNG – THE ANNIVERSARY TOUR Fri 9 Sep, 8pm to 10pm Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. Ph 6926 9688
/waggaevents visitwagga.com For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events unit: events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.
weekly
MOWING REPORT 5 - 9 SEPTEMBER 2022
COUNCIL HEREBY GIVES PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE EXHIBITION OF A PROPOSED PLANNING AGREEMENT IN BLAKE STREET.
The proposed planning agreement will be on exhibition from 9 August 2022 for a period of 28 days. Council invites public submissions on the proposed planning agreement, to be lodged by 19 September 2022. Inspection Venue: Wagga
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DISCOVER: Start planning your spring social calendar in our Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region. For the week commencing Monday 5 September 2022, we’ll be mowing in the following locations: • Bourkelands • Kooringal • City centre • Lake Albert • Estella • Lloyd • Forest Hill • Tarcutta (parks)
Wagga City Council, Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga, during the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) within the exhibition period. The draft documents can also be accessed from Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/public or at connect.wagga.nsw. gov.au/blake-street. Submission Procedure: Submissions must be in writing and may be delivered to Wagga Wagga City Council, mailed to the General Manager, emailed to council@wagga. nsw.gov.au or made at connect.wagga.nsw. gov.au/blake-street.
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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 to Council, in its entirety or in part, unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur. Any questions relating to the proposed planning agreement should be referred to Belinda Maclure on 1300 292 442.
Peter Thompson, General Manager
THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL