I hope everyone had a safe and happy weekend with loved ones. March was another busy month for us Titleholders, and we’ve loved every minute of it.
The month commenced with a beautiful picnic at the Wagga Wagga Riverside Precinct, hosted by the Wagga Rotaract Club. The event was graced by children’s favourite, Bluey and Bingo. The Community came together on this sunny day and shared laughs, listening to live music, and learnt about support networks in the Wagga local area.
March was a significant milestone for Jess, marking her first ever Community Princess Fund Grant presentation. The Grant went to Lilier Lodge Wagga, which provides a warm and supportive home away from home for cancer patients who travel long distances for treatment at nearby facilities. Lilier Lodge stands as a beacon of hope, and we were so honoured to help them in a small way.
March 8th marked International Women's Day where we attended the Wagga Women In Business International Women's Day Event, and heard from some inspiring women. Their stories of resilience and success were not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder of the strength and potential of every woman.
The month also highlighted the importance of our Sister City Relationships, as Miss Wagga Wagga 2023, Kate Pevere, and Community Princess 2023, Haylee Burkinshaw, represented our city's relationship with our Sister City, Leavenworth, at the Council Chambers. Jess and I are proud to announce that we have received an invitation to visit Leavenworth and will be heading over in June. It's an exciting chance to build bridges and share experiences. We can't wait to see what adventures await there!
We attended the RYPEN Youth Camp in Borambola where we engaged with young minds, sharing the importance of community service and leadership and a bit about what we do as Titleholders of the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest.
Pitch Up Wagga was held again this year and we were honoured to assist at this amazing event, raising money for such worthy organisations. Congratulations to Ronald McDonald House Wagga, Rural Outreach Counselling, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia for being elected as chosen organisations for this event, and a BIG congratulations to the Wagga Wagga community who pulled together and assisted by donating funds to these organisations.
Miss Wagga Wagga 2022 Jessika McCarthy is a part of Wagga Takes 2 and is currently raising funds for Disabled Winter Sports Australia. Jess and I were so privileged to be able to assist at the Charity Auction Dinner. We are so proud of all the effort and hard work Jess has put in and can’t wait to see her shine at Wagga Wagga Takes Two.
As we wave farewell to March, we carry with us the cherished memories and the collective aspiration to make a positive impact in our community. The Miss Wagga Wagga Quest continues to be a beacon of hope, empowerment, and unity, reminding us all of the remarkable difference we can make when we come together.
I can’t wait to see what the next month has in store for us.
Velika Hayes, Miss Wagga Wagga 2024.