Wagga students invited to BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY

Wagga Wagga City Council is gearing up for an annual event targeted at youth. Photo: Supplied.

Wagga Wagga City Council is inviting school students to attend its BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY after securing funding from the NSW Premier’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Grants Program.

The free event will kick off at 5 pm on Saturday 27 January, the weekend before school goes back, at Chambers Park Tolland.

People of all ages are invited to come along for a relaxed afternoon with live music from local artists, a free barbecue, giant lawn games, free haircuts, a pop-up library and giveaways.

Council’s Community Development Coordinator Alex Osgood said the event directly resulted from council’s OUTLOUD WAGGA youth consultation held in 2022 and follows on from the successful 2023 event.

“We heard from young people that they want to see more free, all-ages, alcohol-free events targeted towards 12- to 25-year-olds and we were excited to see such a positive response at the first event earlier this year,” Mr Osgood said.

“The 2024 event will include more local organisations bringing food offerings and important supplies for young people and families getting ready to return to studies in 2024. This event will also be a lot of fun.”

Community partners Rapid Relief Team Wagga, Vinnies Riverina and Mission Australia are returning alongside NSW Youth Justice, which will host free haircuts on the day.

Headspace Wagga will be bringing the chill factor with their mindfulness tent and the Agile Library Van. Access will be a key focus as the free city loop buses will be operating throughout the duration of the event, while disability permit parking and wheelchair accessible bathrooms will also be available.

“We’ll have everything there for you, just bring a hat and sunscreen,” Mr Osgood said.

“Bring your friends and family to enjoy the afternoon. This is a great chance to chill out before the new school, TAFE or university year kicks off. Everyone is welcome.”

The BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY is an all-ages, alcohol- and drug-free event proudly hosted and funded by the Wagga Wagga City Council and the NSW Premier’s Department, with thanks to community partners Mission Australia, Rapid Relief Team, Vinnies Riverina, NSW Youth Justice, and headspace Wagga.