A new LEGO expo called Bidgee Bricks will be on display at Wagga RSL later this year. Photo: Peter Makin.
Brick Envy, a Wagga-based inclusive community group that brings people together for the love of LEGO, will soon be launching an exhibition at Wagga RSL featuring some of the best builds from across the country.
While the exhibition doesn’t officially launch until 23 August, Brick Envy’s Renee Jones believes there is plenty to be excited about.
“I love LEGO,” Ms Jones said.
“We [Brick Envy] know that plenty of other people around Wagga do too, so we decided that it was about time that Wagga had a locally owned and run LEGO exhibition in town. So that’s what we’re doing. It’s very exciting.
“We’ve been able to get exhibitors that are coming from Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and even Sale. People from all over the country will be coming to show the different things they have built individually.”
Ms Jones said the popularity of LEGO had extended beyond children and had become a cultural phenomenon that transcended a person’s age.
“I actually run weekly LEGO groups primarily for NDIS participants, and recently I’ve just started getting into running school holiday programs as well,” she said.
“For me, it’s all about the creativity, the fact that LEGO now make sets for all ages. So it’s not just a children’s toy. It can be adults as well.
“I actually provide the sets that we build in our weekly program. My inventory currently sits at over 100 sets that people in the program can choose from.
“The reason I like running the group is that in the weekly group settings, it takes away the eye contact that people find the most difficult in maintaining and developing friendships.
I guess with LEGO Masters, more recently, the things that can be done with LEGO outside of any instruction manual, are quite phenomenal.
“So for me, it’s just about … it’s the fact that it can transcend all age groups, but it can be a family-oriented activity as well. It doesn’t just have to be kids doing it on their own, they can actually do it with a parent or vice versa.”
Ms Jones is in the process of organising events and competitions for the exhibitions, including one for school students.
“I’m really wanting to get the schools involved,” she said.
“We’re going to be having competitions between the schools, a bit like LEGO Masters kind of thing, seeing which school can make the best build and which one can win the best prize.
“I guess it’s just showcasing that LEGO is for everyone. It’s not just for one demographic anymore, it can be for everybody.”
Ms Jones said she would love to see as many groups as possible attend the exhibition.
“People should expect the unexpected,” Ms Jones said.
“There are going to be people who are top-quality builders bringing top-quality builds. They’re not just your backyard builders. People who come will see some amazing stuff!”
Bidgee Bricks 2025 will be run on the weekend of 23 and 24 August. Further information is available on the Visit Wagga website.
