27th June 2020 – In Wagga’s Past – 25 and 50 Years ago.

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser

by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society

25 Years Ago

• World War II veterans of the landing at Balikpapan, Borneo, Jack Morgan, Jack McGinn, and Ken Bedggood were among 100 veterans honoured at the Australia Remembers (1939-1945) race meeting at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club.  

• A man snatched cash bags containing hundreds of dollars from Cannons Supermarket in Gurwood Street.

• More than 200 people attended the opening of the RAAF Heritage Museum at RAAF Base Wagga.

• A Department of Local Government study found that Wagga’s average general funds rates bill in 1993 was $422 compared to Dubbo at $469.10 and Albury at $705.89.

• Outgoing president Paul Rafferty handed over to incoming president Hany Hanna at the Wagga Rotary Changeover Dinner.

• Wagga City Council adopted a motion moved by Cr Dennis Blackett to convey to the Australian and French governments its outright opposition to the resumption of French nuclear testing in the Pacific area.

• Mount Austin Public School students, Dennis Atkinson and Kahlia Morgan raised the Aboriginal flag at the school to mark the start of Koori Week.

• Astor Hotel licensee, Greg Williams said that he was both surprised and thrilled that the hotel was now ranked number eight in the state for total liquor sales and was the number one seller of light beer.

• Singers Deidre Moulden and Jacinta Tooze with pianist Nichole Rosengren are presenting a dinner-and-music show at the Leagues Club paying tribute to jazz greats.

• Wendy Parkhurst has been appointed as the Wagga Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s new Employment and Training Field Officer.

• Michael Knight took over from Rick Priest as Wollundry Rotary Club President at the club’s changeover dinner held at the Commercial Club.

• Wagga Education Centre’s Executive Office, Kerrie Green said that the Centre is facing significant changes in the face of Federal Government plans to withdraw funding.

• Kooringal High School students, including Kym Ferrario, Tanya Hackett and Rachael Bagley competed in the Riverina Regional Shakespeare competition.

50 Years Ago

• Officers of the Justice and Prisons Departments are considering the addition of toilets for women at the Wagga Court House to allow the inclusion of women on the jury list presently restricted to men because there are no women’s toilets available.

• Coach of the NSW State hockey team, Pat Bush of Wagga is pictured in the Daily Advertiser with Maxine Hunt and Robin Marks both Wagga girls who have been picked to play in the team.

• Two of David Jones’ oldest employees, Bill Genner and Ralph Canning who joined the firm of David Copland more than 40 years ago were farewelled and thanked for their outstanding service by David Jones Canberra Manager, Mr D. Alexander.

• Airlines of NSW is preparing for the introduction of a 44-minute jet service from Wagga to Sydney with Government approval expected later this year.

• Rotaract members, including Jim Harrison, Madelyn Ireland, Lynne Everson, and Ian Duff were on hand to present a portable carport built by the Club to Sister Barbara from the Loreto Home of Compassion.

• District Manager for Ampol, Reg Hocking said that nearly 150 cars in the Ampol Rally will arrive in Wagga this week for a 10-hour stopover.

• One thousand people attended a passing out parade at Kapooka inspected by Major General D. Vincent and Col. C H East, Commanding Officer Kapooka Military Area.

• In handing over to incoming President, John Hepburn outgoing South Wagga Rotary Club President, Ken Fife said that the Club had donated $3465 to projects and charities in the past 12 months.

• Mr Jack Kirwan was presented with a gold watch recognising over 30 years-service with the Riverina Sawmilling Company.

• Rural Youth Clubs are planning a 15-day New Zealand Holiday with further information available from Bill Van Wel at the Airlines of NSW Centre in Thompson Street.

• Fulham Gardens in Gurwood Street is selling Balinglo navels, 10 for 30 cents, red carrots, 3lb for 20 cents and juicy grapefruit, 3 for 20 cents.

• President, Mrs T. Flynn said that the Calvary Hospital Auxiliary had donated equipment to the hospital last year valued at more than $2230.

• The Scout Gang Show from Albury is being presented in Wagga’s Civic Theatre.

• Pam Hoye and Peter McCullouch were presented with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards by South Wagga Rotary, outgoing president, Ken Fife.

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