The National Day of Mourning will be treated similar to Australia Day and New Year’s Day, with cafes, restaurants, shops and pubs expected to trade as normal. Photo: File.
Wagga Wagga City Council has announced changes to some of its business operations for the National Day of Mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a one-off public holiday this Thursday, 22 September, in honour of the Queen’s service, along with a National Memorial Service.
The city council’s acting general manager Janice Summerhayes said a few of the council services and facilities would be closed on Thursday and reopen for business on Friday.
“This will include the customer service counter at the Civic Centre and the Visitor Information Centre as well as the library, art gallery, Civic Theatre, and Museum of the Riverina,” Ms Summerhayes said.
“While the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre will also be closed, there are no changes to our kerbside waste collection services, so remember to put your bins out on Wednesday night if Thursday is your usual collection day.
“You will still be able to head down for a dip at the Oasis Aquatic Centre, although its programs will be limited to learn-to-swim classes, and our botanic gardens, zoo and aviary will also be open to the public.”
Operations at the Livestock Marketing Centre in Bomen will also observe the National Day of Mourning, with no sheep and lamb sale to be held on Thursday.
The Day of Mourning will be treated similar to Australia Day and New Year’s Day, with cafes, restaurants, retailers and pubs expected to trade as normal.
Banks and other financial institutions are expected to close, and schoolchildren will also have a day off.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) will ensure minimal disruption to services, including elective surgery and outpatient clinics.
“We are planning for the majority of elective surgeries to go ahead,” MLHD said.
“Most outpatient clinics will also be available if patients choose to continue with their appointment or booking.”
Patients are encouraged to contact their hospital or service if they have further questions.
“We respect the protocols that have been put in place to mark this special day and thank all our dedicated staff for their commitment to providing continuity of care for their patients,” MLHD said.
Surgical activity has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at various times in recent years and the NSW Government is investing almost $1 billion to fast-track elective surgeries.
Wagga Wagga Base Hospital is increasing elective surgery activity as part of this program, to ensure patients receive the procedures they need as soon as possible.
For motorists, double demerits will be in force for the National Day of Mourning. Double-demerit points will apply from 12:01 am Wednesday, 21 September, and run until 11:59 pm on Sunday, 25 September, for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
The memorial service will be held at the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra at 11 am.
Wagga City Council will continue to fly flags at half-mast at its facilities until further notice.
Click here for the special trading hours for the council’s business.
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