August has been a month full of community spirit, shared experiences, and exciting opportunities in particular for the 2025 Entrants. They kicked off the month with their Friday Night Meat Raffles at The Union Club Hotel. These evenings are not just about the chance to win a delicious prize but also about the memories and fun that come with it.
Velika, Ali & I attended one of the Entrant’s fortnightly meetings held at the Wagga RSL Club, where we took time to reminisce about our Sister City visit to Leavenworth. We shared stories, from the warm hospitality received to the cultural understanding of each other’s community. We highlighted the events that took place during our time in Leavenworth, and all the fun activities we took part in. Being spoiled with sentimental gifts and presents to bring home, we were able to share these around our tight little circle, another example of just how generous the Leavenworth community is.
One of the highlights of this month for Velika was attending the Golden Crow Awards, where she had the privilege of taking part in and assisting alongside Entrant, Gabby. The event was a spectacular celebration of growth, entrepreneurship, and business success. She said it was inspiring to see so many local businesses recognised for their hard work and innovation. Being part of this event not only highlighted the strength of our business community but also reinforced the importance of supporting and celebrating each other’s achievements.
Velika had the opportunity to attend the Australia Day Committee meeting this month. It was an exciting session where they began planning for the upcoming Australia Day celebrations. It’s always a pleasure to contribute to such an important event in our community, and I’m looking forward to seeing how our plans come to fruition.
As August comes to a close, we had the pleasure of gathering with the Entrants and Committee to take part in a rejuvenating and insightful personal and professional development workshop at Simplee Yoga. Hosted by the incredible Amanda, the workshop was a perfect blend of physical movement and mindful reflection, offering us the tools we need to both stretch our bodies and expand our minds. Amanda guided us through a series of stretches designed not just to improve our flexibility, but to enhance our overall well-being. These stretches were more than just exercises; they were intentional movements aimed at releasing tension, increasing circulation, and reconnecting with our bodies after long hours of work. The session served as a powerful reminder that personal development is deeply intertwined with physical wellness.
Velika and I had the honour of welcoming our newest citizens in August’s heartwarming citizenship ceremony. It was an afternoon filled with pride, joy, and a deep sense of community as people from diverse backgrounds came together to officially become part of the place we proudly call home. As always, local leaders and community members extended a warm welcome to our new neighbours, emphasising that Wagga is more than just a place to live - it's a community that values kindness, cooperation, and mutual respect.
As we look ahead to the coming months, I cannot wait to see the growth and success of our Entrants. It has been an incredible journey, and I will always cherish the time we've spent as Titleholders. The memories we've made and the experiences we've shared will remain with us forever, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for us all.
Jess Barclay
Community Princess 2024