Compiled from the Daily Advertiser
by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society
25 Years Ago
- Three young Wagga boys aged 11, 12 and 15 were charged with the murder of a 55-year-old man whose body was discovered in the Victory Memorial Gardens.
- Carolyn Barby was named as Miss Wagga 1995 in front of a capacity crowd at the Wagga Leagues Club Auditorium.
- The 1995 Community Princess is Marissa Priestly and Helen Dunn was named the highest fundraiser, raising more than $25,000.
- Wagga’s windiest day on record saw wind gusts up to 95 kilometres per hour and left many householders without electricity as fallen trees damaged power lines.
- A Wagga Coach driver who failed a random breath test had his licence cancelled for 12 months.
- A Wagga branch of the Young Liberal Movement has been re-established with president Noelene Johnson and policy vice-president Karen Napier.
- South Wagga Bowling Club held a free open day to increase membership.
- Ron Finemore received an award for “outstanding service and personal commitment to the Australian freight industry”.
- Tourism Wagga Wagga (TWW) chairwoman Kay Hull said TWW was compiling an incentives package to lure potential conference clients from the Asia-Pacific region.
- The Riverina Development Board has announced the appointment of Mark Roberts as its new business development officer replacing Sue Benedyka who resigned recently.
- A $500,000 contract has been awarded to local firm D & B A Jaques Pty Ltd for the construction of a new coach interchange at Wagga Railway Station.
- Tandy Electronics Christmas Sale features a portable keyboard for $99.95 and a twin pack od 4-Hour VHS tapes for $19.95.
50 Years Ago
- At the Girraween Festival Ball, Mayor, Ald R J Harris crowned Miss Helen Everitt, 19, as Miss Wagga 1970. Miss Jacquelyn Dennis sponsored by the Wagga Boat Club was chosen Miss Charity Queen.
- Japanese Consul General Mr Tanetani who was in Wagga for the crowning of Miss Wagga was tendered a Civic Reception with speeches of welcome from Ald Harris, Ald Geoghegan, Mr H J McPherson MLC and Mr Neville Rava, chairman of the Community Advancement Fund.
- Joanne Nest a nine-year-old student at Wagga Primary School has been named the fastest athlete for her age in the State after competing in the State Schools athletic championships in Sydney.
- Local Federal member, David Fairbairn was one of 200 guests who attended the annual reunion of members of the 21st Light Horse Regiment held at the Wagga Leagues Club.
- A combined 21st Birthday and engagement party was held at the Town House Motel for Miss Margaret McCrea who announced her engagement to Mr Michael Keys.
- Clem Young, a 19-year-old Wagga man, has qualified for the Australian Rough Riders Association bareback riding championships.
- A special wreath-laying ceremony led by Wagga’s Mayor, Ald R J Harris and with a bugler, Mr C Merrett sounding the “Last Post “and “Reveille” was held at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Day.
- At Kooringal Public School Paul James was awarded the Gary Taylor Trophy for Soccer and Peter Mortimer was awarded the Alan Brown Trophy for Rugby League.
- Douglas Body Company celebrated its tenth anniversary as Wagga’s Mercedes-Benz dealers with a special display at the Palm and Pawn Hotel.
- Wagga Lions Club launched its annual “Sell Christmas Cakes – Save Sight” appeal which club spokesman Mike Jemison said had already funded equipment for an eye clinic at Wagga Base Hospital.
- Town Clerk, Bill Ellis said that a first prize of $100 will be awarded to the composer of the winning song in a song writing competition being held in conjunction with next year’s Wagga Centenary Celebrations.
- R. A. Johnson Pty Ltd is seeking youths with School Certificate qualifications to undertake apprenticeships as Shopfitters, Wood Working Machinists or Glaziers.
- Retiring president, Mr H P Willsallen said that the Wagga Auxiliary of the Guide Dogs for the Blind had raised nearly $3,000 in the past 12 months.
- Work on the installation of Wagga’s new main street lighting is proceeding to schedule.
- Santa Claus arrives from the North Pole at David Jones Toyland this week.
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 please visit our website at https://www.wwdhs.org.au/about-us/members
