17th April 2021 – In Wagga’s Past – 25 and 50 Years ago.


Compiled from the Daily Advertiser

by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society



25 Years Ago

  • Eighty-five people attended a function honouring Brian Andrews for his forty years’ service to Wagga Wagga City Council.
  • Local stonemason, John Shepherd, assisted by Wagga City Council is restoring 20 graves of the pioneer Best family in their small family graveyard off Truscott Street.
  • The Daily Advertiser hosted a function to honour 100 locally owned businesses with 25 years or more experience in Wagga.
  • Doctor Kennece Coombe was recognised as the first woman from Charles Sturt University to receive a doctorate during Graduation ceremonies underway at Charles Sturt University’s Wagga Campus.
  • Wagga canoeist, Michael Bailey who won a gold medal at the recent Australian canoe championships in Melbourne is back in training with the Murrumbidgee Canoe Club.
  • Robyn Jessiman and Shelia Quee are pictured in the Daily Advertiser during a display of memories of family weddings in the past staged by the Wagga Family History Society at the Riverina Archives.
  • Max Earsman was presented with a plaque, by Kennedy Shield president, Ray Chartres, recognising his services and dedication to rugby league.
  • Dr John Lewis was busy treating patients at his Brookong Avenue home surgery right up until his sudden death this week.
  • Morna Hazel (Wagga RSL) was victorious in the Central Riverina District Women’s Bowling Association 1996 championship singles final held at the Wal Blake Green at the Wagga Commercial Club.
  • Wagga City Council’s director of corporate services, Tony Elphick said Council would not have to look at increasing rates to pay for the proposed $19 million-dollar civic centre development.
  • Retired parking patrol officer and long-time Wagga resident, James McQuillen has died, aged 70.
  • Many Wagga residents, including Noel Hull, Nancy Hamilton, Letty Lockett and Yvonne and Percy Condon lined Baylis Street for a Freedom of the City march celebrating the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of Wagga as a city.
  • Wagga Accountants including John Wright, John Ashton and Brian Roberts have condemned the Australian Tax Office decision to close its Wagga regional office.
  • The Smith Family raised more than $5000 working with prominent local identities on the first day of their “Up the Pole” fundraising competition in the Sturt Mall carpark.

50 Years Ago

  • An estimated 5000 people watched more than 650 servicemen and ex-servicemen taking part in this year’s Anzac Day march.
  • Mayor, M H Gissing, tendered a Civic Farewell to Dr. Herman Kessler, Nordlingen Oberburgermeister, and other visitors from Wagga’s sister city Nordlingen who have been visiting the city.
  • A $70,000 Lamborghini is a feature of a Motor Show at Kyeamba Smith Hall.
  • Wagga Commercial Bowling Club president, Noel Cook and club president Phil Smyth congratulated Noel Barnes and Wal Blake, winners of the final of the Zone 8 State Pairs competition.
  • Wagga Cricket Association President, John Brasier congratulated winners including Greg Brentnall, Kevin Pocock, Derek Rogers, Lionel Laverty, John Blackburn, and Graham Porter at the Association’s annual presentation dinner.
  • The Mayor, Ald Morris Gissing opened the St. Andrews 34th Junior Eisteddfod.
  • The Wagga Community Advancement Fund combined a welcome home reception for Miss Wagga, Marlene Guppy with the launching of the Miss Wagga Quest for 1972.
  • Men’s “Key Man” Jeans with a snap down pocket to keep your comb safe are priced from just $4.99 at Huthwaites.
  • Mr Bruce Milne celebrated his 21st birthday recently at the Wagga Commercial Club.
  • Miss Beverley Curran and Mr Max Earsman celebrated their engagement with a family dinner at the Wagga Leagues Club.
  • The Hobby Centre in Baylis Street is advertising warm woolly moccasin kits for only $3.80 as Mother’s Day gifts.
  • Wagga Mayor, Ald M Gissing presented annual awards to Swimming Club members including, Jennie Harper, Geoff Dominguez, Ann Tunley, Dennis Pascall, Jenny Tickle and Phillip Michael.

Membership of the Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society is open to anyone with an interest in the local and regional history of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.  For more information about us and information on how to join our Society visit our website at https://www.wwdhs.org.au/about-us/members

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