1st October 2022 – In Wagga’s Past – 25 and 50 Years ago.


Compiled from the Daily Advertiser

by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society



25 Years Ago

  • For the next three months, Wagga will be one of 14 metropolitan and regional local government areas trialling a drop in the general speed limit from 60 kilometres an hour to 50 kilometres an hour.
  • Dawn Fraser is pictured in the Daily Advertiser signing her autograph for 11-year-old Lauren O’Brien of Wagga after performing the Official Opening of Wagga’s Show.
  • Wagga Mayor, John Harding, Business Enterprise Centre, Deputy Chairman, Craig Couzens and Member for Wagga, Joe Schipp are pictured in the Daily Advertiser attending the official launch of the Riverina Business and Technology Expo at the Bolton Park Stadium.
  • The Wagga High School Year 12 class of 1982 gathered at the Commercial Club on Saturday night for a 15-year reunion.
  • Officer in Charge, John Darnley is pictured with official guests in the Daily Advertiser at the official commissioning of Wagga’s new $1,000,000 Weather Watch radar.
  • After 20 years in the hotel industry, popular Bridge Tavern publican Kit Gooley is calling it a day.
  • David Stevenson from Morgan Street Cycles, Peter Papas from the new Oceanic fish shop and Peter O’Brien from Wagga Hot Bake are campaigning to retain angle parking in Morgan Street.
  • Zita Denholm was devastated by a break-in at her central Wagga home last week when thieves made off with her engagement ring, which was given to her by her husband, who died only three months ago.
  • Ricks Clothing Co. at 146 Baylis Street is having a School Holiday Sale.
  • Collingullie Ashmont Demons, annual award winners included. Robert Myers. Brad Aiken, Jeremy Radley, Doug Bruckner, Troy Gunning, Noel Breust and Tony Wild.
  • Betty Lehman of Wagga is pictured in the Daily Advertiser inspecting some of the blooms on display at the annual Wagga Orchid Show.
  • A seasonal downturn has forced Michell Sheepskins to lay off 7 staff at its Bomen plant.
  • Local businesspeople. Greg Howick, Bob Bowcher, Will McCaffrey, Debbie Walsh and Joanne McCaffrey are pictured in the Daily Advertiser protesting proposed changes to traffic movements that would prevent Baylis Street traffic from crossing Forsyth Street.
  • Wagga business, Graeme Hull Smash Repairs has provided a van for the local band, Stonehouse.
  • Popular Wagga policeman and Wagga’s Citizen of the Year in 1996, Senior Sergeant P J Lowry, will retire next week after a 37-year career that has earned him countless friends and admirers.

50 Years Ago

  • A total of 147 speeding bookings were made in Wagga over the weekend by the new Special Radar Police unit.
  • Ian Bell, manager of Bell’s Soft Drinks and John Mercer the company’s marketing Manager are pictured in the Daily Advertiser with the two Bell’s Trophy Awards offered for entries in the Lions Club Showtime Parade.
  • The Wagga Lions Club Showtime Parade was actively supported by senior students from all Wagga Schools.
  • The Superintendent of Riverina Police, Superintendent R A B Allen was presented with the Queen’s Medal for distinguished service to the police force by the Governor, Sir Rodin Cutler at an investiture ceremony in Sydney.
  • The Opening regatta of the 1972-73 sailing season was held over two days on Lake Albert.
  • Mr and Mrs B Grimmond dressed in keeping with the “Roaring 20s” theme at the South Wagga Lions Club annual ball. A highlight of the evening was a floor show and dancing to the music of the Mario Baron Orchestra.
  • Nine members of the Wagga Technical College graduated from a 13-week deportment class with a dinner held at the John Macarthur Hotel.
  • The 52nd Eisteddfod has begun in the Civic Theatre and will finish on October 13th.
  • Wagga will lose their two outstanding young tennis players, sisters Kaye and Kerri Hallam when the Hallam family moves from North Wagga to Sydney soon.
  • Membership of the Wagga branch of the Red Cross has increased considerably but the President, Mrs D Hutchinson, has appealed for more new members, to assist with several activities planned through until Christmas.
  • Jim Elphick and Ross Deaner have been re-elected Wagga Tennis Association president and secretary respectively.
  • A garden party was held at “Talofa”, Harefield to introduce Miss Wagga candidate, Vicki McKay.
  • Mr and Mrs Ferris, of Heath St Wagga, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the Methodist Church Hall.
  • Permewan Food Stores are selling Milo or Ovaltine, 49 cents for 14 oz, Vegemite, 23 cents for 4 oz and Weet-Bix, regular pack 36 cents.
  • Rugged centre man Jim Absolum has been named East Wagga’s best and fairest player for 1972.

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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