Friends Of The Gardens' donation to help zoo crew

Visitors to Wagga Wagga’s Botanic Gardens and Zoo have contributed greatly to the purchase of a new electric utility vehicle to assist Council staff in their daily duties looking after the animals.

Generous donations by the public who visit the popular recreation area have been collected by The Friends of the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens group over a number of years.

The group worked closely with Council staff to come up with ideas on how to best spend the money to the benefit of the gardens, which is one of the most utilised parks in the city.

A electric utility vehicle valued at almost $14,000 was recently presented to Council by Friends of the Gardens’ members Bill and Irene Toal.

The Toals’ grandson Louis Reid, who works with Council as a horticulturalist, was also present at the car’s handover.

“It’s fantastic to have another asset such as this electric utility to use around the gardens and especially in the zoo,” Council’s Manager Parks and Strategic Operations Henry Pavitt said.

“It is so quiet and does not spook the animals. It’s a handy vehicle to use at feeding times and because of its size, it allows us a lot more vehicular access to certain areas. It can also reduce a number of manual processes and therefore reduces the potential for injuries.

“We want to recognise the work the Friends of the Gardens group contribute to this great area within the city, and also the generous donations from visitors who have contributed to this by dropping their coins into the donation boxes. It is all greatly appreciated.”

Pictured above: The Friends of the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens representatives Irene (front left) and Bill Toal (centre) handed over the new electric utility vehicle to Wagga Wagga City Council’s Mayor Cr Greg Conkey OAM, Louis Reid, Kira McBeath and Director Corporate Services Natalie Te Pohe this week.