Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Council NewsFIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2015

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL Issue 32

Weekly information from us to you

Lights, camera, action! Entries are open now for the 2015 Wagga Waggafest with the theme “The best is yet to come”.

Wagga Wagga City Council launched the fifth Waggafest by celebrating the creative efforts of a group of children who helped

design this year’s artwork and promotion material.

More than a hundred young artists drew their best for Waggafest during Australia Day celebrations, with elements from eight artworks now featuring in the short film competition’s promotion material.

“It was great to see so many kids take part in the drawing workshop on Australia Day and the organisers had a very tough task selecting which drawings to use,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga

Councillor Rod Kendall said.“Kids were asked to draw what

they thought was the best, whether it was their favourite sport or something they love about Wagga.

“They didn’t know it at the time, but these eight children were helping illustrate this year’s theme ‘The best is yet to come’.”

All entries to the Tropfest-inspired short film festival must tell a unique Wagga story that in some way responds to the theme.

“Waggafest is all about encouraging people to share their

Wagga story with the world,” Cr Kendall said.

“It could be a drama about someone overcoming a past hardship, or a futuristic sci-fi, it could be gritty documentary or a far-fetched yarn – the important thing is that we get to see a unique Wagga story that reminds us that the best is yet to come.”

The winning artists were presented with a Waggafest poster featuring elements of their drawings at the theme launch on Tuesday 17 February.

The Mayor said he would be thrilled to see the winners turn their attention to a new creative challenge: a Waggafest entry.

“We’ve had some highly memorable entries from under 18s before, and there are special prizes to reward the work of young entrants,” he said.

“You don’t need a big budget or fancy equipment — just a good idea and a camera phone will do.”

For more details about this year’s competition, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/waggafest.

“The best is yet to come”

REGISTER NOW!

2015

For further information please call Donna at Wagga Wagga City Council p. (02) 6926 9133 e. business@wagga.nsw.gov.au

Register online at www.businesswaggawagga.com.au $45 per person

Friday 13 March 2015 7.30am - 9.00am Wagga Wagga Country ClubThe 2015 Big Business Breakfast will feature Charlie Brown, a leading commentator on the latest technology innovations.

great agency great ideas

YOUNG TALENT: The Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Rod Kendall showcases the 2015 Wagga Waggafest poster design with the kids that contributed to it with their drawings (from left) Ryley Clemson, 8, Flynn Van Tol, 9, Paige Jessop, 10 and Georgia Johnson, 10.

Thanks to our “The Best is yet to come” artists:Charli MurdochOlivia WrightAmy MartinLucy MiegelRyley ClemsonFlynn Van TolPaige JessopGeorgia Johnson

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Join the DotsPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

FOR ABORIGINAL ARTISTS

CALLING ALL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ARTISTS AND CREATORS

WORKSHOP DATE Find grants and write successful submissions Thurs 26 Feb Creating a portfolio to marketing yourself as an artist Thurs 26 March Photographing your work Thurs 30 April Career progression Thurs 28 May Arts Law- Laws that affect artists- Part 1 Thurs 25 June Panel Forum: Key cultural and political issues impacting Indigenous artists today Thurs 27 August

Developing an online presence Thurs 24 Sept Thurs 29 Oct

Arts Law- Laws that affect artists- Part 2 Thurs 26 NovProgram Wrap-up Thurs 10 Dec

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ALL WORKSHOPSTo secure your place call 6926 9358

For further information visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jointhedots

Get ready to “Be Inspired” during this year’s Wagga Wagga Seniors Week celebrations to be held from 15 to 22 March.

Whatever your passion, there is something for everyone 50-plus to enjoy in this year’s program of highly interactive activities and events, which has the theme of “Be Inspired”.

“This year’s program is jam-packed, with more than 40 activities and events designed to inspire, excite and engage,” Chair of Wagga Seniors Week Committee Kate Brill said.

“A number of new recreational elements have been introduced this

year that would not be possible to roll-out without the generous support of local businesses and community service organisations.”

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Director Environment and Community Services, Janice Summerhayes encouraged all of the community’s seniors to take part.

“With approximately a third of our city’s population aged 50 years and over, it is important to have a greater focus on seniors integrating and connecting with others, and this is one of the key aims of Seniors Week,” she said.

“Council is proud to fund and support

local festivities that promote positive attitudes towards older people.

“I would strongly encourage everyone to pick up a copy of the program as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in the week-long celebrations.”

Tickets went on sale on 16 February and Seniors Week programs are available from the Civic Centre, Visitor Information Centre, Civic Theatre and Seniors Community Centre, or can be downloaded from Council’s website at www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/seniorsweek.

For more information, visit the website or phone 1300 292 442.

Celebrate ageing creatively during Seniors Week 2015

Conservation area namedAn area of 128ha containing an

endangered white box woodland has been officially named the Birrimal Conservation Area.

Birrimal, which means “the bush”, was chosen out of a shortlist of three Wiradjuri words, proposed after consultation with the Marramarra Consultative Committee.

Wagga Wagga City Council acquired the area, which features high quality native vegetation, via a Voluntary Planning Agreement in 2010 and consulted with the committee to find a name that reflected the purpose of the area and its historical context.

After input from the community, Birramal was chosen as the preferred name for the conservation area, which incorporates a section of the Wiradjuri Walking Track

between the Olympic Highway and Holbrook Road.

Since European settlement, the area of white box woodland has been greatly reduced with only about 2 per cent of the original woodland remaining.

The remaining white box vegetation is identified as an endangered ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act.

The Environmental Conservation (E2) zoned area in Lloyd will ensure the white box woodland is preserved and protected for generations to come.

The Birrimal area is also a known habitat for squirrel gliders, which are listed as an endangered population in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.

Wagga Wagga is a funny place, and a lot of people who love comedy live here.

The city has a fine sense of humour, whether it is the wry smile that accompanies the Five O’Clock Wave story, the hilarity of belonging to the club of double-barrelled place names, or the laconic dry jesting that comes from regional living.

To celebrate all things funny, the Civic Theatre is excited to present the inaugural Wagga Comedy Fest with a range of hilarious events in June.

An impressive – and most importantly, funny – list of comedians has been locked in, including Anh Do, the Doug Anthony All Stars, Fiona O’Loughlin, Luke McGregor, Matt Okine and Sparrowfolk, with more events to be added to the line-up.

Do brings his best-selling memoir, The Happiest Refugee, to life in a ground-breaking stand-up show. This moving, inspirational and unforgettable theatre experience combines humour, real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell

Do’s amazing story.Australian comedy royalty, O’Loughlin

has taken her story-based stand-up all over the planet, headlining LA’s world-renowned Improv Comedy Club, playing repeat seasons in Hong Kong, Edinburgh Fringe and Montreal’s invitation-only Just For Laughs.

The Doug Anthony All Stars (DAAS) are known for their aggressive, provocative style, including their habit of involving audience members and their tendency to attack topical and sometimes controversial issues in their comedy.

Paul McDermott and Tim Ferguson will team with DAAS mentor Paul “Flacco” Livingston.

Wagga Comedy Fest will run from Monday June 15 to Saturday 20 June. Tickets for some events will go on sale from Monday 23 February and other events will be on sale soon.

For more information, visit www.civictheatre.com.au.

A funny festival for a funny place

When the weekend’s coming up, what do you do to relax?

But do you ever wonder what your grandparents did on their days off?

Taking it Easy in Wagga will shine a light on the city’s past at the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers site from 27 February until 22 March.

The new exhibition features photographs and postcards of Wagga swimming, dancing, riding bikes, picnicking and just kicking back before smart phones and the internet.

Taking it Easy in Wagga is about comparing and contrasting lifestyles from now and then.

The exhibition will be of interest

to historical fashion devotees, Murrumbidgee River regulars and local citizens alike.

The exhibition is the third in a series of lively collaborations between Charles Sturt University Archives and the Museum of the Riverina in recent years, all of which have focused on Wagga within its historical landscape.

Take a look at Taking it Easy in Wagga

RELAXING AT THE CLUB (above): Having a drink at the Wagga Leagues Club in 1964 are The Daily Advertiser journalist Brian Sheppard and local nurse, Margaret Fitzsimons. The pair were taking part in a film made to promote the city of Wagga.

DANCE TIME (left): Holding hands and dancing in a line, this group of young men and women, students at the Wagga Teachers’ College were enjoying an evening out in 1960s. The Teachers College operated on the area known as South Campus, near the Wagga Showgrounds, from 1947 until it was absorbed into the new Riverina College of Advanced Education in 1972.

Chaston Street rehab works beginWagga Wagga City

Council has begun rehabilitation work at Chaston Street, between Dobney Avenue and Cullen Road.

The remediation works began on Thursday 19 January and are expected to take approximately six weeks, beginning with night works followed by daytime works.

Staff will work between the hours of 7pm–6am in the

first stages of the project to complete the most disruptive tasks (approximately 10 days). Work will then revert to daytime hours of 7am–7pm to complete the project and minimise overnight noise for residents.

Access to Chaston Street and Mortimer Place businesses and residences will be maintained during the works to necessary local traffic, subject to traffic control.

Chaston Street and Mortimer Avenue will be open to all traffic outside of the advised work hours.

Updates regarding the road closure can be found on Council’s website at www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/roadclosures.

Timeframes for this project are subject to change depending on the progress of other Council projects, site conditions, weather and progress of the project.

FLASHBACK: Wagga’s Gumi Race – recently revived – has long been a fun event on the Murrumbidgee River with an assortment of craft, all built around inner tubes, racing, rowing, floating or just drifting down the river on a February afternoon. This entrant in the 1980s appears to be powering his Gumi with a bicycle ride.

Pictures: Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

COMING UP THIS WEEK:VEGE SWAP OR BUYSat 21 Feb 9am – 12pmDemonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956

TARCUTTA MARKETSSat 21 Feb 8am – 2pmTarcutta Memorial Hall, Sydney Street, Tarcutta. Ph: 0477 472 154

ARTBLAST! ZOO-TASTIC!Sat 21 Feb 1.30pm – 4pm$20 per child. Painting and drawing animals and plants using Stephen Bowers:

Beyond Bravura exhibition. For ages 6-12yrs. Bookings essential. Contact the Art Gallery on 6926 9660.

INTERNATIONAL HOTEL WEDDING OPEN DAYSat 21 Feb 10am-3pmCome in and experience the International Hotel’s wedding reception venues set up and romantic outdoor ceremony options. Meet a selection of the finest industry specialists. Sparkling wine and canapés will be served on arrival as you explore the event spaces. Ph: 6971 7007

LIVE MUSIC ON THE DECK AT COTTONTAILSSun 22 FebruaryMusic 4pm to 7pm. Free return bus from the Visitor Information Centre (183 Tarcutta Street) leaving from 2:45pm, bookings essential. Adults $5 cover charge. Cottontails Winery, 562 Pattersons Road, Harefield. Ph: 6928 4554

WORLD HARNESS RACING DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP HEATSTues 24 Feb 6.30pmThe best harness racing

drivers from throughout the world will compete in heats of the state wide series. Australia will be represented by Chris Alford with drivers from the United States, Russia, France, Sweden and New Zealand also competing. Entry: $10. Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 6925 1600

FOOD I AM: DUCK - THREE WAYS!Wed 25 Feb 5.45pm – 9.15pm$139pp. This popular class is presented by Jamie Shepley from The Oakroom Kitchen & Bar. Prepare duck 3 different ways including confit. Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Place, off Dunns Road. Ph: 0427 250 498 or visit www.foodiam.com.au.

THE SEARCHERSThurs 26 Feb 7.30pmSee them live on stage performing their Greatest Hits Anniversary Australian Tour 2015 with the distinctive jangling sound of the twelve string guitar and the rich harmonies embellishing their immaculate vocals. Held at the Civic Theatre. Ph: 6926 9688

TAKING IT EASY IN WAGGAFri 27 Feb – Sun 26 AprilSneak a squiz at Taking it Easy in Wagga, an exhibition featuring photographs and postcards of Wagga swimming, dancing, riding bikes, picnicking, just kicking back. At the Museum of the Riverina Historic Council Chambers Site. Ph: 6926 9654.

For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Monday - Friday.

To promote your event or for a complete list of events go to: visitwagga.com or call 1300 100 122.

facebook.com/waggaevents

Thousands flock to Sheffield Shield in Wagga

Nets to be named in honour of local cricket legend

Helping your organisation succeed onlineJoin us for a series of FREE training sessions for business, and get the information and tools you need for your business to succeed online!The Department of Communications, Wagga Wagga City Council and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute are working together to provide quality training sessions for small-to-medium enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and local cultural institutions on how to make greater use of online opportunities to better achieve organisational goals. Improve your online confidence within the local business community!

Session 3 commences Wednesday 25 February 2015, 7.30am

ENROL TODAY!CALL 1300 823 374 EMAIL digitalenterprise@wagga.nsw.gov.au

www.waggadigitalenterprise.com.au

Wagga Wagga

JUNE 15−20, 2015

6926 9688www.civictheatre.com.au

Tickets on sale February 2015

Thousands of cricket fans flocked to Robertson Oval as the NSW Blues claimed an emphatic 156-run victory over Victoria with a day to spare.

With the ICC Cricket World Cup being hosted by Australia, the Sheffield Shield came to Wagga Wagga, and the city didn’t disappoint with a whopping 4670 people turning up for day one on Sunday.

Crowds of about a thousand each day followed until the game came to an end on Tuesday afternoon.

“This is a first for Wagga and it was a great opportunity to showcase our city and its wonderful facilities,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Rod Kendall, said.

“It was great to see so many school kids from across the Riverina get to meet their sporting heroes and I think the players certainly appreciated it.”

While spinners snared most of the wickets, Robertson Oval is now home it a piece of Shield history thanks to fast bowler Doug Bollinger.

The quick claimed his second career hat-trick on day two and became the first player in Shield history to take two hat-tricks.

“Thousands of people from Wagga and across the region were treated to some great First Class cricket,” Cr Kendall said.

“It was an entertaining game, just ask anyone who got to see Doug Bollinger’s hat-trick.”

The barrel was brimming with 1024 entries for the bat signed by the Blues and Bushrangers, with “cricket tragic” John Anselmi the lucky winner.Even though you could enter more than once, John’s wife Kym (pictured left) said he had put just the one very lucky ticket in the draw.“I rang him and said ‘Did you enter the competition?’,” she said. “He was told he could enter as many times as he liked, but he just put the one entry in.“My husband is a cricket tragic. It was a really good game and great to have it in Wagga.”Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Rod Kendall (pictured right) presented Kym with the bat this week.

The Sheffield Shield game in Wagga was an extra special occasion for local cricketing legend Warren Smith OAM.

Council and Cricket NSW announced Mr Smith will be honoured by the construction of a four-lane training facility adjacent to the Mark Taylor, Geoff Lawson and Michael Slater Ovals to be named the Warren Smith Nets.

The official party then turned the first

soil (pictured) at the site during the lunch break on day one of the game.

“Wagga and cricket go hand in hand and it’s fantastic to see Warren Smith honoured in front of the more than 4600 people at the ground on day one,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Rod Kendall said.

“He’s been a loyal servant of the game for decades and it’s only fitting that these new nets be named

in his honour.”Mr Smith has made an extraordinary

contribution to Wagga Wagga, Riverina and NSW cricket through his 45 years as a coach, including overseeing the development of NSW and Australian batsman Michael Slater, NSW all-rounder Dominic Thornely and Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald.

Council News winner receives signed cricket bat

AGILE (left): Bushrangers batsman Marcus Stonis does his best to avoid getting hit at Robertson Oval.

IN A SPIN: Blues teammates congratulate Nathan Lyon on another wicket during the Sheffield Shield clash in Wagga.

POPULAR (below): A huge crowd of 4670 cricket fans enjoy day one of the Sheffield Shield between NSW and Victoria.

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

p 1300 292 442e council@wagga.nsw.gov.auw www.wagga.nsw.gov.aua Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

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RFT 2015/017 D&C STREET LIGHTING BYRNES & OURA RDLump sum Tenders marked “RFT 2015/017 –D&C Lighting Byrnes/Oura Rd” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 4 March 2015. Contact: David Christiansen email christiansen.david@wagga.nsw.gov.auSpecifications which will be available from 9am Tuesday 17 February 2015 at nil cost can be accessed from: www.tenderlink.com/wagga Phil Pinyon General Manager PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURENotice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of:Road: Fitzmaurice Street (between Kincaid Street and Morrow Street)Date: From Sunday 22 February 2015 for approximately 6 nights

Duration: 7pm - 6amReason: Night asphalt remediation worksDetour: As signpostedMore information: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/roadclosures

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO SERVE ON WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL’S FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEEThe Wagga Wagga City Council Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee is made up of Council and Emergency Management staff and various stakeholder representatives overseeing the implementation of the objectives of the Floodplain Risk Management Plan in the Wagga Wagga Local Government area. The Committee meets every two months to discuss issues and to progress agreed actions. The duration of the committee meetings is approximately two hours.

One (1) vacancy exists on the Committee and applications are now invited from persons interested in contributing to the work of this committee in a voluntary position that attracts no remuneration.Applications will be received up to 5pm on Friday, 20 March 2015, from interested persons to serve on the Committee. Application forms are available from the Customer Service Centre at the Civic Centre, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga or from Council’s website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodfutures Applications should be addressed ‘Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee’ and returned to PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au Applicants must clearly outline in their application:• An understanding of the

floodplain and associated issues• A willingness to contribute to the

community in the best interest of the community

• The ability to inform the local community of the deliberations of the committee

• The ability to facilitate representations to the committee on behalf of the local community

Further information regarding this Committee may be made by contacting Jessica Crawford at Council on 1300 292 442.

RFT 2015/018 CONSTRUCTION OF SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT MANGOPLAHLump sum Tenders marked “RFT 2015/018 –Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant Mangoplah” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2.00pm Wednesday 18th March 2015. Contact: Nick McMullen email mcmullen.nicholas@wagga.nsw.gov.au Specifications at nil cost can be accessed on the following web address: https://www.tenderlink.com/wagga Hard copy tenders are available for $110 non-refundable Phil Pinyon General Manager PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALWagga Wagga City Council has received the following application to carry out “Development” under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.DA15/0014, Change of Use

to Boarding House & Internal Alterations, 97 Fitzmaurice St WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650, Lot 1 DP 84017, Applicant: Daniel Thomas Hugh Russell, Russell Jones Pty Ltd DA14/0560, Dual Occupancy & Community Title Subdivision, 14 Burrundulla Rd BOURKELANDS NSW 2650, Lot 20 DP 1193051, Applicant: Matt Jenkins Homes Name of Consent Authority: Wagga Wagga City CouncilThe subject application and accompanying documentation, may be inspected at the following address until the closure of exhibition.Submission Period: 23/02/2015 to 09/03/2015Where: Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga (Customer Service Counter).When: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays).Any person seeking to make a submission in relation to the abovementioned development should address all correspondence to the Consent Authority to be received prior to 5:00pm on the final day of the exhibition period. If any submission is made by way of objection, the grounds of objection must be specified in the submission.

Persons lodging submissions are required to declare political donations (including donations of more than $1,000) made in the previous two years. For more details, including disclosure form, go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/donations.Persons making written submissions regarding the above development 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.Enquiries: Further details relating to the matter can be obtained by contacting the Council’s Development Services. If you have any enquiries regarding the application, or about making submission, please telephone Development Services on 1300 292 442.

Public Notices

Phil Pinyon, GENERAL MANAGER

This week’s pet of the week is Lady, a friendly and affectionate house cat with a big heart.

She is about two years old and loves being petted and held. She would make an excellent family pet and companion animal.

Lady will make a beeline to anybody in the room with her for pats. She also gets on well with other cats and dogs.

Every Ranger and volunteer that has worked with Lady can attest that she is a very special cat that will make her new family very happy. Lady has been a joy to walk and care for here at Glenfield Road Animal Shelter.

Lady can be adopted for $215.70, which includes vaccinations, desexing, worming, microchipping, lifetime registration and a vet check.

You can meet Lady and her buddies at

the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter from Monday to Saturday, 1pm to 4.15pm.

For further information, contact the friendly Animal Management Rangers on 6971 4651 or www.rescuerex.webs.com.

Meet Lady

CARPENTER (GENERAL MAINTENANCE)Remuneration: Min $922.19 gpw + superEnquiries: Luke Fitzgerald - 02 6926 9491Closing Date: Friday 6 March 2015

MANAGER FINANCEEnquiries: Craig Richardson - 02 6926 9200Closing Date: Friday 6 March 2015

MANAGER OASIS REGIONAL AQUATICS CENTREEnquiries: Mark Gardiner - 02 6926 9330 Closing Date: Friday 6 March 2015

careers at councilWAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

VACANCIES

To view these opportunities and apply, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

Values - Part of everything we do Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork

Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

Calling all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creators – Join the Dots is starting soon.

The first workshop in a series of 10 will begin on Thursday 26 Februrary with a focus on finding grants and writing successful submissions.

Held at the E3 Arts Space, Eastern Riverina Arts will provide information on the latest grant opportunities for artists and where they can be found.

This workshop will include a grant writing session teaching the tips and tricks when applying for grants.

The workshops will be held over the

year, finishing with a program wrap up in December.

Council’s Aboriginal Youth and Community Development Officer, Ashleigh Pengelly, said the Join the Dots concept was developed by working with the local arts community.

“In December 2014 we sat down with local artists and asked what they needed to know to further their arts career and Join The Dots was created there and then,” she said.

“We encourage artists of all experience levels to join the program and learn all things to do with having an arts career, from copyright laws

to marketing to getting your work into retailers and galleries and online stores.

“We will have local people such as Eastern Riverina Arts, Wagga Wagga City Council staff and local business owner Sandra Warden from Feather and Willow facilitating the workshops giving practical information to our artists which is such a big helping hand in the arts industry.”

Bookings are essential for all workshops. To secure a place, contact 6926 9358.

For more information, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jointhedots.

Indigenous artists invited to upgrade professional practice at Join the Dots

Community marks National Apology Day

This year’s National Apology Day was marked on 13 February at Wagga Wagga City Council with about a hundred members of the community taking part.

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.

Aunty Isobel Reid and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Dallas Tout, spoke of the significance of the apology on the day before the crowd took part in a symbolic balloon release to mark the occasion.

Everyone in attendance formed two circles and after a minute’s silence released the balloons.

“I stand up here every year as I have done in years before the apology,” Aunty Isobel said.

“I am one of the many children who didn’t have a choice where they wanted to be, who were given a path to walk which we weren’t prepared for.

“The apology laid the groundwork; we cannot rest on the speech alone for the words must be living and breathing.

“I said this last year – by being involved we deepen our knowledge and understanding, by being involved we share our unity and being in unity we have strength.”

Aunty Isobel finished by reciting a poem titled Sorry by Kamilaroi man Neville James.

Following the official ceremony, a cultural discussion titled “Working on Country: Reconnecting with Culture and Heritage” was held by respected local Wiradjuri man James Ingram on behalf of Riverina Local Land Services at the Wollundry Amphitheatre.

SYMBOLIC RELEASE: Attendees at the last week’s Apology Day service at the Civic Centre form two circles before releasing balloons.