Compiled from the Daily Advertiser
by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society
25 Years Ago
- Gumi race co-ordinator Reg Whitelaw said that after almost two decades Wagga’s Gumi race will be held later this month for the last time.
- Bread and beer prices are increasing as a direct result of the devasting drought with Sunicrust sales manager, Stephen Richards announcing that they had been forced to pass on increased costs by raising their wholesale bread price by 10 cents per unit.
- Following further test results Council’s director of health and building, John Craig has announced the reopening Lake Albert after it was closed last week when tests found unacceptable levels of faecal bacteria.
- Environmental restrictions have forced the closure of the Riverina Hide and Skin factory at Bomen.
- John Mueller and Ann Paul were both honoured as “Community Champions” when two new railway locomotives were named after each of them in a ceremony with Regional manager of State Rail, Dick Smith at the Wagga Railway Station.
- Clem Welch has begun his new role as principal of Mt Erin High School replacing outgoing principal Gerard Madden.
- For the first time in more than seven years, Wagga’s Community Consultative Committee held a meeting behind closed doors after an open invitation to media to attend was withdrawn by acting head of the Wagga Police Patrol, Inspector Neville Tarleton.
- Keith Brunskill who served with many community organisations and as Chairman of the Murrumbidgee Milling Company for several years has died at the age of 79.
- Council’s director of health and building services John Craig is seeking public feedback on a proposal to halve the size of household garbage bins from 240 litres to 120 litres.
- Forrest Centre chief executive officer, Ted Coupe has been appointed as chief executive officer at Calvary Hospital following the recent resignation of Anne Witherden.
- Kevin Laurent has retired from the Wagga TAB in Fitzmaurice Street after almost 30 years of service.
- Wagga City Council has approved a $13 million redevelopment of the Sturt Mall subject to 39 conditions including a payment of $212,000 and pedestrian access along Wonderland Lane.
- More than 50 formal objections have been made objecting to a development application lodged by Centacare to establish a group home at San Isadore for up to six troubled young people.
- Mt Austin High School principal, Dennis Bishop said that a decline in voluntary school contributions last year had forced the school to tighten its financial belt this year by $10,000.
- John Stewart was elected as President of the Wagga Show Society following the retirement of Wal Sheather.
50 Years Ago
- Wollundry Lagoon has been pumped out and cleared of rubbish with a bulldozer also deepening the lagoon in preparation for Wagga’s Centenary celebrations next month.
- The new $750,000 three-storey administration headquarters of the Southern Riverina County Council has opened for business in Johnston Street.
- Mr M Chamberlain, a spokesman for South Wagga Apex Club, said that the Club’s Annual Business Houses Swimming Carnival this week is expected to raise $500 for the “Opportunity Classes” at Wagga Public School.
- Mark Fraser, Anne Kavanagh, Cheryl Chaney and Gerald Piper were elected this week as captains and vice-captains at Mount Austin Primary School.
- Miss Pamela Graham who was school captain at Mount Austin Primary School in 1962 has returned to the school as a second-year student of the Wagga Teachers College.
- Ald Mrs Ethel Geoghegan was honoured with life membership of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association in recognition of her services as State Honorary Secretary for four years and national secretary for two years.
- A 22-year-old mother of two baby children died in Wagga Base Hospital following a car accident in Edward Street.
- Manager of the Wagga City Baths, Mr Bruce Miller said that Wagga City Council was aware of the inconvenience to district schools by the constant demand placed upon the baths.
- The Mayor, Ald RJ Harris said that Wagga may have a second swimming pool by the 1971-72 summer if finance is available.
- Mr L J Kennedy chairman of the Wagga Base Hospital Board announced an immediate start on renovation and improvement of the old hospital building at a cost of about $150,000.
- Member for Wagga and Minister for Mines, Mr Wal Fife met with local government leaders in Wagga to discuss the Melbourne to Sydney natural gas pipeline.
- Mr LA Findlay from Lismore is the new Riverina District area director of education replacing Mr Doug Swan.
- Leading Wagga stockcar driver, Brian Barklem scooped the pool with three wins at the new Beechworth stockcar circuit.
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
