We Are Wagga Wagga

25/01/2022

10/05/2020

Happy Mother's Day!

Thanks to some local lovelies for being such good sports on a last minute project and sharing their Mum stories.

It's always fun to work with Mayfly Media.

This is "Mothers Day 2020" by Mayfly Media on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

21/01/2020

Shout out to two local lovelies - Di Somerville and We Are Wagga Wagga alum Holly Conroy - who have been named finalists in the 2020 NSW Women of the Year Awards. The awards recognise leading female artists, academics, entrepreneurs, entertainers, scientists and social activists and we think both Di and Holly are pretty amazing forces in their own right (and already winners in our eyes).

Holly featured in our second edition and we are especially proud of her efforts. She is a proud transwoman and the driving force behind the amazing spectacle that is 2020 Wagga Mardi Gras Festival. Holly was also named the ACON Community Hero last year.

Congratulations!

20/01/2020

You might remember Chris Harmer from our very first edition of We Are. Chris and his wife Carol have two children with Phelan McDermid Syndrome, and we spoke to them about their experiences with Kurrajong Waratah.

Chris was quick to support our fledgling magazine and we will always be grateful for his generosity in sharing his family's story. It was clear from our first encounter that Chris is a loving family man and a proud member of the Wagga community.

We are sad to learn that Chris has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer and we want to send our love and support to the Harmers during this difficult time. We also encourage you to consider showing your support for a beautiful Wagga family in need via this Go Fund Me page, established to help make things a bit easier financially.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/chrisHarmersbattlewithbraincancer

Melanie Burkinshaw Chris Harmer’s battle with Brain Cancer On Wednesday the 8th of January, Chris was sitting at home after finishing work when he suffered a

15/01/2020

We’ve been talking with our friends at Lifeblood about their important work.

They tell us that, thankfully, the bushfires have had minimal impact on the Lifeblood donor centres, with all centres able to maintain their usual operating hours.

But the need for 29,000 blood donations each week continues, so if you’re able to donate, book an appointment here: https://don8blood.com/2ZQF9DO

They also shared with us stories of some of the tireless work their colleagues at Australian Red Cross have done to provide disaster relief and recovery funds to people affected by the bushfires.

You can read about their amazing work here: https://www.redcross.org.au/news-and-media/news/your-donations-in-action

13/01/2020

With bushfires still raging across Australia and the phenomenal response to this national catastrophe fresh in our minds, we can’t help but wonder what’s to come for our beautiful country.

Often, uncertainty can paralyse us. But, as seen in recent weeks – as we've witnessed right here in Wagga – it can also lead us to act.

For us, action *IS* telling stories, especially as we know that our stories can educate, inspire, provide hope, fortify and unite us in new and important ways.

That’s why the next edition of We Are Wagga Wagga will be focused on sustainability – how we as a community meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

If you have a great yarn about individuals, groups, organisations embodying the spirit, talking the talk, walking the walk or simply keeping a firm eye on sustainable practice, we want to hear about it. It could be a story about culture, the environment, community, business, or personal commitment.

Our only parameter is that the stories must relate to what the people of Wagga are doing now to ensure future generations can not only survive but thrive in our fantastic hometown.

Just head to our website to suggest a story or message us here on Facebook.

www.we-are.net.au/getinvolved

10/01/2020

While we are still in an active fire situation now, there will be a time when people are allowed back into fire-affected areas.

That’s when WIRES volunteers will swing into action, setting up feeding stations and looking for injured animals.

Farmers returning to their land will be particularly helpful as the eyes and ears on the ground, as wildlife may have moved from the bush onto their properties and could be caught in fencing.

Over the coming months, people will be needed to restock feed stations. They can also donate items needed to treat sick and injured animals and create things like Mumma rolls and nests (pictured).

As WIRES member Glenda Pym said, “Our animals have been touched by fire, smoke, drought and heat events. Lots of mothers have delayed having babies or have abandoned their young when their milk supplies are inadequate. There will be many, many animals in need of resources, not just on our doorstep but across the state and beyond. That’s why funds and goods are needed. They are going to need to stretch a very, very long way.”

For more information on how you can help, please contact Glenda on [email protected].

09/01/2020

This little guy is Mr 66, who has not been feeling too well and is in the care of a WIRES volunteer, Maria.

If you come across an injured animal while travelling around our region, here are a few pointers:

1. Only stop if it’s safe for you to do so. You must ensure your own safety first.

2. Be aware that wild animals will be stressed. They are going to see you as a threat, so be certain you are equipped and confident before attempting to approach it.

3. If not, take a photograph of the animal and its location and ring it in to 13 000 WIRES (1300 094 737). Note that most animals will need to be returned as close as possible to where they were found.

4. If you can collect the animal safely, call WIRES and seek advice. If the WIRES line is busy and you can’t wait for a response, take the animal to a veterinarian. Don’t try to feed or water the animal.

5. Make your car (or your home if there is a delay seeking help) as quiet and dark as possible. Covering helps reduce the animal’s stress.

09/01/2020

We’re not crying. You’re crying!

09/01/2020

The current climate of fires, drought and heat events has put untold stress on our native animals.

Still very much in an active fire situation, it’s early days for finding injured wildlife, but WIRES carers are heartened by donations that have been rolling in.

WIRES bat coordinator Glenda Pym said this is a time for assembling resources and getting the details of people who can help.

“It’s an evolving situation and we won’t really know what we’re dealing with until we are permitted onto the fire ground, and that could be weeks away.

“But people have been so overwhelmed with what’s happening that they need to do something tangible and practical now. We’ve had a young couple make three possum boxes, and other people making water fountains out of poly pipe.

“On Monday, Calvary Hospital called me about donating out of date IV fluids, syringes, bandages, drop sheets for feeding areas, wound irrigation, tape, padding, wadding. Carers usually pay for these items out of their own pockets, so donations like this free up their funds to do other things.”

In context of the fires, people can do the following things:

• Make a donation to the WIRES Emergency Fund: www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund.

• Keep an eye open for wildlife in trouble. If you see one, take a photo of it and the location and call WIRES 13 000 WIRES (1300 094 737).

• Follow wildlife rescue organisations on social media.

• Get your craft on – make Mumma rolls and other wildlife craft items (there are loads of patterns online) and donate them.

• If you have other donations, reach out to Glenda: [email protected]

More on the wonderful work of WIRES tomorrow.

09/01/2020

Shout out to Kooringal High School and all those involved in their bushfire relief appeal.

Students, staff and volunteers collected items for back-to-school packs for students who have lost their homes in the recent fires.

The response was huge with 500 packs loaded with everything these students will need to return to school.

And it’s not too late to help. Monetary donations are still being accepted. Details in the post below.

Well done to all!

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08/01/2020

Important announcement from the Kildare Bushfire Donation Centre:

08/01/2020

Right now, people are searching for ways they can help.

One idea is to regularly donate blood.

Every donation can help save three lives, and you can donate blood, plasma or platelets – each used for different medical treatments.

To find out if you’re eligible to donate, or to book an appointment, visit www.donateblood.com.au.

We recommend a milkshake and a pack of pretzels after you’re done!

08/01/2020

Voices lifted in song. Just beautiful.

08/01/2020

There is no point sugar coating the fact that many animals have suffered as a result of these fires.

But landholders are not on their own. The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS) are helping landholders and communities with animal welfare-related issues resulting from bushfires.

As well as providing care for the animals in evacuation centres, they are also providing emergency fodder and water for stock, animal assessment and veterinary assistance, livestock feeding and management advice and stock euthanasia and burial assistance.

For concerns about pets, companion animals, wildlife or livestock, people are urged to call the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.

**PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION**

Keep an eye on Riverina Local Land Services and Murray Local Land Services for more information.

08/01/2020

Meet Dexta and his owner Ken.

Dexta is a six-month-old purebred Kelpie who has been staying at the animal evacuation centre in Wagga since last Friday when he was evacuated from Tumbarumba.

Dexta is one of 400+ animals who have been accommodated at the evacuation centre at Wagga Showgrounds.

Ken said Dexta and his three ISA Brown chooks have been well looked after.

“It’s absolutely awesome to have somewhere safe to bring my animals. Dexta has never been away from home, so this has been new for him. I’m just about to take him for a walk.”

If you’re looking for ways to help the animals at the centre and those affected by the bushfires, the best thing to do is to consider donating to animal welfare groups such as RSPCA or WIRES.

08/01/2020

In times of crisis, having a safe place for your animals can make the world of difference.

That’s been the case for many animal owners from Adelong, Batlow, Rosewood, Tumbarumba and Tumut who were evacuated late last week.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS) work together to create animal evacuation centres in times of bushfire and flooding.

The centre at Wagga’s showgrounds was stood up last Thursday. As we are still in the midst of an active fire situation, the centre will remain open until it’s no longer needed.

At its peak, the centre has been the temporary home to 322 birds, 102 dogs, 33 cats, 5 guinea pigs, 2 goats and a tortoise. Horses have been moved to CSU’s equine facilities.

While the animals remain in the care of their owners, who can visit their animals as often as they like – with some camping on site – they have the support of volunteer vets and vet nurses who are keeping a close eye on their animals (a big shout out to the CSU Veterinary staff and students for their fantastic assistance).

While centre staff have been overwhelmed by offers of donations and volunteer hours, they tell us the best thing to do is to consider donations to other welfare groups such as RSPCA NSW or WIRES.

07/01/2020

Stephen and Alison Gilmour, along with their kids Max, Spencer and Hope, generously dropped a few bags of groceries to Kildare Bushfire Donation and Collection Centre yesterday.

They are pictured here with volunteers Cameron Measday, Brodie Manson and Graeme (Mango) Mangelsdorf.

Like many Wagga residents, Alison and Stephen wanted to lend a hand.

“People are hurting. We have a lot of resources available to us and we know many people don’t have the things they need right now. We just wanted to help.”

You can still drop donations to Kildare but the Centre has advised that, due to the overwhelming generosity shown so far, they can now only accept donations of things on the lists they are posting. Keep an eye on their page for details of the latest items needed: https://www.facebook.com/kildarebushfiredonationcentre/

07/01/2020

In emergency situations – facing critical and life-changing circumstances – taking care of the basics of daily life can be difficult. But often, it’s the little things that make all the difference in trying to maintain basic wellbeing.

That’s why volunteers at the Kildare Bushfire Donation and Collection Centre have been stocking welfare and snack packs for various RFS units and return-to-home packs for evacuees to take home when they are permitted return – to help as many people as possible feel some small degree of comfort and support during this difficult time.

Centre Coordinator Karen Murray asks that anyone returning to fire-affected areas with room in their car to speak to her about transporting goods back.

“We don’t want empty cars heading up that way. If you can take goods back with you, that would be a great help.”

For more information, drop into the Kildare Bushfire Donation and Collection Centre, Kildare Street Turvey Park, or message the team on Facebook.

07/01/2020

The team of volunteers at Kildare’s Bushfire Donation and Collection Centre have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Wagga people.

Hundreds of residents have donated thousands of items – toiletries, non-perishable food, household goods, clothes and animal supplies – to the residents of the Snowy Valley evacuated to Wagga, and our brave fireys.

Kildare staff member Karen Murray has been coordinating efforts at the school.

“We saw the need. Kildare had the space. I had the time. We have a core team of 10 volunteers but on any given day we can have upwards of 20 people here sorting through donations and helping people find what they need.

“We’ve had people donating goods before work and again after work. Some have been back 10 times to drop off donations. I think people are feeling helpless and this is one small way we can help people in need.

"Some people have lost everything. Others are yet to determine what’s left behind. Everyone is facing different circumstances but anyone who has been evacuated is encouraged to come to Kildare to get the things they need.

“The response from evacuees has been amazing. People are so grateful and are sending through the most beautiful messages of thanks. Some are also paying it forward by also donating goods now that they’re back at home.”

Karen said if people want to help, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the Kildare Bushfire Donation and Collection Centre page, as regular updates on the items most needed are posted there: https://www.facebook.com/kildarebushfiredonationcentre/

The Centre will be open and again accepting donations tomorrow.

07/01/2020

Just like most Wagga residents, we have watched on, heartbroken, as bushfires ravage our nation. We have kept our children sheltered from the smoke. We have come home early from family holidays. We have donated goods and blood and money.

We can’t be there to save lives and properties at the fire-front, so we are doing what we know how to do – share stories of hope.

We want to share as much information as we can on how to help while also sharing some of the positive stories to come out of this tragedy.

Wagga has a big, generous heart. We are, once again, proud to call this place home.

07/08/2019

With each interview we do, we are invariably left encouraged and inspired.

It’s fair to say that we were left in awe of Aunty Flo Grant as she told us brave tales of exploring the world and finding her place in it. Of teaching others about Wiradjuri culture. Of moving our country that little be closer to healing.

Even in her 80s, she had a girlish giggle and a mischievous glint in her eyes. We are richer for having been able to talk with her and share some of her story with our readers. And our community is richer for her having been a part of it.

Vale Aunty Flo.

19/06/2019

“Never let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough.”

We couldn’t agree more, Alicia Quirk!



https://www.playersvoice.com.au/alicia-quirk-conquering-our-fears/ .97

People laughed when Alicia Quirk left touch footy for full-contact rugby sevens. This is what she discovered going against what society expects of women and girls.

07/08/2018

A big congratulations to We Are’s resident triathlete, the irrepressible Ryan Miller, who competed at the Asia Pacific 70.3 held in the Philippines on the weekend.

Ryan was Age Group Champion despite cutting his foot exiting the swim and a mishap on the bike that saw him go over the handlebars and into the centre barricade.

“I’m happy my Kona Ironman preparation is on track with a win at the 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships. It has been a big build up throughout the Wagga winter with nine weeks to go ‘til I hit Hawaii. It’s great to represent Wagga and all the people and local businesses that support me on this journey to race around the globe competing against the world’s best.”

03/08/2018

Shout out to We Are. alum Clare Brassil who has been kicking goals again...

This time Clare has received the 2019 Cliff Goodchild Music Education Scholarship for professional development in music education. With this scholarship Clare will further hone her conducting and band direction skills in her position at The Riverina Anglican College.

Well done Clare!

02/08/2018

If you missed our Edition 1 cover boy Dane Simpson doing himself and Wagga proud on HYBPA earlier this week, do yourself a favour and check it out: https://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/have-you-been-paying-attention/2018/7/30

We love this funny man!

We loved having Dane Simpson - Comedian on last night's !

27/07/2018

Shout out to ‘We Are. Wagga Wagga’ alum Amy Gray who has been busy kicking goals...

As Director of Lil' Melodies, Amy has secured a contract to provide an online learning resource for around 30,000 members of the NSW Public Libraries Association.

The intent of the Lil’ Melodies Inclusive Resource Program is to offer ideas and strategies on how to create and maintain inclusive programs and ensure all children – whatever their backgrounds, characteristics or expectations – have a positive opportunity to thrive.

“Obviously owning Lil' Melodies and being a mum to a child on the spectrum has given me great experience on how to create a more inclusive environment within the classroom, which I shared at the Association’s 2017 SWITCH Conference. I’m stoked to now be able to share this resource with so many educators.”

Well done, Amy!

11/07/2018

As pillars of our society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play – active and significant roles in our community. Their achievements and unwavering passion have empowered past generations and pave the way for generations to come.

The theme of NAIDOC Week is “Because of her, we can!”

This week, Aunty Flo Grant has been top of mind for us. She is one of the strong, beautiful Aboriginal woman in our community doing her bit to ensure we acknowledge our nation’s true and full history, and honour the culture and contributions of our Indigenous peoples.

25/06/2018

For 30 years, Multicultural Council Of Wagga Wagga Inc. has promoted diversity and harmony in our city.

We are thankful for the work they have done in welcoming newcomers here, and to all those who have made Wagga their home for enriching our community.

If, like us, you believe in harmony and the humanity that unites us, you can say thank you by sharing this clip.

https://vimeo.com/245849118/49d12eb15f

This is "Multicultural Council - Social Media Video" by Next In Line Films on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

24/04/2018

This April 25, we asked 'We Are' alum Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Stephens for her thoughts on ANZAC Day.

Former Commanding Officer at Kapooka - Home of the Soldier, Elizabeth now works in the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, setting up a new office acquiring Army aviation systems.

“On ANZAC Day our small sacrifice of a couple of hours’ sleep in a comfortable bed allows us to pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice others before us have given for this great nation. It is an opportunity for the community to gather, reflect and recognise the service of Defence members, past and present. It is a public expression of gratitude which resonates to the present day. Lest we forget.”

How will you mark ANZAC Day?

18/04/2018

Just two Wagga gals hanging out together at the Commonwealth Games… thanks to Rugby 7s silver medallist and 'We Are' alum Alicia Quirk for sending us this great pic with Carly Salmon, who did us proud in the T35 100m final. Congrats to you both, ladies. Awesome effort!

16/04/2018

We might be a little late with this but it's never too late to congratulate. A big well done to Wagga's very own Alicia Quirk!!

It's a silver medal for the Australian women's rugby seven team at the Commonwealth Games! 🥈🏈🇦🇺

What a nail biter of a game! 😮

After going into extra time, the team went down to New Zealand 🇳🇿 in the grand final 17-12.

Team captain, Batlow's Sharni Williams, had to sit the game out due to an injury, but Wagga Wagga's Alicia Quirk shone on the field.

📸:

27/03/2018

In working on this magazine, we are constantly surprised and delighted by the people we share this community with. Our cover girl Kate Morell is a perfect case in point…

Part of what drives us to tell the stories with ‘We Are’ is the knowledge that so much goes on in the lives of others that we never get to see – despite the fact we may see them everyday at the shops, at school drop off, on the sporting field etc.

Our cover girl Kate Morell is a perfect case in point. Kate is so beautifully open in sharing her life’s journey with her followers on social media and we’re constantly learning new things about this amazing woman.

For instance, Kate is right now writing her memoir. Her story has so many interesting facets and subplots that it is sure to be a pageturner. While you wait for her life’s story to hit the shelves, you can get an insight into Kate’s life in this edition of ‘We Are. Wagga Wagga’.

25/03/2018

We are looking forward to seeing Dane Simpson (featured in our first edition) on ABC Comedy tonight. Performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala is a wonderful achievement. Well done Dane!

Hey my People...

A DREAM OF MINE CAME TRUE... 😌
I performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala.
It’s on ABC COMEDY on Sunday or ABC iview.

Also, Oxfam work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their organisations to develop solutions and innovative answers to the problems they face.

If you’d also like to show your support for Oxfam – you can let people know that they can simply donate $5 by texting SMILE to 1996 77 77.

23/03/2018

No wonder Dj Pieroway is smiling – she gets to work at CSU Wines AND read ‘We Are. Wagga Wagga’. If you’re out on campus or visiting the Cellar Door this Easter, don’t forget to grab your copy.

21/03/2018

Before many of us were even out the door this morning, hundreds of Teys staff were already at work and taking part in Harmony Day celebrations.

Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. With 938 staff and 40 nationalities, Teys is a great example of harmony in action.

We thank Teys for sponsoring our Diversity edition and for sharing these photos with us today.

Happy Harmony Day, folks!

19/03/2018

Looking for a little inspiration to get you through another working week?

Check out Johnny ‘Pop’ Gorkom’s relentless work ethic… 74 years of age, 14 hours a day, 7 days a week and he loves it! Did we mention he works while most of us are sleeping?

Read Pop’s story on page 19 of the current edition of ‘We Are. Wagga Wagga’.

16/03/2018

If you're out and about this weekend, make sure to drop in to Lumela Coolamon.

You can now pick up 'We Are. Wagga Wagga' while you browse Bec’s beautifully curated selection of homewares and gifts.

We are so fortunate to have fabulous stockists – truly lovely people supporting our little mag.

13/03/2018

As big believers in diversity in our community, we found this conversation on ABC The Drum interesting. 'We Are. Wagga Wagga' has introduced us to some wonderful people who have migrated to Australia and make important contributions to our community. Not all have been able to speak English and we wonder what they make of this? What are your thoughts?

06/03/2018

How are you marking International Women's Day on Thursday?

Our charity for our diversity edition, Wagga Women's Health Centre, is hosting the Woman 2 Woman free expo from 10am-3pm at the Multicultural Council Of Wagga Wagga Inc. in Station Place.

Keynote speaker is Constance Okot, who you'll know from the wonderful documentary Constance on the Edge. Get along if you can.

Woman will be celebrated all over the world on Thursday, and Wagga is no exception.