WHAT’S
ON summer WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
Welcome to summer It’s not just the sound of sizzling barbies or the chorus of cicadas, Wagga Wagga truly is abuzz in summer. You’ll be feeling extra jolly this festive season, with the Wagga Wagga Inter Church Carols in the Park and Wagga Wagga Christmas Spectacular 2017, while the first-ever Wagga Skyworks is set to ignite the night sky on New Year’s Eve at Lake Albert. If you asked Santa for a jam-packed summer of sport, then you must have been on the nice list. You’ll be hit for six as Sydney Thunder play a Women’s Big Bash League double-header at Robertson Oval in January, while the best water polo players in the country will be making a splash at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre. The City of Good Sports will also be the first NSW destination for the Queen’s Baton Relay on 28 January ahead of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, which will round out the city’s Australia Day celebrations. And don’t forget the World Championship Gumi Race, which will see teams battle their way down the ‘Bidgee in February. After something different? Questacon’s Fascinating Science will be taking up residence at the Museum of the Riverina, followed by the Best of the Bald Archys exhibition. You can also take some time to trek around the region and take in The Rock Triathlon, Tumbafest, the Gundagai Tractor Pull & Swap Meet or Rock the Turf – Tumut.
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6 CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
CONTENTS
12 WOMEN’S BIG BASH LEAGUE GAMES
17 - 19
13 AUSTRALIA DAY & QUEEN’S BATON RELAY
24 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
MARKETS, REGULAR EVENTS AND TOURS
20 & 21 GALLERY
25 REGIONAL EVENTS
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10 & 11
WAGGA SKYWORKS
JANUARY EVENTS
7&8 DECEMBER EVENTS
14 & 15
16
FEBRUARY EVENTS
GUMI
22 MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
23 QUESTACON
28 THE WAGGA SHOP
26 CBD MAP
TOP PICK
WAGGA WAGGA CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2017 Sun 17 December 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Relax in Wagga Wagga’s beautiful Music Bowl and celebrate all things Christmas. Bring along your chairs and rugs and share this night with friends, family and loved ones. Be entertained by The Australian Army Band Kapooka and local artists, choirs and dance groups. Wagga Wagga Music Bowl
DECEMBER COMBINED RIDERS OF WAGGA TOY RUN 2017 Sat 2 December 9am start at Jubilee Park car park and finish 1pm at Civic Centre Precinct. Donate a toy along the way.
TARCUTTA RSL CLUB COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY Sat 2 December Santa visit, face painting, live music, jumping castle and dinner. Tarcutta RSL Club, Sydney Street, Tarcutta.
XMAS PARTY RACE DAY Sat 2 December Gates open at 12pm. Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
ALLEGRO BALLET SCHOOL PRESENTS CINDERELLA Sat 2 December Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
RETRO XMAS PARTY: LIVE MUSIC FROM THE 70S & 80S Sat 2 & Sat 9 December
WAGGA WAGGA ACADEMY OF BALLET DANCE CONCERT Thu 7 to Sat 9 December Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
WAGGA WAGGA INTER-CHURCH CAROLS IN THE PARK Sat 9 December From 6pm, carols begin at 7.30pm. Victory Memorial Gardens.
RIVERINA CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC 2017 CONCERT SERIES NO.15 - PIANO DUET Sat 9 December 7.30pm. Featuring pianists Helena Kernaghan and Hamish Tait. Riverina Conservatorium of Music, College Ave.
OPTUS FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Sat 16 December Apex Park, Lake Albert.
Step back into the 70s and 80s with live musical entertainment from Cold Stoned Roses. Roseleigh Manor, Patterson Road.
WAGGA SKYWORKS Sun 31 December See page 9.
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CORK & FORK FEST Fri 22 December
5.30pm to 9.30pm. Enjoy food, wine, and music by the lagoon. Civic Centre Precinct.
LIGHT THE NIGHT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Fri 15 & Sat 16 December 5.30pm to 9.30pm. A magical christmas village for the whole family. Come along, meet your favourite characters and enjoy a great night of Christmas cheer all in the name of charity! Entry $3. Civic Centre Precinct
COME TO BETHLEHEM Fri 22 to Sun 24 December 8pm to 9.30pm. Walk through a remake of Bethlehem City as in the days of Jesus. Meet people dressed in costumes and animals to delight the children. Bardia Street.
YVONNE O’CONNOR DANCE CONCERT Sat 16 December Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
INFUSO COFFEE VAN AT THE WAGGA BEACH Fri to Sun all summer Wed to Sun school holidays
WAGGA WAGGA CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2017 Sun 17 December See page 6.
TED RYDER CUP DAY Fri 22 December Gates open 12pm, entry $8. Murrumbidgee Turf Club. 8
7am to 2pm. Serving coffee, cold drinks, ice creams, confectionary and newspapers. Time may be subject to change without notice.
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WAGGA SKYWORKS Sun 31 December Celebrate with friends and family by the waters of Lake Albert. Kick off the evening with a free family event at Apex Park where the action-packed entertainment program will have you spinning. Plenty to see overhead, on the water and on stage. The family picnic area will come alive with childrens activities, live music and a variety of food trucks. There will be amusement rides and a car display before the Wagga Wagga City Council fiery fireworks finale at 9.30pm. Ticketed events at the Wagga Wagga Boat Club and Wagga Wagga Country Club. waggaskyworks.com
JANUARY WATER POLO AUSTRALIA U/12 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Thu 25 to Sun 28 January 8am to 6pm, spectator entry fee $2.50. Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre.
SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Sun 7 to Sat 13 January A superb concert series presented by some of Australia’s best string players. Joyes Hall, Charles Sturt University, Pine Gully Road. See page 11.
CORK & FORK FEST Fri 19 January 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Enjoy food, wine, and music by the lagoon. Civic Centre Precinct, off Tarcutta Street
WOMEN’S BIG BASH LEAGUE GAMES: SYDNEY THUNDER V ADELAIDE STRIKERS Sat 20 & Sun 21 January
AUSTRALIA DAY RACES Fri 26 January Seven local races with a DJ throughout the afternoon and free entertainment for kids. Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
WATER POLO AUSTRALIA NATIONAL LEAGUE GAMES Sat 27 January 1pm to 6pm. spectator entry fee $2.50. Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre.
AUSTRALIA DAY 2018 Thu 25 & Fri 26 January See page 13.
QUEENS BATON RELAY 2018 Sun 28 January See page 13.
See page 12.
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SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Sun 7 to Sat 13 January 7.30pm. A superb concert series presented by some of Australia’s finest string players who regularly perform with the Sydney or Melbourne Symphony Orchestras as well as in professional chamber ensembles. Tickets $20 or $70 for the series Joyes Hall, Charles Sturt University, Pine Gully Road.
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WOMEN’S BIG BASH LEAGUE GAMES: SYDNEY THUNDER V ADELAIDE STRIKERS Sat 20 & Sun 21 January Howzat! Wagga’s summer of cricket just got better with Sydney Thunder taking on the Adelaide Strikers over two big days. Spectators will witness some great sporting action from both teams. Both games start at 2pm with free entry. Robertson Oval.
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AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS & QUEEN’S BATON RELAY AUSTRALIA DAY 2018 Thu 25 & Fri 26 January
QUEEN’S BATON RELAY Sun 28 January
Thursday: Free event at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre, Australia Day Awards Ceremony, Victory Memorial Gardens. Friday: Citizenship Ceremony. Victory Memorial Gardens. Australia Day Races and Markets by the Lake.
8.30am. Join us as the Baton arrives into Wagga. Part of an epic 388 day journey, to the Gold Coast ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Bolton Park. wagga.nsw.gov.au/australiaday
FEBRUARY GIL MATHEW WAGGA PRO RODEO Sat 3 February
WAGGA WAGGA WEDDING EXPO Sun 11 February
Wagga Exhibition Centre, Copland Street.
10am to 2pm. Over 50 exhibitors include fashion, cakes, photographers, photo booths, hen and stag night inspiration, beauty, hair and honeymoons. Rules Club Wagga.
CHAMBER PHILHARMONIA COLOGNE VIVALDI BACH PAGANINI Mon 5 February 8pm. St John’s Anglican Church.
AUSTRALIAN GP POWER BOAT CIRCUIT RACING Sat 17 February 8am to 6pm. Wagga Wagga Boat Club.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GUMI RACE Sun 18 February See page 16.
DIGITAL DRAWING AND PAINTING WITH ROCCO FAZZARI Sat 10 February
WAGGA AQUATHON Sun 18 February
1pm to 4pm. A workshop for enthusiasts and accomplished artists alike which will help make their smartphone or tablet their everyday sketchbook. Cost $40. Museum of the Riverina Historic Council Chambers site. 14
Held in conjuction with the Gumi run/walk the Wiradjuri track and a downstream swim. Wagga Beach.
CORK & FORK FEST Fri 23 February 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Enjoy food, wine, and music by the lagoon. Civic Centre Precinct.
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THE BEST OF THE BALD ARCHY PRIZE Tue 6 February to Sun 13 May Museum of the Riverina, Historic Council Chambers site For 25 years a discerning cockatoo named Maude has judged Australia’s most irreverent art prize: the Bald Archys. In an Australian first, Museum of the Riverina gathers all the winning entries of the nation’s toast to satirical portraiture. Image: The Banquet of Gina & Ginia by Warren James 2013
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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GUMI RACE Sun 18 February From 8.30am. The famous South Wagga Apex Gumi Race is on again. Get some friends together and build a ‘gumi’ or just cheer the participants on from the banks of the Murrumbidgee River! The Gumi Race will start at Eunony Reserve where the first wave of gumis will set sail and arrive at Wagga Beach around 11.30am. A festival awaits the entrants and spectators alike with food and drinks, live music, and kids entertainment. All proceeds from the day go back into the community through South Wagga Apex.
FOOD I AM Cooking demonstrations and workshops. Sat 9 December: Stress Free Christmas Feast - Modern Classics. Fri 9 February: The Spanish Kitchen. Sat 10 February: Mexican Taquiza. Sun 11 February: Middle Eastern. Book online at foodiam.com.au
ART ON THE LEVEE Second Sat of each month 9am to 2pm. Located on the levee banks between the Visitor Information Centre and the ARCC Hall. Ph: 0400 225 768 or 6922 5610
BIDGEE BLUES CLUB OPEN MIC AFTERNOON First Sun of each month (not Jan) Home Tavern Hotel. Ph: 0407 658 901
DEMONSTRATION GARDENS - VEGE SWAP OR BUY Every Sat Community Demonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956
DOWNSIDE BUSH DANCE First Sat of each month
MARKETS BY THE LAKE Sat 9 December, Fri 26 January, Sat 24 February
MARKETS, REGULAR EVENTS & TOURS
January. Downside Hall, off Coolamon Road, via Wagga Wagga. Ph: 0427 042 686
9am to 2pm. Apex Park, Lake Street, Lake Albert Ph: 0497 937 934
7.30pm. No dance in visitwagga.com
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MARKETS, REGULAR EVENTS & TOURS 18
MATES GULLY PRODUCE MARKET Every Sat 9.30am to 11.30am. Mates Gully, Morrow Street. Ph: 6921 4241
WAGGA PARKRUN Every Sat 8am. 5 kilometre weekly, timed run. Free. Apex Park, Lake Albert.
WAGGA ROADRUNNERS Every Sat 7.30am. Dec and Jan, depart from Wagga Beach.
KIDSONS CYCLES SATURDAY SHOP RIDE Every Sat 6am, depart from the rear of Kidsons Cycles.
RIVERINA COMEDY CLUB First Fri of each month 7.30pm. Que Bar, Baylis Street. Ph: 0407 658 901
RIVERINA PRODUCERS MARKET Every Thursday Every Thu (no market 28 Dec and 4 Jan) 1pm to 6.30pm, Wagga Wagga Showground. Ph: 0428 263 297
RIVER & WREN BOUTIQUE MARKETS Sun 10 December 10am to 3pm. Wagga Wagga Showground. Ph: 0409 152 187
SPROUT & ABOUT Second Sat of each month (no market in January) 8am to 1pm, Civic Centre Precinct. Ph: 0408 692 929
TARCUTTA MARKETS Third Sat of each month 8am to 2pm. Tarcutta Soldiers Memorial Hall, Tarcutta. Ph: 0477 472 154
LADYSMITH TOURIST RAILWAY OPEN DAY Second Sat of each month 12pm to 3pm. Heritage station, museum and trikes on display. Railway Station, Ladysmith. Ph: 0458 263 443
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10.30am to 4pm. Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens. Ph: 0412 439 455
RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL YACHT RACING Wednesday 5.30pm Sunday 2.30pm Wagga Wagga Sailing Club, Lake Albert
WAGGA WAGGA SAILING CLUB - SUMMER COMPETITION Sat 2 December, Sat 13 January, Sat 10 February 2pm to 6.30pm. Come along and watch or participate in the racing. Wagga Wagga Sailing Club, Lake Albert.
MATES GULLY FARM TOURS Call for details. Ph: 02 6921 4241
THIRSTY CROW BREWERY TOURS 2pm every day - bookings essential. Thirsty Crow Brewery, Fitzmaurice Street. Ph. 6921 7470
WAGGA WAGGA SAILING CLUB SHORT COURSE RACING Sat 9 December, Sat 6 January, Sat 3 February 2pm to 6.30pm. Participate in the racing on your own boat or as crew or enjoy as a spectator from the shoreline. Lake Albert
WIRADJURI CULTURAL TOURS A full cultural experience including Wiradjuri language and special Aboriginal places. www. bundyiculture.com.au
WOLLUNDRY GROVE OLIVES TOURS Call for details.
MARKETS, REGULAR EVENTS & TOURS
WILLANS HILL MINIATURE RAILWAY First and third Sun of the month
Ph: 0429 201 773
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WAGGA WAGGA ART GALLERY & NATIONAL ART GLASS GALLERY
E EXXHHI IBBI TI TI IOONNS S - G A L L E R Y
Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets. Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Sunday 10am to 2pm. Closed Monday.
DANCING WITH THE FLAME: AUSTRALIAN LAMPWORKING Until Sun 21 January
artists and their work and explored ideas of what home means for them through their art making.
Showcasing the work of glass artists from across Australia, promoting the contemporary techniques and styles.
TONY CURRAN: RANDOM FEELS FAMILIAR Sat 16 December to Sun 18 February
Image: Kathryn Fehon, lampworked beads, 2017
PROUD MARY: DANIEL MUDIE CUNNINGHAM Until Sun 7 January Daniel Mudie Cunningham’s funeral song. Daniel has committed to document his aging process by re-staging it every five years until the series is interrupted by his death.
YALBAYARRA: TELLING TO SPEAK Until Sun 7 January An innovative exhibition from students and teachers who learnt about Wiradjuri 20
Using fragments of the artist’s digital life drawings, these works are remixed and presented as new pseudorandom compositions.
Image: Tony Curran, The arms of inflatable men 2017, oil on linen. Photo by Brenton McGeachie
AURA: REPETITION, REPRODUCTION AND THE MARK OF THE ARTIST Until Sun 4 March Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Features new work by ten Australian artists who use printmaking techniques and who explore the supposed shortcomings of the printed media.
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Historic Council Chambers site, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets. Botanic Gardens site, Lord Baden Powell Drive. Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Sunday 10am to 2pm. Closed Monday.
QUESTACON’S FASCINATING SCIENCE! See page 22.
REMEMBERING GALLIPOLI Until Sun 28 January Historic Council Chambers site
KIDZONE See page 23. School Holidays
Photographer Mine Konakci explores the unusual friendship that have arisen between the Anzacs and the Turks since the fighting and anguish of the Gallipoli campaign. Photographs of Gallipoli soldiers are juxtaposed into modernday portraits of their descendants to explore connections formed over time and across borders.
E X H I B I T I OENXSH -I BMI TUISOENUSM
MUSEUM OF THE RIVERINA
THE BEST OF THE BALD ARCHY PRIZE Tue 6 February to Sun 13 May Historic Council Chambers site See page 15.
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TOP PICK
QUESTACON’S FASCINATING SCIENCE! Until Sun 28 January A collection of 32 bright and colourful hands on exhibits and aims to make science fun and relevant for everyone by engaging people in making their own stimulating discoveries. Visitors can also experiment with mirrors to unlock secret messages, move pegs on a board to create a variety of patterns, and create a threedimensional cross using a key and lock puzzle. Museum of the Riverina Historic Council Chambers site, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets
See page 22.
OASIS REGIONAL AQUATIC CENTRE HOLIDAY FUN Splash, play, laugh at the Oasis. Indoor whirlpool and leisure area for all ages. Inflatable play for little ones and not so little ones, outdoor play area and more. All children under the age of 5 years must be accompanied in the water by a parent/ guardian. Morgan Street.
KIDZONE Tue to Sat 10am to 4pm and Sun 10am to 2pm, closed Mon. The very best place for kids to discover and play. There are costumes, crafts and special museum items you can touch and hold. Free entry. Museum of the Riverina, Botanic Gardens site.
LIBRARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Monday to Saturday during School Holidays The Library provides free board games, Xbox Kinect, colouring activities, Wi-Fi and books! Wagga Wagga City Library.
3D PRINTING HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Tue 19 & Wed 20 December Design and print your very own 3D objects. Working Spaces HQ, Johnston Street.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
QUESTACON’S FASCINATING SCIENCE!
OASIS INTENSIVE SWIMMING PROGRAM Mon 8 to Fri 19 January Morning and afternoon sessions available. $13 per session or $130 for 10 sessions. Ph: 6926 9390
BORAMBOLA SPORT AND RECREATION CENTRE – SUMMER CAMP Mon 22 to Thu 25 January Water activities mixed with our traditional camping experiences. Suitable for ages 7 to 12 years.
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REGIONAL EVENTS
TEMORA AVIATION MUSEUM – SUMMER 2018 WEEKEND AIRCRAFT SHOWCASE Sat 2 December Featuring all serviceable aircraft from the Museum’s collection, including the Supermarine Spitfires, CA-13 Boomerang, Lockheed Hudson, Wirraway, Tiger Moth, Cessna O-2A and Ryan STM S2.
MIA BREEDERS PLATE Tue 26, Wed 27 December & Mon 1 January Enjoy three great nights of racing. Full bar and canteen facilities available, plus a range of free children’s amusements. Live entertainment and fireworks on New Year’s Day. Leeton’s Lin Gordon Paceway.
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COOLAMON NYE STREET PARTY Sun 31 December 6pm to 10pm. Fireworks spectacular, food, drinks, roving performers, kids zone, entertainment and more. Cowabbie Street, Coolamon.
TUMUT CYCLE CLASSIC Sun 21 January Ride alongside the Tumut and Little Rivers and enjoy sensational views from Blowering Dam. All rides start and finish at the Tumut Bull Paddock.
TEMORA RAMS TRIATHLON Sun 11 February Registrations from 6am, triathlon from 7.30am. Lake Centenary, Temora
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Enjoy the best of the roughriders, buckjumpers and bulls in the cool of the evening. Narrandera Rodeo Arena.
The event caters to all ages and fitness levels and is included in the Tri Series. Proceedings for the day include a Sprint, Enticer, Walkathon, Junior and Sub Junior. Teams are welcome.
GUNDAGAI TRACTOR PULL & SWAP MEET Sat 24 February
TUMBAFEST Sat 24 & Sun 25 February
Vintage tractor pulls, truck show and shine, 4wd ute pulls, ladies tractor pull, stationary engines, sit-on mower races, swap meet stalls and more.
Jam-packed main stage line-up including Russell Morris, award-winning local wines, cooking demonstrations, food & market stalls, and children’s activities. visitwagga.com
REGIONAL EVENTS
NARRANDERA RODEO Sat 24 February
THE ROCK TRIATHLON Sun 25 February
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RIC RY L A G O O N
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LA K E A LB E R T
ROBERTSON OVAL
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BOLTON PARK
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RAILWAY STATION
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VICTORY MEMORIAL GARDENS
MUSEUM BOTANIC GARDENS & ZOO
WILLANS HILL RESERVE
LAKE ALBERT
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Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre 183 Tarcutta Street Ph: 1300 100 122 visitwagga.com Follow Visit Wagga Wagga on Follow Wagga Events on
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To register your event go to visitwagga.com/register Disclaimer: Every endeavour has been made to ensure the details appearing in this publication are correct at the time of printing. We accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy whether by inclusion or omission. 27
THE
WAGGA SHOP • Ready-made and custom hampers • Local produce and gifts • Regional wine, beer and cider
V I S I TO R I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E 1 8 3 TA R C U T TA S T R E E T WA G G A WA G G A 1300 100 122