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Wagga Wagga
Population: 59,000 Postcode: 2650 Annual rainfall: 584mm Temperatures (average): 17-31C summer, 3-12C winter 'Place of many crows' is the original meaning of the city's name. The indigenous people, the Wiradjuri tribe, should know, they lived here longer than anyone else. This original meaning lives on, a crow even being incorporated into the logo for the city council. Wagga Wagga is the largest city in New South Wales west of the Great Dividing Range. As such, it becomes the primary centre for a very large rural area. The city is certainly the main centre for the Riverina. 90% of the population live in the 19 suburbs of the city, the balance residing in 10 rural villages close by. The city is also the central location for major health, government, shopping and manufacturing services for surrounding towns such as Junee, Lockhart, Tumut, Narrandera and Gundagai. The city has a very convenient location. It is close to the Hume Highway, linking Sydney and Melbourne. Travellers from Sydney going to Adelaide will no doubt visit the city. And the national capital, Canberra, is 2.5 hours away. Thus, all these destinations can be reached within a day, if one is a local resident. Still think it would take too long to travel? A major regional airport services the city, serviced by REX and Qantaslink. An average of 19 flights daily come in and out of the airport, placing Melbourne and Sydney just one hour away. We have had the pleasure of visiting this city on a number of occasions. The main attraction? Shopping. Everything you would expect in a huge city is here, without the huge city hassles. Parking is a breeze and the shops not overcrowded. It is a pleasurable experience when you are after some 'retail therapy.' Already it sounds like this city would be a great place to call home. Are there any other reasons to call Wagga Wagga your home?
CLIMATE The Riverina typically has hot, dry summers and cool winters. This city is typical in this regard. The heat is tolerable, thanks to its dryness. However, being situated on a river, there will be some moisture in the air. Winter can be cold. Being close to the mountains, the city is a bit cooler than most of the Riverina. It's only for three months though. Surely you can put up with it for nine months of good weather. ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS Annual events include:
In fact, when we reviewed the list of major events, 41 in total, we had to wonder why anyone would be bored. The total number of all events each year numbers in excess of 400! There seems to be something to appeal to every taste. We can say that if you decided to call this city your home, you will always have something to do.
Let's not stop at events. One thing this city is well known for is sport. There are so many famous sports stars who trace their origins this city. The city is so proud of its sporting achievements, it has its own Sporting Hall of Fame.
What does the city offer to sports fans and participants? Well, pretty much everything. Don't come here for yacht racing though; you will need an ocean. Lake Albert, however, is available for sailing. But for everyone else, you will be catered for. If we can mention one facility in particular. For the motor enthusiasts, there is even an international speedway. The Civic Centre is the home for art lovers. This building houses the National Art Glass Gallery, containing one of the most significant collections of studio glass in Australia. Also in the Civic Centre is the Art Gallery, Community Gallery, Regional Library and Museum of the Riverina.
Just a point of curiosity concerning the Civic Centre - it is shaped like a shard of glass! CITY SERVICES
Shops. As stated above, the main attraction for people of the Riverina is the variety of shops available. The main shopping street is Baylis Street, a very well looked after street, made quite attractive by the council. Located near Baylis Street is Sturt Mall and Market Place, two shopping centres separated only by Forsyth Street. Most shops you would expect in a capital city can be found in Wagga Wagga.
The Oasis Aquatic Centre is a huge aquatic centre open 7 days, providing:
WAGGA WAGGA AREA In the introduction we referred to the logo for the city council incorporating a crow. There is another part to the logo - water. To be more precise, the Murrumbidgee River. This river is very much a part of Wagga Wagga, the local folk relaxing and enjoying themselves in its waters.
As you head east, you will notice the country gets hillier. That is no surprise as you are heading towards the Great Dividing Range. Thus people of this city are in close proximity to mountain country and the pleasures associated with it. On the way to the mountains, you will cross the Hume Highway, taking you to Melbourne, Canberra or Sydney, handy if a weekend away to these destinations appeals.
To learn more about what's on offer, please contact Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre for more information. We found them very helpful and we are sure you will also. ECONOMICS
Where can you find work? Well, anywhere you have experience. But then experience does not matter with traineeships and retail assistants. Being a regional centre, a number of government departments have offices here, as well as army and air force bases. For something a bit different, try Cargill Beef, who employ over 600 people, with flow-on jobs in other sectors. |
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