Compiled from the Daily Advertiser
by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society
25 Years Ago
- Cr Jim Eldridge proposed that Council purchase the Department of Housing building on the corner of Baylis and Morgan Streets rather than proceeding with Council’s new multi-million-dollar civic centre development, which he said would save Wagga ratepayers $10 million.
- Woolworths had a change of heart and agreed to install a disabled lift in the $35 million Marketplace development after legal proceedings were initiated by Rosina Grosse.
- Wagga and District Trades and Labour Council secretary Geoff Lawler, solicitor, Andrew Campbell and NSW Attorney-General, Jeff Shaw attended the opening of a new Trade Union Centre in Fitzmaurice Street.
- Province leader of the Little Company of Mary, Sister Jennifer Barrow unveiled the Wal Fife Place foundation stone at the opening of Calvary Hospital’s stage four development.
- Soccer NSW General Manager, Peter Thorne turned on the floodlights at the official opening of the Gissing Oval Soccer complex.
- The inaugural Wagga Garden Festival was launched at the Botanic Gardens by organisers, Geoff Rapley from the Nursery Industry Association and John Wood and Simon Terry from Sunrise Rotary.
- The Third annual Daily Advertiser Wagga Swap Meet was proclaimed a great success by organiser, Trevor Garth with about 3000 people attending despite poor weather.
- John Whiticker joined about 85 people at Romano’s Hotel to celebrate the 21st year in show business of Maureen Flower.
- Saint Michael’s Regional High School principal, Peter Dewhirst and chairman of the St Michaels Foundation, Allan Norris are pictured in the Daily Advertiser, standing in front of the schools newly opened Edmund Rice Wing.
- Laurie and Pat Tozer celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Home of Compassion.
- Cargill Foods general manager, Michael Tighe said their working week at Wagga had been cut from five to four days to protect themselves from a tough seasonal market.
- Tidy Towns representative, John Craig, presented awards to Wagga residents and businesses for their work in beatifying the city.
- Claire Mason, Shelley Allen, Stephen Lloyd, Ryan Mattingly, Justin Forsyth, Kellie Stevenson and Kia Eggmolesse from Lake Albert Primary School gained impressive results at the Australian Science Competition organised by the University of NSW.
- A new structure for Wagga and District Cricket Association was outlined by president, Colin Moss to board members, Tony Pritchard, John Hodges, Peter Baker and Jack Misson.
- Col Forrell, Graeme Callender, John Shephard, and David Kennedy are performing “Hot Jazz on a Cool Night” at the Commercial Club in Gurwood Street.
50 Years Ago
- Re-planking work on the Hampden bridge is causing delays of up to 30 minutes for motorists.
- Flashing lights and warning bells have been approved for the Fernleigh Road level crossing at Ashmont.
- Douglas Body Co in Fitzmaurice Street has closed after more than 20 years operation and a clearing sale attracted one of the biggest Auction crowds seen in Wagga for some time.
- Wagga High won the Hardy Shield, a first-grade rugby league competition between Wagga’s three High Schools for the first time since its inception in 1968.
- Wagga Scouts, Greg Smith and Ian Cosier together with scouter, John Love are travelling to Japan to attend the 13th World Scout Jamboree.
- After 35 years of service Mrs Ethel Jones is closing the corner store at 76 Coleman Street.
- The First Wagga Scout Group has donated four of its tents to the appeal for Pakistani refugees through the Wagga Austcare branch.
- Proceeds from the annual Wagga Base Hospital Ball will go towards the purchase of a new cardiac unit at the Hospital.
- Wagga District Agronomist, Tony Woodward, aged 55, collapsed and died while inspecting a property near Holbrook.
- Craig McLean as Curly and Cheryl McCaffery as Laurey were among the stars of the Mt Austin High School production of “Oklahoma” which played to a full house at the Civic Theatre.
- Norway was the theme for this weeks Wagga CWA International Day.
- District Commissioner of Scouting, Ian Bell presented a Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award to Ian Cosier and a Queen’s Scout Award to George Benedyka.
- 73 students from the Waters School of Dancing passed the Royal Academy of Dancing examinations, 18 of them with honours.
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
