Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Council NewsFIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2015

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL Issue 30

Weekly information from us to you

The Robertson Oval pitch is in pristine condition and the field is looking lush as Wagga Wagga gets ready to showcase Sheffield Shield cricket next weekend.

The NSW Blues will take on

Victoria in the four-day game, which starts on Sunday 15 February.

Wagga District Cricket Association members have been rolling the pitch and working hard to ensure a quality play surface for the Blues and Bushrangers.

While the final squads are not decided, it is expected a slew of stars will descend on Robertson Oval with the likes of Nathan Lyon, Moises Henriques, Doug Bollinger, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Cameron White, Matt Wade and James Pattinson all

available for selection.Lyon, who hails from

Young and was a ground staff team member at Adelaide Oval and at Manuka Oval before that, told Council News he was looking forward to spending some time in the region.

“I don’t get back to the Riverina that often unfortunately,” he said.

“I’d like to get there a little bit more to see my mother, father and grandmother.

“With my job now I spend a lot of time away from home, so whenever I get back there it is always good to catch up with family.”

Lyon believed bringing Sheffield Shield cricket to regional centres like Wagga would benefit the game and help nurture the next generation of first class players.

“I am looking forward to getting down to

Robertson Oval and taking Shield

cricket to Wagga Wagga,” he said. “Hopefully we see plenty of local

kids come out to the match.” NSW captain Henriques agreed

and was particularly keen to see the hometown of Blues bowling coach Geoff Lawson.

One of the many talents that help make Wagga the City of Good Sports, Lawson was a fast bowler for NSW and Australia and also had a stint coaching Pakistan.

“The players won’t have much knowledge of the ground at Wagga Wagga, but information

tells me we’ll be training on Geoff Lawson’s namesake ground,” Henriques said.

“I think we should have a bit of inside knowledge from big Geoffro and he’ll be able to pass on some information on how that wicket plays.”

Heading into this weekend’s game against Tasmania, NSW is currently ranked fourth with 19.12 points. Victoria sits on top of the table with 28.21 points, with Western Australia (22.01) second and Tasmania (20.38) third.

PITCH PERFECTStage set for Sheffield Shield in Wagga

NATIONAL APOLOGY DAYFRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2015 | 11AM — 1PM

The official ceremony will be followed by a cultural discussion “Working on Country: Reconnecting with Culture and Heritage” led by respected local Wiradjuri man, James Ingram, on behalf of Riverina Local Land Services, at the Wollundry Amphitheatre overlooking the Wollundry Lagoon.

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL CIVIC CENTRE FORECOURT CNR BAYLIS AND MORROW STREETS WAGGA WAGGAPLEASE RSVP TO 6926 9358

FREE ADMISSION | EVERYONE WELCOME

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT WWW.WAGGA.NSW.GOV.AU/APOLOGYDAY

PREPARATIONS: Wagga District Cricket Association greenkeeper Stephen Stapleton prepares the Robertston Oval pitch for the Sheffield Shield match, which begins on Sunday 15 Feburary.

I am looking forward to

getting down to Robertson

Oval and taking Shield

cricket to Wagga Wagga

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Nearly 6000 flock to see Brumbies take on Highlanders

Register now for Clean Up Australia Day

Australia Day is done and dusted, but now it’s time to tidy up.

Clean Up Australia Day will be held on Sunday 1 March 2015 with the event celebrating 25 years of neatening the nation.

Business Clean Up Australia Day is on Tuesday 24 February, while schools are invited to take part in Schools Clean Up Australia Day on Friday 27 February.

“Clean Up Australia Day is a positive way to get involved in your community and participate in valuable volunteer work,” Wagga Wagga City Council Environmental Education

Officer Alice Kent said.“We can all work together

to help keep our city clean and safe for all to enjoy.

“Business Clean Up Australia is a great opportunity for workplaces to participate in their community.

“Many organisations look for opportunities to involve their staff in community work and what better way to contribute than by promoting a healthy, safe and clean city.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can register a site online by 10 February to ensure the delivery of clean up kits.

Residents can find out more information and register online at www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au.

“Suggested clean up locations are around popular recreation sites that have been highly utilised during the summer months, such as along the river or around Lake Albert,” Ms Kent said.

Due to workplace safety and existing roadside litter projects, road side sites will not be eligible for registration in 2015.

If you need assistance with selecting an appropriate site, contact Ms Kent on 1300 292 442.

Wagga Wagga City Council will mark 2015 National Apology Day at an official ceremony on 13 February.

A cultural discussion titled “Working on Country: Reconnecting with Culture and Heritage” led by respected local Wiradjuri man James Ingram on behalf of Riverina Local Land Services will be held afterwards at the Wollundry Amphitheatre.

“It is important to commemorate the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous people as it marked an important step in the right direction by our government towards healing for the many people, including local community members, who had been personally affected by the policies that resulted in the Stolen Generation,” Aboriginal Youth and Community Development Officer Ashleigh Pengelly said.

The Federal Government Apology also represented the completion of one of five of the key measures of reparation recommended in the 1997 Bringing Them Home Report.

For more information, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/apologyday.

To assist with catering, please RSVP by 10 February by phone to 6926 9358.

Wagga to mark 2015 National Apology Day

The reconstruction of Forsyth Street is nearing completion.

Preparation for final sealing will start today and is scheduled to be completed on Friday 14 February, weather permitting.

Shops will remain open and can be accessed via the business precinct car park.

Local access for residents along with pedestrian access will be maintained during this period.

FORSYTH STREET ROAD WORKS

Phone: 1300 292 442www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/roadclosures

Nearly 6000 rugby fans flocked to McDonald’s Park last weekend to see the Brumbies take on the Highlanders in a thrilling Super Rugby trial match.

In a game of two halves, the Brumbies lost an early lead in their last pre-season game before the season proper to go down to the Highlanders 24-19.

The game was the first of two to be held in Wagga, with the Brumbies raring to return in 2016 as part of the partnership between the club, Council, Southern Inland Rugby Union and ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union.

On Saturday night, the first two quarters started in a remarkably similar fashion with a Tevita Kuridrani try in the opening minutes.

Henry Speight went over the try line not long after and a successful conversion by Christian Lealiifano took the score to 19-0.

However, that would be the last points the Brumbies would score as the crowd was treated to an amazing fight back from the Highlanders.

The second half began with a converted try to the Highlanders and another soon followed to narrow the deficit to 19-14.

The Highlanders were left to play with a 14-man side when Ryan Tongia was red-carded in the 58th minute for a dangerous tackle and Brumbies player Nic White followed soon after with 10 minutes in the sin bin.

With 12 minutes remaining, the Highlanders took the lead for the first time before sealing the win with a penalty kick with five minutes left.

Fast-thinking members of Council’s vegetation management team have stopped a possible outbreak of a class 1 state prohibited noxious weed in its tracks.

Council staff were alerted to the sale of Frogbit on eBay and after making contact with the Wagga-based seller through the site, were able to seize and destroy the dangerous plant.

Land Management Officer Jeremy Crocker said the South American plant may look harmless, but divides and multiplies as it slowly chokes out life in waterways.

“There’s no wild population of it in NSW, that’s why it’s a class 1 weed,” he said.

“Once it covers the water it will start to multiply on top of itself, then the bottom plants don’t get sun.

“Those plants then die and fall to the bottom.

“When they start to break down they’ll take

all the oxygen out of the water and that will cause the water to go brackish, which in turn will kill the fish and lessens the water quality.”

Council officers visited the seller’s home in Glenfield Park on 21 January and found a large amount of the weed.

The seller was unaware of the declared status of Frogbit, but was extremely co-operative and assisted in the collection of plants.

“We found two medium-sized aquariums full and a shell pool full as well,” Mr Crocker said.

A small amount of the weed will be kept for educational purposes and to help residents assist in identifying Frogbit.

Wagga Wagga City Council advises all residents to buy plants only from reputable nurseries. If you think you may have Frogbit or have any other enquiries, please contact WWCC’s Vegetation Management team.

BANNED: Land Management Officer Jeremy Crocker with some of the Frogbit (inset) seized from a residence in Glenfield Park recently. Council’s Vegetation Management team were alerted to the sale of the class 1 state prohibited noxious weed on eBay.

Weed killers: Council staff stop online sale of prohibited plant

What is Frogbit?Frogbit (also known as Sponge Plant Limnobium laevigatum)  is  a  floating aquatic plant, which can be mistaken for Water Hyacinth due  to  their  superficial similarity. Juvenile plants grow in rosettes of  floating  leaves  that  lie upon the water surface. A distinguishing character of the juvenile plant is the presence of spongy tissue on the underside of the leaf.

Mature plants can grow up to 50cm tall and have small, white, and unisexual flowers. Frogbit can reproduce and distribute sexually through flower  pollination  and seed production, and also through fragmentation of stolon segments. Being buoyant, the juvenile plants can spread easily as they can be carried quickly by water currents.

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

COMING UP THIS WEEK:THE LIZARD OF OZSat 7, Sun 8 Feb 6pmA fantastic locally written, produced and directed outdoor family production. Created by the makers of Backyard Ashes, the show will feature a fully professional, all-star Wagga cast with some of our finest performers and crew returning from capital cities. For all the family! Wollundry Lagoon Amphitheatre, Burns Way, off Tarcutta Street. For more info call the Civic Theatre on 6926 9688DOWNSIDE BUSH DANCESat 7 February7:30pm to Midnight. A great time for the whole family. Downside Hall, off Coolamon Road. Ph: 6925 4800

3C’S MARKETSun 8 February9am to 2pm. Craft, coffee, chat. Wagga Wagga High School, Macleay Street. Ph: 0408 169 967

WAGGA CLASSIC CHARITY FISHING COMPETITIONSat 7 & Sun 8 FebruarySat: 6am to 6pm, Sun: 6am to 12pm. A catch and release

charity fishing event with over $60,000 worth of prizes to win. Anglers attend from all over Australia to fish the 38km competition zone and celebrity fisherman Steve “Starlo” Starling will be in attendance. Base: Big 4 Wagga Wagga Holiday Park, Hammond Avenue. Head to www.waggaclassic.com.au for more details and fishing area. Entry: Adults $30, Children $10. Ph: 0418 653 822

WAGGA PRO RODEOSat 7 FebruaryGates open 3pm, starts 5pm. Australian Professional Rodeo Association rodeo with bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, time events, barrel race. Comedy with Locky Kosser Animal Antics. Tickets: Adults $25, Child U/16 $10, Child U/5 Free, Family $60 (2A,2C). EQUEX Centre, cnr Copland Street and Kooringal Road. Ph: 0427 202 391

MTC TAB RACE MEETINGMon 9 February12pm. Adults $8, Concession $5. Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers Street. Ph: 6921 2151

EAT LOCAL THURSDAYThurs 12 February2.30pm to 6.30pm. Free entry. Weekly farmers market.

Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers Street. Ph: 0427 441 107

ONE BOOK ONE WAGGAFri 13 February6pm. Book lovers of our fair city are invited to join us when we unveil the Library’s One Book One Wagga Novel 2015. Wagga City Library, Civic Centre, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets. Ph: 6926 9700

TWILIGHT BY THE LAGOON “LOVE BY THE LAGOON”Fri 13 February6pm. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Riverina Chamber Orchestra Collective, with roving performers from “The Fool Factory” from 6pm and the main performance from 7pm. Bring a picnic supper. In the event of bad weather this event will be cancelled. Wollundry Lagoon Amphitheatre, Burns Way, off Tarcutta Street. For more info call the Civic Theatre on 69269688

CARL BARRON - DRINKING WITH A FORKFrom Fri 13 February 8pmAfter taking a year off to star in his first feature film, Carl returns at his brilliant best with his brand new show. Don’t miss Australia’s most popular comedian. For more info call the Civic Theatre on 6926 9688.

For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.

To promote your event or for a complete list of events go to: visitwagga.com or call 1300 100 122. facebook.com/waggaevents

Visitor Information Centre temporarily closed

clean upAustralia Day

Wagga Wagga City Council and the Wagga Wagga Tidy Town Committee, with support from SITA Environmental Solutions and Cleanaway, invite residents to register sites for Clean Up Australia Day 2015. Find a spot you love, gather some friends and make it shine. Register your participation at www.cleanupaustraliaday.com.au. Please note roadside sites are not eligible for registration.

MORE INFORMATIONPlease contact Alice Kent on 1300 292 442.

www.wagga.nsw.gov.au

Sunday 1 March 2015

epa.nsw.gov.au/litter

Litter fines average $200.Don’t be a tosser, take your rubbish with you.

HEY TOSSER!You know it’s wrong

www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/litter

music at midday

FOR GROUP BOOKINGSCivic Theatre Booking OfficePh: 6926 9688 or E: boxoffice@civictheatre.com.au

This is a free community event

Australian Army Band Kapooka

www.civictheatre.com.au

Wednesday 12.00 NOON18 FEBRuARY 2015

Visitor Information Centre to be temporarily closed due to works

Due to necessary maintenance by Essential Energy, the Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Monday 9 February 2015 from 9am to 1pm. During this period visitors will be directed to the Visit Wagga website and also to customer service in the

Civic Centre where a Visitor Economy team member will assist with any enquiries.

Any delays or changes to the reopening of the centre will be communicated through Council’s website and social media.

If residents or businesses have any concerns, please contact Council on 1300 292 442.

“Today’s pleasures beckon stronger than tomorrow’s pain.”

I first heard this quote when I first started my financial planning career more than 15 years ago. It has stuck with me ever since. It resonated with me not only because people tend to spend more than they earn, but also, since taking a keen interest in politics, I have noticed that governments also like to spend more than they earn.

In Australia today, we face an enormous challenge. That is to live within our means. At the Federal, State and Local Government level, we are seeing large levels of borrowings to fund the shortfall in revenue that is a result of higher expenditure.

The issue we have to face, as concerned citizens, is who will pay for this. We can make the hard decisions today, and rein in

our spending ... or we can simply allow our children, grandchildren or perhaps great-grandchildren pay for our self-serving attitudes.

How big can the problem be? Well, looking at the projected budgets of all governments the results are not pretty.

Add to this an ageing population and we are heading for a budgetary time bomb that politicians are only too happy to sweep under the carpet.

At a local government level, councils salivate at the prospect of the “special rate variations” which allows them to avoid the hard decisions that need to be made to fix the deficits. Wagga Wagga recently endured six years of special rate variations, which ended in 2012, and already there is pressure for another.

The cost of living for ordinary residents is rising well beyond wage increases. Add to this increases in

local government rates beyond the rate peg and we will continue to see living standards fall in Australia.

Politicians at all levels of government need to have a serious conversation with Australians to explain that our future standard of living cannot be funded by debt.

Councillor Julian McLaren

Councillor Column councillor.mclaren@wagga.nsw.gov.au

In celebration of World Wetlands Day, Wagga Wagga City Council has marked the next step in the Narrung Wetlands development.

Tenders for the project have been received and are being evaluated, with a report to go to Council’s February meeting and works may potentially begin next month.

Team Leader Environmental Management, Tony Phelps, said it was exciting to see the wetland development take shape.

“The project will redevelop the redundant tertiary treatment ponds at Narrung Street into a natural wetland

area,” he said.“The Narrung Wetlands will become

a valuable community resource for educational, environmental, cultural and passive recreational activities, with links to the Wiradjuri Reserve, Wilks Park and the Riverside Precinct via the Wiradjuri Walking Track.”

By converting the ponds into an aquatic, passive recreation facility a number of other benefits will be created, including:• Beneficial reuse of the water reclaimed

from the treatment processes• Reduction in nutrient loads to the

Murrumbidgee River

• Biodiversity enhancement of a wildlife habitat, focusing on attracting water birds, including migratory birds

• A link to the Indigenous heritage of the area

• A potential stocking and breeding resource for endangered fish species

• An educational resource, focusing on aquatic ecology

• An environmental management show piece and tourist attractionJoining Council to mark World

Wetlands Day was Riverina Local Land Services, which is a funding partner for the project along with NSW Environmental Trust.

Council, LLS mark World Wetlands Day

Register for the People’s Panel

NEXT STEP: Taking a look at the Narrung Wetlands concept design are (from left) Riverina Local Land Services (LLS) General Manager Rob Kelly, Manager Environment and Recreation Services Mark Gardiner, Environmental Management Team Leader Tony Phelps and LLS’s Greg Packer.

It’s your last chance to register for The People’s Panel before it launches next week with its first discussion topic.

Registrations for the inaugural panel can be made up until midnight, Sunday 8 February.

Applications can still be made to join the panel and the membership will be reviewed annually.

The first consultation will begin on Monday with the topic to be Playground Strategy.

The panel is an online forum where you can share your thoughts with other community members and help shape Council policy.

Both individuals and community groups can join the panelnt to see our community through your eyes on a range of topics throughout the year.

To join The People’s Panel, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/waggaview.

Existing Your Say Wagga users can register their interest to join the People’s Panel by logging on to their account and editing their profile.

For more information, contact Wagga Wagga City Council’s Community Engagement Officer Lauren Fitzgerald on 1300 292 442.

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

p 1300 292 442e council@wagga.nsw.gov.auw www.wagga.nsw.gov.aua Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

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NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURENotice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: - Road: Fitzmaurice Street (between Kincaid Street and Morrow Street)Date: From Sunday 22 February 2015 for approximately 6 nightsDuration: 7pm - 6amReason: Night asphalt remediation worksDetour: As signpostedMore information: www.wagga.

nsw.gov.au/roadclosures

RFT 2015-015 TRADE SERVICES PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, DATA CABLING, RADIO COMMUNICATIONSSuitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT 2015-015 – Trade Services Plumbing, Electrical, Data Cabling, Radio Communications” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 25 February 2015. Enquiries should be directed to Mr Tony Powell on 6926 9646 or powell.tony@wagga.

nsw.gov.au Specifications at nil cost can be accessed on the following web address: www.tenderlink.com/wagga

NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALWagga Wagga City Council has received the following application to carry out “Development” under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.DA15/0018, Dual Occupancy & Community Title Subdivision, 4 Mulberrygong Court GOBBAGOMBALIN NSW 2650, Lot 65 DP 1197530, Applicant: G & D Bennett Pty Ltd DA15/0022, Attached Dual Occupancy (2 x 3 bedroom), 46B

Slocum St WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650, Lot 2 DP 1022093, Applicant: DA & JR McIntyre Homes Name of Consent Authority: Wagga Wagga City CouncilThe subject application and accompanying documentation, may be inspected at the following address until the closure of exhibition.Submission Period: 09/02/2015 to 23/02/2015Where: Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga (Customer Service Counter).When: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays).Any person seeking to make a submission in relation to the abovementioned development

should address all correspondence to the Consent Authority to be received prior to 5:00pm on the final day of the exhibition period. If any submission is made by way of objection, the grounds of objection must be specified in the submission.Persons lodging submissions are required to declare political donations (including donations of more than $1,000) made in the previous two years. For more details, including disclosure form, go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/donations.Persons making written submissions regarding the above development are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Privacy

and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPPA) and may be attached to the final report, in its entirety or in part, to Council unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur.Enquiries: Further details relating to the matter can be obtained by contacting the Council’s Development Services. If you have any enquiries regarding the application, or about making submission, please telephone Development Services on 1300 292 442.

Public Notices

Phil Pinyon, GENERAL MANAGER

This week’s pet of the week is Meg, an older female Jack Russell terrier who is slightly more mature but still active.

Meg has a beautiful, affectionate and loving nature. She loves a cuddle and a scratch and would make a great addition to a family as an indoor companion or any property with small to large yard and good fences.

Being a Jack Russell terrier, she would love a daily walk to burn off a bit

of energy and plenty of attention.

Meg can be adopted for $314.45, which would include vaccinations, desexing, worming, microchipping, lifetime registration and a vet check.

You can meet Meg and her friends at Glenfield Road Animal Shelter from Monday to Saturday, 1pm to 4.15pm.

For further information, contact the friendly animal management rangers on 6971 4651 or visit www.rescuerex.webs.com

Meet Meg

TEAM LEADER VISITOR ECONOMYRemuneration: Min $1,318.84 gpw + superEnquiries: Naomi Stuart - 02 6926 9145Closing Date: Wednesday 18 February 2015

TEAM LEADER CEMETERYRemuneration: Min $1,155.70 gpw + superEnquiries: Colin Scott - 0408 639 366Closing Date: Monday 16 February 2015

GREENKEEPERRemuneration: Min $922.19 gpw + superEnquiries: Ben Nimmo - 0417 454 943Closing Date: Monday 16 February 2015

HORTICULTURALISTRemuneration: Min $922.19 gpw + superEnquiries: Graeme Clark - 0408 149 168Closing Date: Tuesday 17 February 2015

TEMPORARY CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICERTemporary Placement until 26 June 2015Remuneration: Min $966.91 gpw + superEnquiries: Meredith Hester - 02 6926 9102Closing Date: Friday 13 February 2015

careers at councilWAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

VACANCIES

To view these opportunities and apply, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

Values - Part of everything we do Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork

Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

Council staff support good cause

GIVING BACK: Wagga Wagga City Library’s Food for Fines campaign came to an end on 31 January, with hundreds of donations ready to be sent on to the Salvation Army. The Salvos have already collected 25 boxes worth of non-perishable food items from the Library, which will help refill their pantry after the busy Christmas period. Council staff got behind the cause with a mufti day and morning tea. Looking over the pile of food brought in by Council staff are Cultural Officer Tracie Miller (left) and Business and Communications Support Officer Melissa Donges.

Work is progressing well on the Eunony Bridge Road Deviation Project with bulk earthworks under way for the new roundabout on the corner of Oura Road and Byrnes Road.

Recent works have included the installation and relocation of underground power lines, optic fibre, Telstra cables and covered gas lines.

All substandard subgrade material has been removed from the alignment of the new road and replaced with a more suitable select fill, in preparation for the placement

of the gravel that will form the pavement for the new road.

Oura Road will be closed to traffic between Hale Street and Byrnes Road for approximately 12 weeks while the roundabout is being built, with appropriate detours in place for both heavy and light vehicles.

The Eunony Bridge Road Deviation Project is on track to be completed by 30 June 2015, and will allow Eunony Bridge Road to connect directly with Byrnes Road and through to the Bomen Business Park.

Roundabout construction works under way

Acclaimed screenwriter to share skills with aspiring filmmakers

Learn the write stuff at ScriptLab workshop

A leading Australian screenwriter will mentor 10 up-and-comers over a four-day workshop aimed at developing local film and TV projects.

Project partners Wagga Wagga City Council, Eastern Riverina Arts and the Booranga Writers Centre are putting the call out for budding and early-career scriptwriters who are eager to improve their craft, or even finalise a script for film or television.

Screenwriter and editor Peter Neale will focus not only on the writing process, but also on the various pathways people take to get projects off the ground.

Mr Neale is a former head of screenwriting at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), and has written scripts from some of the biggest productions in Australian television,

including Water Rats, All Saints, Heartbreak High and A Country Practice. He also edited the script of the hit film Chopper.

“This is an exciting opportunity for local writers to develop their film scripts with a world class screen writer,” Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Officer Tracie Miller said.

“Peter Neale will be working closely with the writers to develop their scripts.

“The benefit of this workshop being spread across two weekends is that the writers can take their scripts home after the first weekend, work on it, and then bring it back in May for Peter to critique their work.

“The community really got behind the Backyard Ashes team, and we hope that the scripts developed through ScriptLab in Wagga

might eventuate with another film project to call our own.”

This program forms part of Onscreen Riverina by Eastern Riverina Arts, which is designed to foster film production across the region. Last year Eastern Riverina Arts brought a professional film scout through the region to train photographers in the art of location scouting. In the process, hundreds of potential film locations were added to ScreenNSW’s locations database.

Scriptlab is made possible through funding from ScreenNSW.

The workshops will take place at the Booranga Writers Centre over weekends in March and May at a cost of $250.

For more information, contact Eastern Riverina Arts on 6921 6890. www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/eunonydeviation