22nd May 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

  • Major building projects including Wagga Base Hospital and Wagga Police Station have been left in limbo as the Carr State Government delivered a surplus budget.
  • Salvation Army Captain Ross Brown said that Wagga and Coolamon residents raised more than $3000 for this years Red Shield Appeal, an increase of $5000 on last year.
  • Long-serving Wagga RSL sub-branch member, Dave Gardiner was presented with life membership by far south western district councillor and Wagga sub-branch committee member, Harold Fife.
  • The 23rd annual Golden Gowns Awards, compered by Pam Petherbridge, were held at the Wagga Leagues Club.
  • Wagga City Council’s waste services manager, Colin Earnshaw, said that a three-wheelie bin garbage service was being considered with the current 240 litre bin replaced with bins half the size.
  • Wagga’s City to Lake Run celebrates its 25th fun run this year with continuing support from long time sponsors, Wagga Mutual Credit Union, and the Daily Advertiser.
  • Red Cross, regional manager, Shirley Dobson said that the World War II hut it used in Small Street was no longer suitable for their needs and they urgently need the help of a benefactor.
  • Manager of the Wagga City Library, Brian Plummer, said that the library which began in a second-hand army building is now celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
  • Wagga Rotary Club represented by Community Service Director, Bill Prest and President, Hanny Hanna donated funds to Wagga Base Hospital.
  • Riverina police commander, Eric Gollan said that the police properties branch was considering a move for police to the Southern Riverina Electricity and Water building in Johnston Street if it became available.
  • Building designer, Darryl Taber said that work is underway on Wagga’s newest cinema complex in Trail Street and is expected to be completed by October this year.
  • League players, Bernard Lancaster and John Marzol from Saint Michael’s Regional High School were selected for the under 15 side to compete in the NSW Catholic School trials at Parramatta.
  • Charles Sturt University’s new animal science laboratory was officially opened.
  • Wagga Meat Market in Blake Street is selling whole yearling rump steak for $4.95 per kg, lamb loin chops for $4.75 per kg and thin sausages for $2.29 per kg.
  • Jewell Supermarkets in Peter and Bourke Streets are selling 2 litre Coke varieties for $1.75, Meadow Lea Margarine 500g for $1.47 and Pal Dog Food 1.2 kg tins for $1.75.
  • Brash’s in Baylis Street are selling a 51cm stereo remote control colour television for $699.

50 Years Ago

  • The Department of Motor Transport advised Wagga City Council that there were 575 road accidents in the Wagga region last year resulting in 170 injuries and 12 fatalities.
  • An ecumenical service led by Rev J Ford of St Aidan’s Presbyterian Church, Archdeacon K A Osborne of St Johns Church of England and the Most Rev F P Carroll, Bishop of Wagga was held at the Memorial Chapel of the Carmelite Monastery.
  • Wagga City Council is applying to rezone as “industrial general” the land on both sides of Hammond Avenue from Marshalls Creek to Kooringal Road.
  • Mr W L Hurd, District Chairman of the Wagga Austcare Appeal said that more than 500 voluntary collectors are expected to take part in this weeks Austcare appeal in Wagga.
  • Miss Eileen Day is pictured in the Daily Advertiser cutting her 80th birthday cake at a celebration organised by former students of Miss Day’s Wagga Grammar School.
  • The Jessup Cup returned to Wagga for the first time in five years with a youthful Wagga hockey team defeating Albury 4-1.
  • Wagga City Council has no funds available to install cattle scales in the Wagga saleyards but will continue to investigate the feasibility of providing them in the future.
  • 398 bowlers from Wagga’s four bowling clubs have entered a big annual bowls tournament held in support of the Wagga Police and Citizens Boys Club.
  • Deputy Commissioner of the Soviet Embassy in Canberra, Mr V Smirnov, was guest speaker at a combined Wagga and South Wagga Apex International night at the Wagga Leagues Club.
  • Mayoress, Mrs M Gissing, opened the Wagga Croquet Club’s new season.
  • The Ashmont Baptist Peace Memorial Church in Malta Crescent was officially opened.
  • 180 parents and students took part in a five-mile walkathon in aid of Mount Austin High School.
  • Wagga Leagues Club donated guernseys to the Kangaroo-Panthers and Christian Brothers sub-junior rugby league teams.
  • Wagga Fruit Centre next door to Woolworth’s Family Centre is selling stringless beans for 20 cents per lb, carrots 3 lb for 20 cents and persimmons for 6 cents each.

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

Verified by MonsterInsights