Plans to shape city's growing future
Published: 24 Jan 2020 2:10pm
Two new draft plans set to shape Wagga Wagga’s cultural landscape and establish the city as a major events destination are now open for community feedback.
Designed to build on Wagga Wagga’s reputation as a beautiful, vibrant and fun place to live, the Wagga Wagga Cultural Plan 2020–2030, and the Events Strategy and Action Plan 2020–2024 were unveiled this week after months of community consultation and preparation.
The cultural plan outlines a vision for the city’s growth over 10 years, proposing new cultural facilities, a more expansive program of arts and events, and opportunities for a thriving creative sector to spread innovation throughout our community.
Wagga City Council Cultural Officer Tim Kurylowicz is eager to hear the community’s thoughts.
“This is an ambitious plan that will bring new opportunities to both residents and visitors of the Wagga Wagga region. It will grow the night time economy, increase learning and entertainment options for residents of every age and ability, and make it easier for community and cultural groups to work, learn and create together.
“The Cultural Plan proposes new event spaces on the Riverside, expanding library services and increasing the capacity of the Civic Theatre.
“Also key to the plan is a new multi-use Community Arts Centre, right in the heart of the city, and we want to hear from users and groups who might be interested in using it.”
The action isn’t just focused on the city centre.
“Arts and creativity connect us all,” Mr Kurylowicz said.
“We’ve included recommendations to ensure that people living in Wagga Wagga’s suburbs and villages can access quality cultural experiences and facilities.”
Council’s Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton said it was important for the community to provide its input on the draft Events Strategy which is a framework to guide Council over the next five years.
“We want to know what events you love and what kind of events you want staged,” Ms Hamilton said.
“Our Events Strategy is designed to reshape Wagga into an ideal events destination. By creating and attracting events to the region, we can bring communities together, create a vibrant atmosphere, raise our city’s profile, and stimulate our economy.
“We’re aiming to support a broader range of external and community events – from major tourism events through to niche business or sporting events.
“Wagga is growing, and we want to make sure we’re ready for the next stage of our city’s life. I’m very excited about our plans, and I’m hopeful that our community will get on board and let us know what they think.”
Both draft plans are now on public exhibition. You can view them and make submissions at wagga.nsw.gov.au/public.
Pictured above: Showing off the two important draft plans around the city's cultural and events strategies, and which are now on public exhibition, are (from left) Wagga City Council Cultural Officer Tim Kurylowicz, Director Community Services Janice Summerhayes, Visitor Economy and Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton and Manager Community Services Madeleine Scully.