27th November 2021 – In Wagga’s Past – 25 and 50 Years ago.


Compiled from the Daily Advertiser

by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society



25 Years Ago

  • Controversial councillor, Jim Eldridge was dumped by Wagga Wagga City Council as its finance committee chairman.
  • Resident doctors and registrars at Wagga Base Hospital are striking in protest against the Federal Governments plan to slash Medicare provider numbers.
  • Hewitt Whyman was elected unopposed as chairman of the Binaal Billa Regional Council of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.
  • The new Riverina Regional Development Board has been wracked with claims of political cronyism after Minister for State and Regional Development, Michael Egan announced changes to its membership.
  • A circa 1900 home in Johnston Street was passed in at an auction by auctioneer, Tim West for $306,000, the highest price achieved for a central Wagga property for some time.
  • The Wagga Diocese succumbed to the protests of Catholic teachers announcing a pay rise similar to those awarded recently to State school teachers.
  • Angel Gordon, Mark Shaw, Jim Hutchinson, Jacquie Murray, and Emma Byles were among those attending a Woolworths 25th Anniversary celebration at The Broadway.
  • Consultants, John DÁnvers and Associates have been given first option to lease the Hampden Bridge from Wagga City Council based on the group finding a suitable end use for the bridge.
  • Following the success of his debut single, The Dream Remains the Same, Starmaker winner Darren Coggan launched his new single Let’s Pretend on the main stage at the Wagga Marketplace.
  • Wagga Darts Association winter competition winners were presented with their trophies at the RAFC function centre.
  • Richard Newland, chairman of the Wagga Arts and Cultural Advisory Council is pictured in the Daily Advertiser at the official opening of the Wagga Potters Club in the ARCC building in Tarcutta Street.
  • The Wagga Fishmart in Bourke Street went out of business with the loss of five full-time and 12 part-time jobs.
  • Family matriarch, Thelma Walton is pictured in the Daily Advertiser with five generations of her family.
  • Rachael Herbert and Keturah Dixon were among Girls Brigade cadets who enjoyed the groups presentation night and 25th anniversary at the Ashmont Baptist Church.
  • Hendrika Hatfield, Loven Inglis and Karla Batkin were among those competing at the Wagga gymnastic competition at Bolton Park stadium.
  • The Barry’s home improvement centre in Berry Street will close before Christmas as proprietor, Wayne Carter pursues a blossoming building career.
  • The battle against urban salinity has been prioritised in Wagga City Councils strategic planning.

50 Years Ago

  • South Wagga Lions Club entertained more than 60 elderly folk to a tour of Wagga ending with afternoon tea at the Wagga Boat Club.
  • Wagga’s new Services Recreation Centre was officially opened by Member for Wagga, Mr Wal Fife.
  • Wagga’s Linda Miller who won a fortnights trip to Brampton Island as Miss Wagga Charity Queen has recently also won the title of Miss Brampton Island, a feature event of the Great Barrier Reef Islands Festival.
  • Tributes were paid to retiring Wagga pistol club treasurer, Ald Keith Condon at a well-attended annual general meeting which also saw the re-election of Rob Peacock as president and Bruce Tutty as secretary.
  • Les Bagley was re-elected as president of the Wagga Golf Club with Messrs W Ellis and D Murphy elected as Vice-presidents.
  • Thirty-five students from Wagga High School attended a firearm safety instruction session arranged by the Wagga Gun Club and its president, Barney Rooke.
  • Wagga Beach Life Saving Club is appealing for young Wagga men to join the club and is struggling to continue patrols with its existing membership.
  • Bert Schmidt was elected as president of the Riverina Australian Rules Football Club succeeding Mr Bob Kennedy who retired along with the club’s legal advisor, Mr Charles Houen.
  • Miss Lynda Blankley, Mr Greig Ireland, Miss Maria Hart and Mr John Egan were among more than 70 members and guests who attended a Wagga Twenties Club Dinner Dance at the Wagga City Golf Club.
  • District Agronomist, Mr K Simmons said recent rain has held up crop harvesting and depleted the quality of hay throughout the Riverina.
  • Chris Fox holed in one on the 144 yards par three 14th hole at the Wagga Country Club.
  • The Riverina Ballroom Dancing Championships were held at the Masonic Hall in Tarcutta Street.
  • Mr J Mueller was presented with his Assistant Warrant Scouter certificate by District Commissioner for Scouts, Mr I Bell at the Sixth Wagga Scout Group Christmas party.
  • All Cars in Fitzmaurice Street local agents for Morris, Triumph and Austin are celebrating their 25th Anniversary.
  • $2200 raised by the recruits at Kapooka were presented to various Wagga charities by Sgt. J W Gillan and W.O. J W Sizeland.
  • Dean of Teacher Education at the Riverina College of Advanced Education, Dr John Higgins said that practising teachers will be able to gain additional qualifications offered by the College.
  • Community Aid Abroad is conducting an Asian Handicrafts Bazar at Edmondsons on the first floor near the cafeteria.
  • Mrs Val Samuelson at Tijuana Fabrics and Wool is advertising a selection of fabrics particularly suited to brides and bridesmaids.
  • Roger Dalley has been appointed as the new budget sales manager at the Dunlop Tyre Service.

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

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