Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2016
Issue 81
Weekly information from us to you
RITUAL: (From left) Wagga Citizen of the Year Joe Williams and Pete Ingram, both local Wiradjuri men conduct the smoking ceremony, with Council Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes taking part.
REFLECTION: Local Wiradjuri man Pete Ingram conducted a traditional smoking ceremony at the official unveiling of the Marrambidya Wetland Healing Place, located off Narrung Street. The Healing Place is a location for reflection and rebuilding and was constructed in consultation with local Wiradjuri community members.
HEALING PLACE UNVEILED
Apology Day marked with Wiradjuri space at Marrambidya Wetland A traditional smoking ceremony marked the official unveiling of the Marrambidya Wetland Healing Place on the eighth anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generation. The Healing Place has been constructed in consultation with the local Wiradjuri community and features native plants, a seating area and totem pole with hand
carvings, representing a long journey and featuring a goanna – the Wiradjuri totem. The totem pole was created by Wiradjuri Elders and has been donated to the site by the artists and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute. Aboriginal Youth and Community Development Officer Ashleigh Pengelly said Apology Day is a chance for reflection for all.
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“It is important to commemorate the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous people as it marked an important step in the right direction by our government towards healing for many people, including local community members, who had been personally affected by the policies that resulted in the Stolen Generation,” Ms Pengelly said. The 2016 National Apology Day
ceremony was held on Friday 12 February, and featured a Welcome to Country, speeches by Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout and Wagga Citizen of the Year Joe Williams. The Federal Government Apology also represented the completion of one of five of the key measures of reparation recommended in the 1997 Bringing Them Home Report.
The Marrambidya Wetland project continues to progress, with bulky earthworks and outdoor learning area now complete. Stage 2 of the Green Army programme will start in March, and will complete plantings at the site, along with the installation of seating, bird hides and signage. An official opening of the wetland will be in early June 2016.
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Thousands flock to Brumbies-Waratahs
A whopping 7237 Super Rugby fans packed into McDonald’s Park on 6 February to see the Brumbies take on the Waratahs. While the Brumbies went down 21-17 to their NSW rivals, the club was left grinning thanks to an almost 1500 increase in crowd figures from their 2015 trial against the Highlanders. Both games were part of a two-year partnership between the club, Council, Southern Inland Rugby Union and ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union. Council’s Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes said major sporting events like the Brumbies-Waratahs trial benefit the city in a number of ways. “In the past 12 months, Wagga has hosted two
Super Rugby trials, NSW v Victoria Sheffield Shield match, Country-City Origin and the Eastern University Games,” she said. “These elite sporting events give supporters and players from Wagga and the wider region the opportunity to witness first-class sport in their own backyard, while also giving our economy a shot in the arm.” Riverina sport fans won’t have to wait long for another big game, with less than a month until the AFL NAB Challenge between Collingwood and North Melbourne at Robertson Oval. Tickets are on sale now at afl.com.au/nabchallenge. GIDDY UP: The Brumbies v Waratahs Super Rugby trial at McDonald's Park attracted a big crowd of 7237 on 6 Februrary.
Next Free Tip Day on Saturday 14 May
FACELIFT: A section of Plumpton Road will be excavated and replaced.
Plumpton Road to get major overhaul Work will begin on rehabilitating one of Wagga’s busiest sections of road this week. Plumpton Road between Red Hill Road and Lake Albert Road is in need of facelift and will be closed to through traffic for approximately two months while extensive works take place. Council’s Manager Engineering, Alex Fenwick, said while the closure will be disruptive for residents and regular road users, it is an important and necessary project. “The extensive failures in the road means we need to excavate and remove the existing road and replace it with new road base,” he said. “This new road pavement will be compacted, trimmed to shape and then sealed with a new bitumen surface. “The end result will be a brand new road.” Staff will endeavour to maintain access for local residents during the works, however there may be some restrictions.
Project snapshot What: Road rehabilitation works Section: Plumpton Road between Red Hill Road and Lake Albert Road When: Commencing 17 February 2016 Duration: Approximately two months Traffic conditions: ROAD CLOSED to through traffic for the duration of the works Receive SMS updates direct to your mobile phone! Simply email your mobile number and ‘Plumpton Rd’ to communityengagement@wagga.nsw.gov.au
wagga.nsw.gov.au/roads
Register your site!
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA
DAY
Wagga Wagga City Council and the Wagga Wagga Tidy Town Committee invite residents to register for Clean Up Australia Day in 2016.
Sunday 6 March Gather some friends and find an area that you think could do with some love and register your activity at cleanupaustraliaday.org.au by Friday 19 February to receive your free clean up kit. Please note that roadsides are not eligible for registration by individual groups.
To be involved in the Council coordinated clean up on Kooringal Rd or for all other enquiries call Alice Kent on 1300 292 442.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment
The most recent Free Tip Day proved to be one of the most popular ever, with 1120 vehicles visiting Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) and 233 tonnes of material disposed of for free. Around 300 more residents took advantage of the free day on Sunday 7 February compared to the last event. The next Free Tip Day is locked in for Saturday 14 May, but there are a number of items that can be disposed of for free every day at GWMC. “You can dispose
of polystyrene and cardboard for free all year round at GWMC,” Manager Waste Services Geoff Veneris said. “Council compact and bail the materials on-site and then transport to a manufacturer for reuse into a range of recycled products. “Households can also dispose of televisions, computers and computer equipment year-round for free.” When you’re planning a trip to GWMC, it’s also important to consider the quality of the items before disposing of them.
“A lot of items can be re-used or recycled in some way,” Mr Veneris said. “If you have good quality items such as clothing, furniture, books and other home wares, why not think about donating them to a local charity rather than sending them to landfill? “Other ideas include having a garage sale, dropping them off at the Gregadoo Tip Shop or give them away to help someone in need.” For more information on GWMC, visit wagga. nsw.gov.au/waste.
Be aware of line marking changes Line markings on road intersections across the CBD are getting a fresh coat of paint this month. As well as sprucing up existing markings, arrow directions leading into some roundabouts are being updated to make them safer. Where a single lane becomes two lanes through a roundabout and returns to a single lane on the other side, road users will see the left lane become left turn only or the right lane become right turn only. This change is designed to remove
Oasis hosts diving champs Thirty-eight divers from across the state made a splash at 2016 NSW Country Championships, hosted by the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre last month. The carnival was supported by Council and was officially opened by Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Rod Kendall. Local divers dominated, winning 17 of the 28 events over the two days in perfect conditions.
the opportunity for overtaking manoeuvres through the roundabout, effectively reducing the likelihood of side-swipe type crashes. Regular users of these roundabouts are advised to be mindful of these changed traffic conditions and to follow the new markings accordingly. These changes were endorsed by the Traffic Committee in March 2015 and adopted by Council in April 2015. Line maintenance on roundabouts is conducted approximately every three years or as required.
Heritage advice on offer Do you need heritage advice before you renovate your place? The first heritage adviser visit of the year will be 23 February and residents can make appointments now by contacting Council’s planning department on 1300 292 442. The City of Wagga Wagga has engaged the services of a heritage adviser for more than 20 years as a free service for the community. If you’re planning future work on heritage items or work within the conservation area, the adviser can give advice on suitable materials and colours for restoring old buildings both commercial and residential, discuss appropriate styles and shapes of extensions and additions and work through other heritage issues. The service is achievable through the support of the Heritage Branch of the Office of the Environment and Heritage.
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Sporting great adds local touch to new exhibition Local cycling champion and Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame inductee Barry O’Hagan has donated a classic competition bicycle to the Museum of the Riverina. The historic donation coincides with the launch of a new exhibition curated by the National Museum that delves into Australia’s long love affair with the bicycle. O’Hagan’s custom Bundy bicycle, which he rode in the 1988 World Masters, will be on display in the foyer of the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers site to add a local dimension to the Freewheeling: Cycling in Australia exhibition. “It’s not every day you get to have your bike in the same building as items belonging to Cadel Evans and Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman,” Mr O’Hagan said. “I feel very honoured.” Museum manager Luke Grealy said the exhibition told national stories that resonated strongly with local audiences. “The Riverina is about as pedal crazy as you get, and we know recreational and championship riders alike will enjoy seeing the rare and beautiful bikes on display,” he said. “This exhibition captures the essence of our cycling history across 10 themes from the early penny-farthing to the iconic 1980s BMX to the multimillion-dollar operation that is professional WHEELY GREAT: Barry O'Hagan hands over his custom Bundy racing today.” bicycle from the 1988 World Masters to the Museum of the Riverina While the Freewheeling as part of the Freewheeling: Cycling in Australia exhibition on now. exhibition comes to a close on 15 May, Mr O’Hagan’s bicycle will remain in the Museum of the Riverina’s collection and may return to display in the not-toodistant future. • The Cadel Evans collection: a Ridley ‘Helium’ road bike from the “The Sporting Hall of Fame is 2008 Tour de France, and a Cannondale mountain bike. undergoing a major revamp this • Peter Heal’s recumbent bicycle: used to set solo cycling records year, and I won’t be surprised at across and around Australia. all if this beautiful and significant • Hubert Opperman’s beret: worn by ‘Oppy’ throughout his life as a bicycle takes pride of place,” tribute to the French for their generous support. Museum curator Michelle • Harry Clarke’s penny-farthing - an 1884 bicycle owned by a Maddison said. champion penny-farthing racer. The Sporting Hall of Fame is • The Ken Ross cycling collection: medals won by one of a few located at the Museum’s Botanic Australian cyclists in Europe after the First World War. Gardens site and is due to • Marion Sutherland’s bicycle: made in Melbourne by Arthur relaunch in August, in time for the Sutherland for his wife, Marion, about 1913. Rio Olympic Games.
Freewheeling: Cycling in Australia exhibition highlights
THIS WEEK: FREEWHEELING
Until 22 May Explore the story of cycling in Australia and how bicycles have brought millions of people joy, excitement, freedom, even glory. Historic Council Chambers. Ph: 6926 9655
VEGE SWAP OR BUY
Saturdays 9am - 12pm Demonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956
ART ON THE LEVEE
Sat 13 Feb 9am - 2pm 131 Tarcutta Street, on the levee bank Ph: 6922 3360 or 0407 017 951
SPROUT & ABOUT MARKETS
Sat 13 Feb 8am - 1pm Foodies, farmers and friends. Wollundry Lagoon, Civic Centre Precinct. Ph: 0437 694 010
COMPOST DOCTOR WORKSHOP
Sat 13 Feb 2:30pm 4:30pm Workshop with Kerry Geale.
The Sensory Garden, adjacent to the Wagga Wagga Mens Shed, access via Veale Street. Ph: 1300 292 442
RCM CONCERT SERIES
Sun 14 February 3pm Romantic Violin. Riverina Conservatorium of Music, College Ave. Ph: 6925 3522
SOUTH WAGGA APEX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GUMI RACE 2016
Sun 14 February A Wagga tradition, the Gumi race is a great way for families, friends, business houses and community groups to spend the day on the famous Murrumbidgee River. Further information and registration forms online at www.waggagumi. org.au. Ph: 0412 148 338
SUNDAY SESSIONS
Sun 14 Feb 3pm to 6pm Entertainment and food overlooking Lake Albert. Wagga Boat Club, Nelson Drive. Ph: 6926 2300
GOLF FOR SENIORS
Mon 15 February Ideal for everyone aged 55 and over who wish to learn to play golf or to simply improve their game. Wagga City Golf Club, off Sturt Highway. Ph: 13 13 02
TASMAN JUDE
THE SEARCHERS
HELI HEATWAVE
Thu 18 February 7.30pm Performing their greatest hits including ‘Sweets for My Sweet; Needles and Pins; Don’t Throw Your Love Away, When you Walk in the Room and Sugar and Spice’. Book now at the Civic Theatre on 6926 9688
RIVERINA PRODUCERS MARKET Thu 18 February 1:30pm - 6.30pm Civic Centre Precinct. Run by producers to connect with those that love good food. A variety of stalls sell fresh and prepared foods, food related products and complementary homewares. Products include meat, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, bread, honey, jams, berries, pickles, sweet treats, chocolate and more, directly from the producer to you. Wollundry Lagoon Precinct. Ph: 02 6924 3574
Fri 19 February 7pm Gold Australian Tour. Performing live at the Wagga Baptist Church, Tarcutta St. Ph: 0409 776 381
Clean Up Australia Day on soon
Clean Up Australia Day is less than a month away, but why wait? When you register for the national day on Sunday 6 March, consider nominating an everyday site to keep tidy year-round. “Clean Up Australia Day is a positive way to get involved in your community and participate in valuable volunteer work,” City of Wagga Wagga’s Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent said. “Since the national event started in 1990, Australians have donated more than 28 million hours taking to
bushland, parks and waterways. “Unfortunately, litterers drop their rubbish throughout the year and Clean Up Every Day is a great way to keep our beautiful city clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.” Business Clean Up Australia Day is on Tuesday 1 March, while schools are invited to take part in Schools Clean Up Australia Day on Friday 4 March. “The business day is a great opportunity for workplaces to participate in their community,” Miss Kent said. “Many organisations look for opportunities to involve
their staff in community work and what better way to contribute than by keeping our city beautiful.” Whether you want to take part in the school, business or national clean up, register before 19 February to ensure you get a clean up kit. Residents can find out more information and register online at cleanupaustraliaday.org. au. Due to workplace safety and existing roadside litter projects, road side sites will not be eligible for registration in 2016. If you need help with selecting an appropriate site, contact Misss Kent on 1300 292 442.
GM recruitment process begins
The recruitment process for the position of General Manager is under way, following a resolution by Council at the February Supplementary Meeting. Councillors voted to engage Terrey Kiss of Blackadder and Associates as an external facilitator for the recruitment
process, in conjunction with Council’s People and Culture division and in accordance with the Local Government Act (1993). Current General Manager Alan Eldridge has been in the position since October on a six-month contract.
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Meet Hattie
This week’s pet is a senior domestic long hair called Hattie. You can adopt Hattie from the Glenfield Road Animal shelter for $213.50. This fee includes microchipping,
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lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing and worming. If you would like to meet Hattie or any of her furry friends, come down to the shelter from Monday to Saturday between 1pm and 4.15pm. For more information, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ animals or call 6971 4651.
Sydney Opera House and Museum of the Riverina presents
satellite two key talks streamed live to you what needs to change? panel orange is the new black with piper kerman
Fri 19 to Sun 21 February 9am to 5pm Fri and Sat, 9am to 3pm Sun. International guest is 3D Helimaster, Dunkan Bossion from France. For the first time there will also be FPV Quad racing. Wagga Model Aero Club, Olympic Highway 5km from Uranquinty. Ph: 0437 869 733
facebook.com/waggaevents
For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at events@wagga.nsw. gov.au or 1300 292 442 Monday to Friday. To promote your event or for a full list of events go to: visitwagga.com or call 1300 100 122.
sun 6 mar 2016
from 12.30pm historic council chambers, wagga wagga free event
Book Now 02 6926 9655 wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum
Satellite Presenter
Sydney Opera House Principal Partner
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Councillor Column remain seated during the playing of our national anthem. Australia has always been a multicultural country. There are more than 500 Aboriginal clans and nations in this country. The First Fleet comprised 732 This year has seen convicts with 235 coming much debate as to whether Australia should from nations other than England. become a republic, Today, the descendants whether our flag should be changed and whether of many other countries call Australia home. it’s right or wrong to
councillor.conkey@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Why then have we continued to insist on the flag of just one country, the Union Jack, appearing in the top left hand corner of our flag? If we want to recognise any nation or group of people, why then don’t we recognise the original inhabitants of this land? For the record, the current flag, the Blue Ensign, only became Australia’s official flag in 1954.
Republic I can’t understand why anyone in this country supports a foreigner as our Head of State. They argue that it somehow gives us greater protection. From what, I can’t understand. These people don’t have any faith in their fellow Australians in “governing” this great land. It is interesting to note that of the 53 countries
in the Commonwealth, 31 are republics. National Anthem Debate has occurred re: newly appointed Citizen of the Year, Joe Williams, refusing to stand during the playing of our national anthem. While I defend the rights of anyone not to stand (we live in a free country with free choices) I nevertheless find it disrespectful.
Australia is not perfect with the treatment of our Indigenous people from that January day in 1788 a despicable blight on this nation. Even today much more healing and work is required. Our anthem should reflect the whole country, the traditional owners, residents both young and old along with the freedoms we enjoy thanks to our democratic governments.
By standing for the anthem we are showing respect for all those things that we admire most about this country. It can be argued that the words (and in fact the whole anthem) needs to be changed to better reflect our nation. Joe’s “stance” has reignited the discussion we need to have.
Councillor Greg Conkey
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: New asphalt is poured at the Red Hill Road/ Tamar Drive roundabout during the week.
mobile library timetable Collingullie Tuesday February 16, 3.45pm – 4.45pm Humula Wednesday February 17, 9.15am – 11.15am Tarcutta Friday February 19, 9am – 11am www.rrl.nsw.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6926 9771
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES
careers at council
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Remuneration: Min $947.13 gpw + super Enquiries: Christine Condron - 02 6926 9574 Closing Date: Friday 19 February 2016 Remuneration: Min $847.91 gpw + super Enquiries: Kym Stewart - 02 6926 9370 Closing Date: Monday 22 February 2016
PLANT OPERATOR (Bobcat)
Remuneration: Min $927.16 gpw + super Enquiries: Mark Morrow - 0428 964 158 (Mon - Fri, 8am to 4pm) Closing Date: Wednesday 24 February 2016
PLANT OPERATOR (Backhoe)
Remuneration: Min $927.16 gpw + super Enquiries: Mal Brydon - 0419 403 538 (Mon - Fri, 8am to 4pm) Closing Date: Wednesday 24 February 2016
LABOURER Five (5) Positions Available
Remuneration: Min $832.00 gpw + super Enquiries: Robert Wiggins - 0419 612 625 (Mon - Fri, 8am to 4pm) Closing Date: Wednesday 24 February 2016
MANAGER INTERNAL AUDIT
Enquiries: Alan Eldridge - 02 6926 9121 Closing Date: Wednesday 24 February 2016
MANAGER PEOPLE & CULTURE (Re-Advertised) Enquiries: Laurie Flack - 02 6926 9216 Closing Date: Monday 29 February 2016
TEAM LEADER TREE MAINTENANCE (Re-Advertised)
Remuneration: Min $1,186.92 gpw + super Enquiries: Jim Dunn - 0457 704 727 (Mon - Fri, 8am to 4pm) Closing Date: Friday 4 March 2016
To view these opportunities and apply, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Values - Part of everything we do Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork
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
Council staff and contractors have been busy transforming two major Red Hill Road intersections each night over the past week. Night works at the Tamar Drive roundabout began on 8 February and finished a day early, allowing work to get under way on the Bourke Street roundabout ahead of schedule.
As part of the works, the existing road surface was removed and replaced with new asphalt. Another major night works project will get under way early next month at Tarcutta Street. Visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/roads for full details on road closures and detours.
Public Notices
CHILD DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (Part-Time)
Contact us
Roundabouts transformed overnight
• A willingness to contribute to the community in the best interest of the community EXPRESSION OF INTEREST • The ability to inform the local community of the deliberations of the TO SERVE ON WAGGA committee WAGGA CITY COUNCIL’S • The ability to facilitate FLOODPLAIN RISK representations to the committee on MANAGEMENT ADVISORY behalf of the local community COMMITTEE Further information regarding The Wagga Wagga City Council this Committee may be made by Floodplain Risk Management Advisory contacting Jessica Crawford at Committee is made up of Council and Council on 1300 292 442. Emergency Management staff and various stakeholder representatives EXHIBITION OF DRAFT overseeing the implementation of POLICY - POL 013 RETURN the objectives of the Floodplain Risk ON INVESTMENT COUNCIL Management Plan in the Wagga BUSINESSES POLICY Wagga Local Government area. The Committee meets every two months to Council hereby gives public notice discuss issues and to progress agreed of the exhibition of its draft Return actions. The duration of the committee on Investment Council Businesses Policy. The draft Policy/Masterplan meetings is approximately two hours. will be on exhibition for a period of 28 One (1) vacancy exists on the days, from Tuesday 2 February 2016 Committee and applications are until Tuesday 1 March 2016. Council now invited from persons interested invites public submissions on the in contributing to the work of this committee in a voluntary position that draft Policy, to be lodged within the exhibition period. attracts no remuneration. Inspection Venue: The draft Policy/ Applications will be received up to Masterplan is available for review 5pm on Friday, 26 February 2016, at Wagga Wagga City Council, Cnr from interested persons to serve on Baylis & Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga, the Committee. Application forms are during the hours of 9am to 5pm available from the Customer Service Monday to Friday (public holidays Centre at the Civic Centre, cnr Baylis excluded) within the above exhibition and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga period. The draft Policy can also be or from Council’s website www. accessed from Council’s website at wagga,nsw.gov.au/floodfutures www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/public. Applications should be addressed Submission Procedure: Persons ‘Floodplain Risk Management wishing to make a submission Advisory Committee’ and returned in relation to the revised Policy/ to PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW Masterplan should do so prior to 2650, or emailed to council@wagga. the close of the exhibition period. nsw.gov.au Submissions should be in writing and Applicants must clearly outline in their may be delivered to Wagga Wagga application: City Council or mailed to the General • An understanding of the floodplain Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, and associated issues PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga, NSW
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2650 or emailed to council@wagga. nsw.gov.au. Persons making written submissions regarding the above Policy/Masterplan are advised that 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, in its entirety or in part, to Council unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur. Any questions relating to the Policy/ Masterplan document may be referred to contact name on 1300 292 442.
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Plumpton Road (between Red Hill Road Roundabout and Lake Albert Road intersection) Date: Works commence Wednesday 17 February 2016 Duration: Approx 2 months (weather permitting) Reason: Pavement Rehabilitation Works
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Dunns Road Date: 10 February 2016 - 19 February 2016 Duration: 10 days (weather permitting) Reason: Repairs to Unsealed Road Access for local traffic only
ALAN ELDRIDGE GENERAL MANAGER
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication