Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 12 MARCH 2016
Issue 85
Weekly information from us to you
CHEERS: Council's Richie Robinson shows off some of the locally made wine, beer and cider that is now on sale at the Visitor Information Centre.
WINNER: Wagga’s Jarrod Meehan with the NAB Challenge match ball, signed by the North Melbourne and Collingwood football club captains.
Jarrod’s flying high after signed ball win
Raising a glass to local business
Visitor Information Centre to sell Wagga-made liquor Locally-made wine, beer and cider are now available for purchase at the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre. Selling Wagga-based liquor products enhances and complements the local wares, produce and hampers already on offer at the centre. “Wagga has some really great local producers, especially in the wine, craft beer and cider markets,”
Manager Economic Development and Visitor Economy Richie Robinson said. “By offering these products we are providing another outlet for the local brands, which helps to raise the profile of the product and works towards growing the local industry. “Our team will also promote and encourage cellar door and brewery visits for those visitors wanting a full experience.”
We’re now on Facebook!
The centre has a selection of wines available from Cottontail Wines, Eunonyhareenyha Wines and Coe and Co Sustainable Wines. Boramobla Wines have supplied a range of wines, beers and ciders. Craft beers from the Thirsty Crow Brewery, and additional producers, will be included in the coming months. “The vision is to start small and expand our range and offering,” Mr
Robinson said. “For now, we are offering takeaway sales only, for gifts or for visitors to take with them to enjoy,” “In the future we are hoping to offer ready-to-go hampers, complete with alcoholic beverages and a selection of other local produce – such as cheese and dips, to take for a picnic along the river, down by Wagga Beach or at one of our great local parks.”
It’s certainly a case of good old Collingwood forever for Wagga’s Jarrod Meehan. Jarrod was flying high this week after winning a match ball from the 2016 NAB Challenge game played in Wagga between the Collingwood and North Melbourne AFL football clubs, signed by the captains of both clubs. The competition was run on Council’s Facebook page and required social media users to ‘like’ the City of Wagga Wagga page. Jarrod comes from a family of Collingwood Magpies supporters and was pretty stoked when he collected his prize earlier this week. “I was a Collingwood member for more than 15 years and would say Scott Pendlebury would be my favourite player,” he said. Luckily for Jarrod, Pendlebury was one of the two signatures on the ball, with North Melbourne’s Andrew Swallow the other. Jarrod has a spot on his mantelpiece at home for the ball, however he may have a hard time keeping it in his possession. “Mum and Dad are both big Collingwood fans; I think Dad might have his eye on this ball,” Jarrod joked.
Follow the City of Wagga Wagga on our social media channels. @waggacouncil
Story continued inside
Sydney Weekender to shine a light on zoo
When Mike Whitney wanted to showcase Wagga Wagga in an episode of his popular TV show Sydney Weekender, the Wagga Zoo was at the top of his list of places to visit. Manager Parks Strategic Operations, David Walker, was more than happy to show the cricketer turned TV host around one of Wagga’s most popular attractions. “The zoo attracts more than 13,000 visitors a month during school holiday periods and there were plenty of children around when the film crew came to visit,” Mr Walker said. “Mr Whitney was very interested
in the story of how our two donkeys, Forrest and Jenny, came to meet and fall in love. “He was also blown away by how many species of birds we have in the free flight aviary and the Camellia Garden in the Botanic Gardens was looking particularly impressive.” While in Wagga the Sydney Weekender host also took a ride on the Willans Hill Miniature Railway and headed out to the Uranquinty Bakehouse and Wollundry Grove Olives, noting that the regional centre was ‘so good that they named it twice’. Director Environmental and
Community Services Janice Summerhayes is encouraging everyone to watch the episode. “The Sydney Weekender story further supports how our parks and open spaces contribute to the city's liveability,” she said. Catch the Wagga episode on the Seven Network at 5.30pm this Sunday 13 March or online after the show airs at sydneyweekender. com.au IN FOCUS: Sydney Weekender host Mike Whitney (right) chats to Council's Manager Strategic Parks Operations David Walker about the Botanic Gardens Zoo.
Thousands flock to AFL preseason game at Robbo From Front Page The pre-season match played at Wagga’s Robertson Oval on Saturday was a close contest that resulted in the Magpies claiming a 0.12.13 (85) to 1.10.8 (77) over the Kangaroos. A crowd of more than 6000 locals and visitors turned out to watch the top-level match. Speaking after the game North Melbourne coach Brad Scott applauded the spectators for enduring the heat on the day and
commented on the condition of the ground. “The fans got to watch a game of AFL footy at the top level, but just as important, this ground gets left for the community in terrific condition – I think it’s a win-win for everyone,” he said. “We’re really pleased with the show that the people of Wagga put on and hopefully the players put on a good show for them.” • Follow us on Facebook – ‘Like’ City of Wagga Wagga
FINAL SIREN: Kick to kick gets under way at Robertson Oval after the AFL NAB Challenge match on 5 March.
GM recruitment process begins The recruitment process for the position of General Manager is under way. Council resolved at the February Supplementary Meeting to engage recruitment consultant Terrey Kiss as an external facilitator for the recruitment process, in conjunction with Council’s
People and Culture division. The recruitment is being undertaken in accordance with the Local Government Act (1993). Current General Manager Alan Eldridge has been in the position since October on a short-term contract.
Book now for annual Big Business Breakfast Wagga’s annual Big Business Breakfast is less than a week away. This year’s breakfast on Friday 18 March will be held at Elements at the Gardens in the picturesque Botanic Gardens at a cost of $55 per person.
mobile library timetable Collingullie Tuesday March 15, 3.45pm – 4.45pm Humula Wednesday March 16, 9.15am – 11.15am Tarcutta Friday March 18, 9am – 11am www.rrl.nsw.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6926 9771
NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO WAGGA WAGGA BUSH FIRE PRONE LAND MAP Information and advice for residents lodging applications to develop on bushfire prone land
Wagga City Council has recently reviewed the Wagga Wagga Bush Fire Prone Land Map. The Map identifies bush fire prone areas, bush fire hazards and associated buffer zones within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. New development on areas identified as bush fire prone is subject to additional development and planning controls. A key overview of changes and a copy of the updated map can be accessed at www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/bushfiremap
LIKE TO KNOW MORE? For further information please contact the Development Services Section of Council on 1300 292 442 p 1300 292 442 e council@wagga.nsw.gov.au w www.wagga.nsw.gov.au Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts
CEO and founder of the BRW-award winning firm Bell Partners, Anthony Bell, will be the special guest at the popular business networking event. “The idea behind the Big Business Breakfast is to bring local business
leaders together to network with other business and industry representatives,” Council’s Acting Director Commercial and Economic Development James Bolton said.
“The breakfast is designed for any business, regardless of the size.” Seats are limited and business and industry representatives can book online now.
www.businesswagga.com.au
Harvesting stories to solve machinery mystery The Museum of the Riverina needs your help to solve the mystery behind a rare piece of farm machinery. Eleven museums across the Riverina have been working on a cross-generational project to document the magnificent machines of the past, but there’s an important story left untold. The museum is about to shine the spotlight on a rare specimen in the collection – a combined reaping and mowing machine made by Joseph Nicholson
and Co. It’s thought to be the earliest surviving harvesting machine in the Riverina and the museum is calling on the community to help them learn more about it. The Nicholson reapermower was the first successful stripperharvester of its type, but was eventually outsold by the more well-known H V McKay Sunshine harvester. The reaper-mower in the museum’s collection was used by the Ryan family at their Glandore property near Alfredtown in 1898 and museum
staff are hoping to get in touch with the Ryans, who donated it to the museum in the 1960s. Anyone who can put the museum team in contact with the family can contact Rachael Vincent on 6926 9658 or email Vincent. Rachael@wagga.nsw. gov.au. The reaper-mower is just one piece of the Talking Machines project, which has seen a team led by the Museum of the Riverina interview the men and women around the region who once
ClubGRANTS funding open now
Could your community group do with a shot in the arm? Category one funding applications are now open for the ClubGRANTS scheme, which is facilitated by the City of Wagga Wagga. The ClubGRANTS scheme allows registered clubs with annual gaming machine revenue exceeding $1M to share a percentage of that revenue with specific development and support projects. At least 50 per cent of
funding from each club is to be allocated to category one projects, which include priorities such as respite care, women and family health and wellbeing, disadvantaged groups, people with disabilities, children and family, and youth services. Applications can be made online at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ clubgrants until 5pm, Friday 29 April. For more information, visit the website or contact Michelle Castle on 1300 292 442.
operated ingenious machines powered by horse, steam and elbow grease. An award-winning filmmaker has been capturing the interviews and footage of the machines in action in Weethalle, West Wyalong, Tumut, Temora, Junee and Lockhart, with trips to Batlow, Cootamundra, Coolamon and Tumbarumba and Wagga upcoming. A trailer of the Talking Machines project is available at wagga.nsw. gov.au/museum.
Residents to be welcomed to Wagga New to Wagga or know someone who is? The first Welcome to Wagga event of 2016 will be held at Wagga Beach on Wednesday 23 March from 5pm to 7pm. New residents can come along and meet other people who have moved to the City of Good Sports and find out more about Wagga. To RSVP for the event, email relocation@wagga.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 292 442 by Friday 18 March.
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Library welcomes $10,300 funding for Science Week
SMOOTH: The Tarcutta Street night works project was completed this week, with motorists enjoying four lanes of freshly laid asphalt between Edward and Morgan streets.
Tonnes of asphalt laid in Tarcutta Street upgrade
The trip to work will be much smoother for the thousands of motorists that travel along Tarcutta Street every morning, with the completion of asphalt works this week. Council staff worked with contractors over a total of seven nights to minimise the impact on traffic during the day. Council's Manager Engineering Alex Fenwick commended all involved. “Particular thanks goes to the many residents that live in the area, we sincerely appreciate their patience and cooperation while this WORKS: The profiler removes the old road surface. important project was under way,” he said. “We encountered a few glitches along the way with the discovery of a sinkhole, an abandoned stormwater pit and a few technical problems with machinery, but thanks to quick thinking and action by staff on the ground these issues were resolved and did not impact on project delivery times.” Funded from the Roads to Recovery Program, the $1M project saw 3968 tonnes of new asphalt laid. To maximise efficiency, Council staff also utilised time during the project to replace some kerb and guttering and conduct repair work on OPEN FOR TRAFFIC: Council staff and contractors "cut the ribbon" on the new section of road. the median strip.
Book now for 2016 Wagga Seniors Festival Bookings are open now for the jam-packed program of 38 events and workshops to celebrate the 2016 Wagga Wagga Seniors Festival. There is literally something for everyone aged 50 years and over, with unique activities such as the Love Cats Collage Workshop and the Silver Screen Seniors program, as
well as informative events such as the Elder Abuse Legal Aid NSW Workshop and Climate Conversations. Formerly known as Seniors Week, the newly dubbed festival runs from April 1 to 10. “This year’s program is bursting, with up to 38 events and workshops designed to
inspire, excite and delight,” Wagga Seniors Week Committee chair Kate Brill said. Tickets are now on sale and bookings for free events can be made for all events activities. The Wagga Seniors Festival 2016 program is available online now at wagga.nsw.gov. au/seniorsweek.
The Riverina Science Week Festival has received a $10,300 boost from the Federal Government. The fun and educational program of events is facilitated by Wagga Wagga City Library as part of National Science Week, which sees thousands of events held across Australia. This is the third straight year the festival has received Inspiring Australia funding from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. “This funding means this year’s festival will feature a broad range of activities for the Riverina yet again,” library Manager Claire Campbell said. “From astronomy and star gazing to the engineering behind levee banks and bridges, there really will be something to interest everyone in 2016.”
THIS WEEK:
VEGE SWAP OR BUY
Saturdays 9am - 12pm Demonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956
TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVAL
Fri 11 - Sun 13 March The best features, short films and documentaries from Australia and around the world. Forum 6 Cinemas, Trail Street. Ph: 6921 6863
ART ON THE LEVEE
Sat 12 March 9am - 2pm 131 Tarcutta Street, on the levee bank. Ph: 6922 3360 or 0407 017 951
SPROUT & ABOUT MARKETS
Sat 12 March 8am - 1pm Foodies, farmers and friends. Wollundry Lagoon, Civic Centre Precinct. Ph: 0437 694 010
RIVER & WREN BOUTIQUE MARKETS Sun 13 March 10am to 3pm. Free entry, charity donation welcome. Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0409 152 187
COMPOST DOCTOR WORKSHOP Sat 12 March 9.30am ErinEarth Open Garden, Kildare Street Ph: 1300 292 442
RCM CONCERT SERIES
Sun 13 March 7pm
The library coordinates the Riverina Science Hub with other partners, including CSU and the Eastern Riverina Science Teachers Association. Other Council facilities and departments will take part in the festival to bring a range of activities focusing on wetlands, food production, acoustics, Indigenous culture and noxious weeds. The library also received an additional $5000 in Inspiring Australia funding in December 2015 to support the 2016 program of Wagga’s Nerd Nights. Meanwhile, the Little Bangs Science Club got under way last week for five to seven year olds. Budding young scientists will take part experiments and received their own science kits to take home as part of the program.
KB3 and Friends. Riverine Club, Sturt Street. Ph: 6925 3522
WEIRD WAGGA WALKING TOUR
Every Sunday in March 6.30pm to 7.45pm A walking tour of Wagga’s strangest and most amusing stories. Tickets at Civic Theatre: Adults $20, Children/Concession $15. Departs Museum of the Riverina Historic Council Chambers, cnr Baylis and Morrrow Sts. Ph: 6926 9688
TAKE ME HOME - THE MUSIC & LIFE OF JOHN DENVER
Wed 16 March 8pm Singer Bevan Gardiner, accompanied by international musicians perform all the John Denver songs with such accuracy and feeling that if you close your eyes you will be effortlessly transported to the era of John Denver. Civic Theatre
RIVERINA PRODUCERS’ MARKET
Every Thursday 1:30pm - 6:30pm Free entry. Civic Centre Precinct, off Tarcutta Street. Ph: 6924 3574
BIG DAY IN CAREERS EXPO
Thu 17 Mar 9am - 2.30pm Bring your students to hear industry speakers from Westpac, 365cups. com.au, TCS, Adobe, Microsoft talking about
their career paths & the future of technology as well as visiting cool exhibitor stands. Joyes Hall, Charles Sturt University. Ph Kerrie: 8296 4444
WAGGA WAGGA BIG BUSINESS BREAKFAST 2016
Fri 18 March 7.30am This popular business networking event is expected to sell out once again! Ph: 1300 292 442
NATIONAL PLAYGROUP WEEK
Friday 18 March 10am Free event, packed with activities for 0-5 year olds, showcasing the wonderful benefits of play and playgroup for children, families and communities.
COLLINS PARK MOVIE NIGHT
Fri 18 March 6.30pm Open air movie night featuring ‘Paper Planes’. $5pp. Kooringal Public School, entry off Cooinbal Cresent. Ph: 0418 499 889
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.
Share your #waggaview
2016
The 2016 Big Business Breakfast will feature Anthony Bell, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of BRW award winning firm Bell Partners, one of Australia’s largest sole partner Advisory and Accounting firms.
TICKETS SELLING FAST! www.businesswaggawagga.com.au
Friday 18 March 2016 from 7.30am - 9am Elements at the Garden Purchase tickets online: www.businesswaggawagga.com.au Tickets $55 per person
ADVERTISING ONLINE
COM.AU
For more information please call Andrea at Wagga Wagga City Council p. (02) 6926 9131 e. business@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Councillor Column
With the elected Councillors’ current fouryear term now coming to an end, I reflect by thinking that the majority of this time has
felt like I’ve been running in quick sand. In the past few months I sense that there has been a change. Things are finally starting to happen. So I’m happy to let our Federal politicians argue about when they will legalise gay marriage, try and change the world’s temperature and throw up the big issues such as the design of our flag and
councillor.mclaren@wagga.nsw.gov.au whether we should be a Republic. In the real world, I see people worrying about the cost of living, the security of their jobs and families, paying their mortgages and being able to live a comfortable retirement. The massive disconnect between Federal (and State or Local?) politicians and the real people (who vote for them) is largely being
driven by the media – both traditional and the new social media platforms – which has given an enormous voice to the vocal minority. Politicians spend more time responding to the issues of the vocal minority then addressing the needs of the hard working majority. Council’s spending on art reflects this disconnect between reality and fantasy.
There are some who will have us believe that art is for the betterment of our society and the commoners should accept that the elite need to have their desires met. My view is we should not spend money on art “just because the money is there to be spent” and we should send a message to the community that we are serious about fiscal constraint.
I often think the politicians we elect are simply a reflection of ourselves. After all, we do vote for them. Next time you are at the ballot box, consider carefully who you are voting for because in a democracy we can only blame ourselves for the current leadership we so regularly bemoan.
Councillor Julian McLaren
Sky’s the limit for your kids’ creativity
Selfless residents donate time to clean up Wagga Wagga residents grabbed their gloves and tidied up Wagga as part of Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 6 March. Volunteers worked at 11 sites around the city, while 20 local school groups took part in Schools Clean Up Australia Day earlier in the week. City of Wagga Wagga and the Wagga
Wagga Tidy Town Sustainable Community Committee coordinated a community clean up at Kooringal Road, where 24 volunteers signed up to remove litter from the roadside. Other clean up sites included Flowerdale Lagoon, Willans Hill, Bolton Park, the Lake Albert foreshore and O’Halloran Park.
General Manager WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL Your executive leadership experience will have equipped you with the skills and abilities to lead the organisation and to manage a budget of approximately $110 million, assets of more than $1 billion and a total staff of 450. You will have a strong strategic focus, and work closely with the Mayor and Council to advance Wagga Wagga City Council’s reputation for outstanding service delivery. Candidates are encouraged to contact Terrey Kiss - Recruitment Consultant on 0427 273 197 or email GMRecruitment@wagga.nsw.gov.au to obtain an information package and discuss the position requirements in confidence.
Situated on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, conveniently located mid-way between Sydney and Melbourne, Wagga Wagga is a vibrant, modern growing regional centre of 63,000 people offering quality cultural, sporting and educational opportunities. The region offers the best of both worlds combining the convenience of city living, with the free, space and clean air of a country lifestyle. Transformational leader Strategic thinker and innovator Astute business management skills Passionate about customer service Attractive remuneration package
f f f f f
Three, two, one … blast off! A fun, new, unique series of art workshops for children has taken off at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. ArtBlast! caters for children aged six to 12 years and teaches a range of skills and techniques to encourage exploration, innovation and creativity. “Each workshop is specially designed for developing minds with a focus on fun and practical activities,” the gallery's Curator and Educator Public Programs Linda Elliott said. “At the end of each workshop each child will leave with new skills learnt and their own unique, handmade piece of art.” The next workshop, Landscape Painting, takes a journey through the landscapes of Country & Western and then students paint your own environment. The ArtBlast! workshops run one Saturday a month for the next three months from 1.30pm to 4pm. The
A free Compost Doctor workshop will be held today Erin Earth, 1 Kildare Avenue from 9.30am to 11am. Horticulturalist Kerry Geale will discuss the types of bins and facilities that can be used and more. The next workshop is 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
Follow us @waggacouncil Share your #waggaview
Monday 21 March at the Sensory Garden, adjacent to the Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed in Ashmont, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. For more information, contact Council's Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent on 1300 292 442.
Public Notices
The above parcel of land can be inspected from the public road. Persons interested in applying for NOTICE OF a grazing licence must submit an TEMPORARY ROAD Expression of Interest addressing the selection criteria. CLOSURE An information pack providing Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 further details of the grazing land on offer, the general Terms and of the temporary closing of: Conditions and the Application Road: Berry Street between Form may be requested from Forsyth St and Morgan St Council by contacting Jenny Date: Sunday 13 March Bailey, Land and Property Officer Duration: 5am – 8am on 1300 292 442 or email: Reason: Overhead heavy council@wagga.nsw.gov.au lifting and installation onto the Submissions close: Thursday marketplace roof Detour: As sign 31 March 2016 posted
Wagga Wagga City Council is calling for Expressions of Interest for a grazing licence of up to five (5) years for the following parcel of land: Corner Tasman & Edison Road, East Wagga Wagga (Lot 11 and Lot 12 DP 1163676) approx. 25.91 ha
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
which includes all materials. Places are limited, so bookings essential. For bookings, email: gallery@wagga.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6926 9660.
Learn the ins and outs of compost at free workshop today
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - GRAZING LAND
To view this opportunity and apply, visit
dates are, Saturday 23 April (Landscape Painting), Saturday 21 May (Alternative Framing) and Saturday 18 June (Colour Wash). Cost is $20 per participant
PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF DRAFT AMENDMENT TO WAGGA WAGGA LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2010 Aim: To exhibit the Planning Proposal to amend Local Environmental Plan maps, to rezone and amend the Height and Floor Space Ratio for 9 – 17 Sturt Street, Wagga Wagga. Exhibition Period: February 20
2016 to March 21 2016 (inclusive) Inspection Venue: The Planning Proposal and supporting exhibition material are available for inspection at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga during the hours of 9.00am to 5pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) and on Council’s website wagga.nsw. gov.au/planningonexhibition in the Strategic Planning Exhibition section. Submission Procedure: Any interested person or organisation wishing to make a written submission in relation to the draft amendment should do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. Submissions may be delivered to the Council Chambers or mailed to The General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@wagga.nsw. gov.au
ALAN ELDRIDGE GENERAL MANAGER
Subscribe Subscribe and you’ll receive Council News in your inbox every week!
wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication