Compiled from the Daily Advertiser
by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society
25 Years Ago
- Wagga recorded its hottest November day on record with the temperature reaching 42.8 degrees Celsius well above the previous record of 41.6 degrees recorded in November 1944.
- Pauline Hanson’s postponed visit to Wagga went ahead without incident with about 20 State and Federal police on hand to ensure her safety. Just on 160 people braved sweltering heat and paid $5 each to hear her speak at the Kyeamba Smith Hall.
- Wagga Compact was the only schools-based program to be a finalist in the Australian Training Awards with Debbie Castle and Julie Briggs traveling to Melbourne for a special awards function.
- Wagga’s traditional Sturt Street parties on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve will go ahead with Council approving an application by Mark Bolton of Romano’s Hotel to suspend the alcohol-free zone in Sturt Street for the event.
- Five hundred people packed into St Michael’s Cathedral for the ordination of two men, Reverend Darren Howie, and Brother Columba MacBeth-Green into the priesthood.
- Marketplace manager, Steve Atkinson was delighted with the award for “best marketing position award” presented to Marketplace marketing manager, Sandra Johnstone, and Woolworth’s Properties marketing manager, Cheryl Bahr.
- Trish Galloway, Maria Egan, and Helen Irons organised a 30-year reunion for the Trinity High School Class of 1967.
- Wagga Harness Racing Club was thrown into turmoil when 15 of the 17 committee members resigned at a public meeting attended by 120 members of the public.
- Wagga City Council approved a 10-year $2.5 million bikeways plan.
- Greater Murray Health Service denies a “fire sale” but has begun a huge sell-off of up to 24 prime residential and commercial properties in Wagga as part of a debt reduction program.
- Wagga Country Club women’s champion, Jane Asimus is pictured in the Daily Advertiser with Georgina Hickey (Ruth Kennedy Shield) and Carol Bennett (bronze) at the club’s annual presentation day luncheon.
- Wagga’s only cherry orchard, a two-hectare, 1200 tree orchard at “Grovelands” off the Oura Road run by Noel and Ann Adams has started harvesting cherries.
- Almost 60 people applied to undertake health traineeships offered by Greater Murray Health Service in conjunction with Charles Sturt University.
- Nine Wagga drivers were charged as part of Operation Drink Drive, a state-wide police initiative to crack down on drink driving.
50 Years Ago
- Sportsmaster, Mr Graham Kennedy, has been appointed deputy principal of St Michael’s Regional High School.
- The Wagga Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club held a swimathon at the Wagga City Baths which raised $1050 to be divided between the club and The Haven.
- Rev F A Hart, of Cooma, has been appointed rector of the Anglican parish of South Wagga.
- Edmondson’s advertised in the Daily Advertiser to give the “Wife Saving Gift”, a new Hoover Auto-Jet Dishwasher selling for only $2.20 weekly payments.
- More than 400 national servicemen completed their 10-weeks basic training at Kapooka with a passing out parade reviewed by Brigadier O D Jackson, Chief of Staff, Headquarters, 1st Division.
- Mr Terry Dwyer, a commerce teacher at Mount Austin High School, has won a Rotary International Scholarship which will take him to the U.S. next year.
- Geoff Stead of Stead and Baker in Baylis Street is pictured in the Daily Advertiser demonstrating a new rear catcher ride-on lawn mower.
- Two married women were each fined $50 in default of 10 days imprisonment when they pleaded guilty to shoplifting charges in Wagga Petty Sessions.
- Sixty special guests who attended the opening of a $500,000 catering school at the RAAF Base Wagga were treated to a gourmet’s paradise at the luncheon which followed.
- Dux of St Michael’s Regional High School, John Kerwan, was presented with his award by Bishop Carroll at the school’s presentation night.
- Wagga’s Mayor, Ald Dick Gorman, forecast an increase in council rates consistent with general cost increases and the needs of a growing city.
- Peter Lewis, 13, Dux of Turvey Park Demonstration School was congratulated at the school’s annual presentation day by P&C president, Mr P Dewey, and assistant area director of education, Mr D Buchanan.
- Mr Col White treasurer of the RSL Wagga sub-branch presented a cheque for $300 to Mr Eddie Brett, president of the Edel Quinn Shelter to assist with extensions and renovations to the shelter.
- Sue Braid, Helen Chamberlain, Narelle Beasley, Isabel Ireland, Margaret Carlisle, and Kay Wild were among those attending a Christmas Smorgasbord held by The Wagga Red Cross Luncheon Auxiliary at Noah’s Town House Restaurant.
- Preserve and save with a Fowlers Vacola bottling outfit, stove model from $20.55 advertised by Edmondsons.
- Parents and Citizens Association, treasurer, Mr Ewan McArthur reported a profit from the recent Kooringal Public School Fete of more than $1500.
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
