In Wagga’s Past – 25 and 50 Years ago.

17th May 2025

Compiled from the Daily Advertiser by the Wagga Wagga & District Historical Society.

25 Years Ago

• The ABC documentary series, Australian Story, this week focuses on former Wagga police officer, Terry O’Connell and his pioneering work in “restorative justice”.

• After almost 25 years as visiting medical officer at CSU and its predecessor institutions, Dr Ken Osmond has resigned.

• Peter Olson and Nevan Hughes are pictured admiring some of the memorabilia displayed at the Rotary Club of Wagga 70^th anniversary celebration held at the Commercial Club.

• A group of Wagga High School students are learning new business skills through the Young Achievement Australia program which began this week.

• Michelle Laidlaw and her brother Adam were placed in seven out of seven events during the Barry Carne Memorial waterski event at Lake Albert on Saturday.

• Laura Fisher is pictured participating in the Saint Andrews 63^rd Junior Eisteddfod.

• Wagga City Leagues Bowling Club received its Wagga and District Bowling Association No.5 pennants and badges from association president, Ted Ritchie.

• Wagga Local Court Clerk, Sev Hill and his staff in association with the Law Society have produced a “Wagga Legal Access Guide” to assist disabled persons in how they can gain Access to Courthouses and legal practices across the city.

• Turvey Park Leagues Club has announced the long-awaited release of the Club’s Men of League 2000 calendar.

• Elvie McPherson, Bill Schulz and Dorothy Mulqueeney are pictured attending the launch of Wool Week 2000.

• Robyn Baskerville and Kath Moloney are pictured admiring a quilt at the Riverina Cultural Club’s annual open day.

• Wagga karate champion Megan Taylor will compete in the sports International Cup in France next month.

• Sturt Public School has been struck by thieves for the second time in a week. Principal, Geoff Amos said he found the break-ins extremely disappointing as valuable resources used by the children were taken.

• A development application was lodged with Wagga City Council to be called the HomeBase Wagga Wagga which will include Harvey Norman, BBC Hardware House and a new family restaurant.

• Wagga City Council will spend $90,000 to improve services to the building and development sectors.

• Wagga City Council is headed back to the Land and Environment Court to defend its refusal of an application to open a sex shop in Fitzmaurice Street.

• Former Wagga High School principal Jim Smyth, and his wife Kathleen have died in Canberra within two days of each other.

• Drunks on their way home from a night at the pub have been blamed for much of the vandalism of street signs which is costing Wagga ratepayers up to $50,000 a year.

• Licensee of the Sportsmen’s Club Hotel since 1988, John Marzol, has announced the sale of the hotel.

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50 Years Ago

• Central Wagga Lions Club held their charter night with 30 members. Office bearers are Allan Helyar, president, Ron Madigan, secretary and Don Webb, treasurer.

• Mr Jim Braid is celebrating 50 years in the motor industry and 25 years as a General Motors Dealer.

• Minister for Urban and Regional Development, Tom Uren, addressed a Wagga City Council seminar on regions at the Agricultural College saying that regionalism was essential to coordinate Government programs and Community groups.

• 83 bicycle riders, clad in thick woollen jumpers and hats arrived in Wagga as part of a nationwide protest against the mining and export of uranium for nuclear power generation.

• Wagga Motors has presented a car to Wagga High School to be used for student driver education.

• The popular discount clothing store, “Best and Less” will open its Wagga store sometime next month.

• Club president, Mr John Martin and Miss Jan Martin are pictured presenting the Wagga Picnic Races Amateur Cup to Mr Carl Hegney owner of the winner, Red Phone.

• Investments with Wagga’s Commerce Permanent Building Society are paying interest of 9% pa, payable half yearly.

• The Wagga and District Historical are planning an excursion to Coursing Park hosted by Committee member, Mr G Bamberry.

• Huthwaites are selling Jonathon or Granny smith apples for 36 cents a dozen, Uncle Toby’s Oats 1kg for 60 cents and KR Darling Downs canned ham, 1.5 lb for $2.15.

• Coles Variety Stores are selling single bed electric blankets for $7.95, Single Bar Radiators for $5.25 and Men’s Pyjamas for $3.50.

• North Wagga Residents Secretary, Mr R Veerhuis has urged Wagga City Council to take positive action in rezoning the suburb from an urban to residential area.

• The Wagga Abattoir is faced with finding an additional $70,000 next year to pay higher workers compensation insurance premiums.

• Mr Bob Osborne of Tarcutta was re-elected as president of the Liberal Party Farrer Division Conference.

• Wagga Leagues Club star, Athol Thomas has reached the quarterfinals of the N.S.W. State major billiards championship.

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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