Compiled from the Daily Advertiser
by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society
25 Years Ago
- Wagga’s Mayor, Councillor Peter Dale was re-elected unopposed, and Councillor Kay Hull defeated first-term Councillor, Kevin Wales to retain her position as deputy mayor.
- Trucking legend, Patrick Edward (known as “Paddy” or “P.E.”) Power, believed to be in his eighties, died at his Wollundry Avenue home after suffering from a heart condition for some time.
- Great Southern Energy chairman, Bruce Rodley who was in Wagga to launch a $500,000 upgrade of the company’s headquarters in Hammond Avenue said that 300 employees had opted to leave the company voluntarily with a further 100 expected to leave over the next few years.
- Council, Director of Environmental Services, Ian Graham identified a need for an additional 400 parking spaces in the Central Business District.
- New South Wales Governor, Gordon Samuels and his wife, Jacqueline flew into Wagga for a four-day visit to the area.
- Ladysmith, dairy farmer, Sid Clarke, accepted a RiverCare award from the chairman of RiverCare 2000, Pat Brassil at the Soil and Water Conservation Associations conference in Wagga.
- Wagga has been chosen as the site for the first official release of the deadly rabbit calcivirus disease this week.
- Council voted to request police to investigate the criminal history of applicants proposing to establish brothels in the city.
- After four months of public backlash Council is removing planter boxes placed in Fitzmaurice Street as part of a $58,000 Fitzmaurice Street upgrade.
- Mrs Malbena Veronica (Mal) Bittar, who was one of the founders of Deeps Wagga store died at the age of 93.
- Graham McDonald, Matt Chilcott, Nathan Garrod and Geoff Pfeiffer were winners at the North Wagga Saints, presentation night held at the North Wagga Hall.
- Mark Kennedy at Town & Country Real Estate is advertising Kansas Drive Estate opening soon with magnificent Building blocks and sensational views.
- Barbara Baikie has been appointed as manager of the Riverina Juvenile Justice Centre.
- Leader of the NSW Democrats, Elizabeth Kirkby, has added her support to the campaign for a new police station in Wagga.
- 145 Mt Erin students entered the Australian English competition with 16 receiving distinctions and 43 receiving credits.
- Former NSW Police Commissioner, John Avery, spoke at the Australian Association of Professional and Applied Ethics conference held at Charles Sturt University.
- Wagga RSL Club has reported a record final profit of $697,353 while Wagga Commercial Club reported a profit of $65,734 after a capital profit of $81,412 on the sale of Gurwood Street residential property.
50 Years Ago
- Two men, both carpenters employed by Buckman’s Building Group were killed instantly when their car was crushed by a goods train at the Edward Street level crossing.
- Road Accidents also claimed five lives on Riverina Roads over the long weekend.
- A special service at St. Johns Church of England, preceded the opening of the Supreme Court sittings in Wagga.
- Riverina Women’s Open Singles Champion, Mrs Pam Crawford won the title for the sixth time in seven years at Tennyson Park Tennis Club.
- Wagga School of Arts players, including Ian Jones, Noel Raynes, Lloyd Barwell and Rae Lindner “scooped the pool” at the Central West Drama Festival held in Coonabarabran.
- Mr John Wright has been appointed manager of the hardware division of Hardy’s Wagga.
- The site of the future Kooringal High School was inspected by local member, Wal Fife, and Area Director of Education Mr L A Findlay.
- Cr. R F Bellears was elected president of the Mitchell Shire Council for his third term taking over from Cr. L H McKelvie who did not seek re-election.
- A man who police alleged said “the only thing I’m sorry for is that I missed him” was acquitted in Wagga Supreme Court of charges of shooting with intent to murder and intent to do grievous bodily harm.
- The City of Wagga Eisteddfod with 2150 entries was opened by Wagga Mayor, Ald. M Gissing.
- Captain D N Coates of Kapooka handed proceeds of the Legacy Golf Day amounting to $350 to past president of Wagga Legacy, Mr Bob Davies.
- Former Wagga singer, Peter Whiting has cut a single record featuring “Rainbow Valley” in Sydney.
- Eighteen teams competed in the Wagga Apex Business Houses Football Carnival.
- Exhibitors from Victoria, N.S.W. and South Australia took part in the Wagga All Breeds Kennel Club championships which also celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the club.
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
