21st June 2025
Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society.
25 Years Ago
- Wagga City Council’s transport and subdivision manager, Garry Gaffney, told a Council committee meeting that the $10 million home improvement centre proposed for the ill-fated Sizzler Restaurant site would be in jeopardy if access from Hammond Avenue was not allowed.
- After gaining selection in the NSW under 16 team in 1998, and the under 18 team last year talented Wagga baseballer, Rebel Mitchell will this year again play in the NSW under 18 team for the Australian championships to be held in Sydney.
- Geoffrey Xeros is one of six pupils at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music to benefit from a scholarship sponsored by The Daily Advertiser and Wagga Rotary Club.
- Edward Wyberg Docker launched his book, Furphies: Fact or Fantasy in Australian History, in Wagga.
- Julie and Roger Vennell, Craig and Sue Jamieson, Stephen and Megan Bellenger, Cathy and Geoff Reid and Cathy Bellenger were among those attending the St Joseph’s Primary School Ball held at the Commercial Club.
- Well known Wagga centenarian, and Wendy Hucker Nursing Home resident, Mrs Reta Toshack, passed away in her 101st year.
- Elisabeth Rorrison has decided to close her business, Studio Edelweiss after 11 years trading in the city.
- Fiona Braid has decided to close Wagga sports store Schipps Sportscene.
- Finemore Holding Limited executive chairman has been appointed deputy chairman of the newly formed logistic services company, Lu-Neug Finemore Logistics in China.
- Mount Erin High School student, Brodie O’Connor was awarded a Pierre De Coubertin Award recognising her involvement in school touch and netball team as well as Wagga association netball and the Riverina Academy of Sport.
- Colin and Bruce Duff are celebrating the 21st Birthday of RIC Electrics in Wagga.
- Among those enjoying the Robbie Burns night at the Riverine Club were pipers Ian Buchanan and Lyndon Taylor along with Genevieve Mott and Louise Fraser.
- GST and changing fortunes have prompted Wagga jeweller, Brent Mehistuabler to close his Jewellery Boutique store.
- A sponsor’s luncheon for the registered Clubs’ Association race and golf days was held at the RSL Club.
- A Wagga City Council committee has refused a request from the Equex Committee for $250,975 towards proposed improvements at the Equex site until the organisation provides a five-to-ten-year development plan for the site.
- Council rejected a proposal by the RSL Club to become the city’s second Visitors Information Centre and recommended employment of a third full time worker at Council’s existing centre.
- Riverina Development Board’s Executive Officer, Peter Dale has successfully attracted the task force on Industry Self-Regulation to Wagga on July 4.
50 Years Ago
- Barry Dixon, 27, of Wagga has been awarded the “Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct” for helping police subdue an armed man in a Wagga Street last February.
- The first section of the railway bridge at the Edward Street underpass was fitted into place.
- Wagga City Council’s cemetery manager, Ray Pearse, said that the grazing of 70 sheep for three months at the Wagga Cemetery has proven successful and its next step will be to grade and bitumen two access roads into the cemetery.
- Petite Beauty Salon in the Australian Arcade and Inn Hair Fashions next to the Plaza Theatre are advertising their staff including Val Brown, Anne Koth, Maryanne Brown, Shirley Ledwidge, Sue Gabriel, Connie Drew, Sue Morrish and Leila Sandaker.
- The Salvation Army Citadel in Morrow Street has been offered as a site for a casual day care centre being organised by a group of Wagga women including Sandra Devine and Lee Hartwig.
- Myrtle and Russell Inglis are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.
- A cocktail party was held to welcome home the reigning Miss Wagga, Bronwyn Lewis, and to launch next year’s 1975-76 Miss Wagga quest.
- A Riverina Primary School open Rugby League side won the intra-state competition from Metropolitan West in Sydney.
- The Wagga Show Society, 1975 Hoof and Hook Competition, for cattle, sheep and pigs will be held on August 7th, 8th and 9th.
- Kendell Airlines are advertising twice daily flights to Melbourne, Canberra and Griffith.
- Art Design in the Australian Arcade are having an end of year clearance of their entire range of light fittings and wallpaper.
- The Olympic Way is expected to be cut at North Wagga by flood waters anticipated to reach 29 feet.
- About 130 Riverina Presbyterians who elected not to enter a union with Methodists and Congregationalists met in Wagga to discuss the ramifications of the three-part church union.
- Thick fog again disrupted flights from Sydney to Wagga, Griffith and Narrandera with Wagga Airport closed completely until 1.15pm.
- Peter Barnes, director-general of James Barnes Pty Ltd, said that strikes by Australian meat inspectors at Wagga’s James Barnes canning plant may force stand-downs of other workers.
Membership of the Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society is open to anyone with an interest in the local and regional history of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia. For more information about us and information on how to join our Society visit our website at https://www.wwdhs.org.au/about-us/members
