The Newtown Park, now known as Collins Park was established about 1887, and was one of the earliest parks in Wagga. It was once referred to by residents as the Bird Park because of the collection of birds in aviaries as well as native animals and duck ponds.

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society 25 Years Ago Chamber of Commerce president Michael Wynne said that a return to pre-recession confidence by shoppers had led to good pre-Christmastrading by local stores. Post-Christmas shoppers also exceeded the “highest of expectations”. The Meteorological Office recorded Wagga’s coldest ever Boxing […]

Oliver Gilpin opened his first O. Gilpin drapery store at Korumburra (South Gippsland) in 1895. The business grew rapidly with the Wagga store opening in 1915 and by 1928 there were a total of seventy-four shops.

Up until relocation of the Travers Street saleyards to the Bomen Livestock Selling Centre in 1977 it was common for stock to cross the Murrumbidge River using the Hampden Bridge. This caused a variety of delays and problems for other bridge users which were often the subject of local newspaper stories. Click here to see […]

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society 25 Years Ago The failure of the State Government to appoint Wagga Mayor, Cr Pat Brassil to the new Riverina Regional Development Board hasbeen labelled “nothing short of a disgrace”. A ban on marriage celebrants conducting weddings in the Botanic Gardens tree […]

In 1958 Huthwaites registered a new company, W. G. Huthwaites and Co. (Motors) Pty. Ltd. and the Huthwaite Shell Service Station was built in Edward Street opposite Bolton Park. It catered for the fuel and vehicle repair needs of town clients as well as housing a tractor and farming equipment showroom for the farming clientele.

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society 25 Years Ago Forty homes in Athol Street were lit up thisweek as part of the annual Athol Street Christmas celebrations, said organiser Ray Lucas. Wagga’s old Phoenix Hall originally opened as the Builders Arms Hotel in 1877 has been redeveloped as […]

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society   25 Years Ago Wagga City Council has increased rates for property, sewerage and rubbish by 3.5%, the maximum allowable.   Deputy Town Clerk, Tony Elphick, as part of the Council’s estimates meeting pointed out the need to stick with adopted budget […]

Commercial exhibits were once a big part of the annual Wagga Wagga Show. Indoor exhibits were hosted in Kyeamba Smith Hall and other pavilions while outdoor displays which particularly featured vehicles and farm equipment could be found particularly in the area around Kyeamba Smith Hall.

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society   25 Years Ago   Four blocks of land near the site of the proposed North Wagga Lake proved popular with potential buyers at a well-attended auction.   Junee farmer, Bill Heffernan is planning big changes as the newly elected President of […]