The Griffith Aero Club opens its doors to the public, letting them see the inside of the cockpit. Photo: Griffith Aero Club Inc. Facebook.
There’s heaps to get excited for in the Riverina this week – here’s the best of what’s happening in the next few days across the area.
For kids there’s theatrial adaptations of bestselling children’s books – expect comedy, high stakes and animal companions. For the really little kids there’s a miniature railway through the Wagga Botanic Gardens.
Budding aviators or curious lay people will have their interest piqued by the Griffith Aero Club Open Day, which gives visitors a special look into the machines that Griffith’s pilots fly and an in-depth look into the world of flight.
Senior students and their parents who are looking ahead to university can look forward to the University of Sydney information session on Thursday, which will provide all the details that soon-to-be uni students will need regarding course info, pathways and support for regional students.
Find all this and more in our guide below to all the best happening in the Riverina.
Multiple Days
An unlikely and uplifting story of friendship in the wake of disaster. Image: Albury Entertainment Centre.
Come From Away Presented by Albury Wodonga Theatre Company
When: 30 May, 7:30 pm; 31 May, 2 and 7:30 pm; 5 June, 7:30 pm
Where: Albury Entertainment Centre, 525 Swift Street, Albury
Cost: Full price $52 | Concession or groups of more than 8 $45 | Children under 12 $35 | Family (two adults, two children) $150. Book online.
In the days following 9/11, amid great uncertainty, a group of air travellers end up stranded in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. The people of Gander welcome the new and unexpected visitors and unlikely friendships are forged as people are thrown together. Based on a real story, Come From Away is full of laughter, tears and genuine stories of friendship, all presented in a unique musical package that has won Tony and Olivier awards.
The hit kids’ book comes to the stage. Image: Ticketsearch.
Ratburger – Theatrical adaptation of the David Williams kids’ book
When: 2 June, 1 and 6 pm; 3 June, 1 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way (off Tarcutta Street), Wagga Wagga
Cost: Tickets from $25. Book online.
This theatrical adaptation of the hit kids’ book Ratburger from the bestselling children’s author David Walliams promises to bring the wacky humour to life with all the flair and creativity of the stage.
Main character Zoe lives a somewhat miserable life and after the death of her pet hamster she finds renewed friendship in a loveable dancing rat called Dapper. Everything seems to be looking better for Zoe but a nearby unpleasant character, Burt, from Burt’s Burgers, starts eyeing up Zoe’s new friend, with culinary intent.
Saturday
Create your own vases with a colourful flair at North Shore Studios. Photo: Visit Wagga.
Sgraffito Workshop at North Shore Studios
When: 31 May, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: North Shore Studios, 57 William St, North Wagga Wagga
Cost: Tickets for the full-day workshop are $175. Book online.
Learn how to pinch, coil, carve and create intricately designed vases with this full-day workshop all about the colourful art of sgraffito.
Under the eye of an instructor, experienced pros and newcomers will be given all the advice, tools and clay they need to create a unique masterpiece.
Sgraffito adds another layer to the world of claymaking through carving and colour; if you’ve been crafting with clay for some time but have been looking to up your game or you want to dip your toe in the craft, this is the opportunity for you.
After the workshop, creations will be glazed, fired and returned to their owners. Tea, coffee, morning and afternoon tea will be provided but guests are expected to bring their own lunch.
Get the inside scoop on the beautiful machines of the Griffith Aero Club. Photo: Griffith Aero Club Inc. Facebook.
Griffith Aero Club Open Day
When: 31 May, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Griffith Aero Club, 703 Old Aerodrome Road, Griffith
Cost: Free entry, all ages welcome.
Have you ever looked up and seen those little Cessnas crossing the sky and wondered how to start your amateur aviation journey? The Griffith Aero Club Open Day is your chance. Visitors will get up close with local aviators and their machines.
So, just what will you get to do? Trial introductory flights let laymen take the controls and experience the thrill of flight with an experienced instructor, while the aircraft displays give them a shot at really looking at the bits and bobs that keep a plane flying.
In addition, there will be a club barbecue with food and drinks available all day.
Sunday
All aboard the miniature railway through Wagga’s beautiful Botanic Gardens. Photo: Visit Wagga.
Miniature Railway Rides
When: 1 June, 10 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Tickets are $4 and can be purchased from the ticket window.
Tracing through the Botanic Gardens, through a tunnel and over a bridge, the miniature model railway is a fun way to see Wagga’s best green space.
Bring the kids for a fun and exciting adventure on this locomotive in miniature.
Thursday
Musicians in uniform from 1 to 2 pm at St. John’s. Photo: Riverina Conservatorium of Music.
Lunchtime Concert Series No.7: Australian Army Band Kapooka Woodwind Ensemble
When: 5 June, 1 to 2 pm
Where: St John’s Anglican Church, 6-12 Church Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free.
The Australian Army Band Kapooka Woodwind section comes to the Riverina Conservatorium of Music for its lunchtime concert series to present a beautiful concert alongside vocalist Alison Hardy. The performance will feature a varied program in a few different styles to show off the skill of Australian Army musicians – all set within the atmospheric (and acoustic) St. John’s Anglican Church.
Watch the iconic flying foxes cover the night’s sky. Photo: Albury City.
World Environment Day Bat Night
When: 5 June, 4:30 to 6 pm
Where: Kremur Street Boat Ramp, 419 Kremur St, West Albury
Cost: Free.
Celebrate World Environment Day by joining the Albury City environment team for a walk & talk along the Murray River, where curious visitors will learn about the grey-headed fox, just one of the many animals that call the river home.
Walkers will get a fascinating insight into Australia’s largest bat and with any luck, they’ll get a chance to see the incredible sight of thousands of bats taking off as day turns to night. Once it’s dark and the bats are up in the air, participants will try to spot other wildlife by the water on the way back to the meeting point.
This is a great event for kids in love with the natural world but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All walkers are encouraged to bring warm clothes.
Sydney is a great option for regional students looking to further their education. Image: eventbrite.
Meet the University of Sydney in Wagga – Information session
When: 5 June, 5 to 6:30 pm
Where: Mercure Wagga Wagga, 1 Morgan Street
Cost: Free but bookings are required. Book online.
For regional senior high school students weighing up their options for further study and their parents wishing to know more, this is a great chance to see what the University of Sydney has to offer.
This session will cover course info, admission requirements, entry pathways, fees, scholarships and accommodation in addition to support available on campus. Students of USYD from the regions will share stories, tips on moving and general advice about further study.
Attendants will also get a chance to speak with the staff of the university and students, so they may ask more detailed questions regarding their studies.
Year 10-12 students and their parents and guardians are welcome to attend.
