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​Miss Wagga Wagga and Community Princess Blog

MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 11 - September

14/10/2024

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Welcome back to another Titleholder Blog, 

​As September unfolds, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. It’s hard to believe that our time as Titleholders in the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest is quickly coming to an end. While I’m excited for what lies ahead, it is sad knowing that this incredible chapter of my life is drawing to a close.

This month has been a time for reflection and gratitude. From the moment I was crowned Miss Wagga Wagga, I’ve experienced so much growth, learning, and connection with our amazing community. Each event, each interaction, and each moment spent with fellow Titleholders has shaped me in ways I never imagined. 

Kicking off the month of September, Jess had the opportunity to hand out another Community Princess Fund, this one going to Erin Earth Wagga. Erin Earth's goal is to demonstrate sustainable living to the local community, with their garden being a model of what can be done and grown in the local area. They wish to install a self guided nature wellness trail, which will complement other planned trails throughout the garden. 

Jess and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the second event for the 2025 Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Entrants, Malaysian Evening. The event was run absolutely fantastically! The Entrants did an amazing job bringing everyone together for a night filled with laughter, delicious food, and cultural celebration. Jess and I enjoyed every moment, particularly watching each of the Ladies engage with their guests and support one another.

This month, we also attended another Lions Club Meeting. Early in the year, we went to the Lions Club Meeting and told them about our Journey in the Quest, and what we have been doing during our time as both Entrants and Titleholders. In this meeting, the Wagga Wagga Lions Club gave us gifts for us to take with us to our Sister City Visit in Leavenworth, to handover to Leavenworth Lions Club. It was such an honour to be able to go back to the Lions Club Wagga and share to them about the amazing time we had on our Sister City Trip, as well as being able to hand over some gifts for them that were gifted to us from Leavenworth Lions Club. 

The Entrants were super busy this month, holding another Major Fundraising Event, their Spring Fling High Tea. They ran such a fabulous High Tea event for their chosen Beneficiaries, and Jess and I were so happy to be there. Their dedication and hard work truly shone through, creating a wonderful and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Jess and I had the pleasure of being invited to attend a meeting of the Wollundry Rotary Club, where we shared our journey in the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest from the very start as Entrants until now. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our experiences and discuss our plans to continue volunteering in the future. The group was incredibly welcoming and community-driven, making our time with them truly enjoyable. We wish them all the best with the upcoming Gears and Beers Festival, we are confident that their dedication will make it a success.

We had the chance to do another radio interview with Jamie and Leigh from Triple M and catch them up on what we have been doing as Titleholders, and what is to come with the last few weeks we have left. We want to thank Jamie, Leigh, and the whole team at Triple M for the support they have provided both Jess and I from our time as Entrants right up until now, they are such an amazing team and do so much for the community, we are so honoured to have had their support during our time in the Quest. 

Each of these events has not only enriched my experience as Miss Wagga Wagga but has also strengthened my love for this community. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me, shared their stories, and participated in these memorable moments.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me!

Velika Hayes, Miss Wagga Wagga 2024

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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 10 - August

9/9/2024

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Can you believe there is only 3 months left until the new Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Titleholders are announced - how fast does time fly! 

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 

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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 09 - July

5/8/2024

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We are back!!!

Jess and I are back from our amazing trip to America. After visiting our Sister City Leavenworth, in Kansas, we spent another 3 weeks in the United States seeing everything it has to offer, from line dancing in Nashville, taking in a baseball game in New York City, to hiking up to the Hollywood sign, we had an amazing time, but there really is no place like home.

We will forever be grateful to the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Committee, and the incredible Community of Leavenworth for making this visit possible. Sister City relationships are truly a window to the world.

We have met so many wonderful people and gained a deeper understanding of America than we ever could have as tourists. After a few days of conquering jet lag and getting used to the cold of Wagga Wagga winters again, we were so excited to attend the 2025 Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Entrants’ first major fundraising event, ‘Through The Decades Trivia Night’. It was amazing to witness the community's enthusiasm as they filled the room dressed in costume and ready for some friendly competition, while giving back to great causes.

Gold Sponsor of the Quest this year, Wagga RSL Club, allowed the Entrants to hold this spectacular event in one of their function rooms and the room looked so lively and engaging, it was the perfect venue for the Entrants to hold their first major event. The Entrants' hard work and creativity was easily seen through the seamless execution of the event and we both couldn't be prouder of them! Following this, Wagga and District Garden Club invited us to speak at one of their meetings to tell them more about ourselves, the Quest, what we do as Titleholders, and of course the excitement of our recent Sister City Visit to Leavenworth.

We had a great time meeting everyone and sharing the positive impact that the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest has on the Wagga Wagga Community. The homegrown flowers were all lovely and we hope to see some of them displayed at the Entrant High Tea coming up later in the year. Jess has been busy this month giving out two Community Princess Fund Grants since we have been back. The first, to Turvey Park Girl Guides, whose mission is to empower girls and young women to discover their potential as leaders of their world. We are excited for the personal growth that these young girls will get to experience. T

he second Grant went to Cycling Without Age - Wagga Wagga. The funds they received will go towards maintenance and repair of the fleet of 3 tri bikes that are used to take members of our community for bike rides. These are both very special causes that we are happy to be able to help. We ended the month on a high note with our first exciting meeting of the Australia Day Committee, which Jess and I are honoured to have joined. Stay tuned for the fun events Wagga has planned for Australia Day.

​That same afternoon, we attended the July Citizenship Ceremony, where we welcomed the newest Australian citizens to Wagga Wagga. We feel privileged to live in such a multicultural city, surrounded by amazing people from all over the world. July was filled with special memories for us, making it a month to remember. We are cherishing our time as Titleholders and are eagerly looking forward to another busy month ahead. I am hoping to see you at an Entrant or Community event soon.



Velika Hayes,  Miss Wagga Wagga 2024
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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 08 - June

8/7/2024

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Hello from America, and what a month we have all had!

​To start the month of June off, I had the honour of attending a special presentation at Lilier Lodge where they thanked me for having the opportunity to receive a CPF Grant in order to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a commemorative plaque.


In anticipation of our upcoming visit to Leavenworth, and in preparation for our video to take over, we caught up with Mayor Dallas Tout for an insightful interview. He discussed what he enjoys about being Mayor of Wagga, as well as what he likes about our city. Velika caught up with Jacinta Murphy, a local high school teacher, to discuss and record her sharing information about educational opportunities in Wagga Wagga. 


We spent an evening with Clare and Ali, to discuss our upcoming trip to Leavenworth. We received our exciting itinerary for the week ahead, and spoke about what to expect at each event, how the days will look and an overview of the once in a lifetime trip we were about to experience. 


Velika actively participated in the Wagga Comedy Festival, contributing her expertise in timing and judging the performances. The theme of the Great Debate this year was, ‘There has been great music released since the year 2000’. She enjoyed the night, offering her time and mingling with those involved. 


Ali and the 2025 Miss Wagga Wagga Quest entrants volunteered at the annual Vintage and Veteran Motor Club Rally, where they sold raffle tickets and enjoyed the classic cars on display. The Vintage and Veteran Motor Club are long term supporters of the Quest, and we love being able to offer our time and an extra set of hands to their organisation where we can. We thank them for their ongoing support. 


Our preparations for the Sister City visit received significant media attention. From radio interviews with Jamie & Leigh at Triple M, a Region Riverina Interview with Chris Roe, both companies actively involved in supporting the growth of MWWQ Entrants. As well as a Channel 7 interview with Jacinta, we appreciated the opportunity to share our excitement and purpose behind this visit.


We attended the unveiling of Peter Cox's Walk of Honour Plaque. Peter's dedication as a longtime teacher at Kooringal High School left an indelible mark on our community. His legacy lives on through the establishment of the Peter Cox Ministry of Silly Grants, supporting public high school students in pursuing theatre placements.


Velika and Ali engaged with the local Lions Club, presenting insights into the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest and fostering community support. This initiative not only raised awareness but also prepared us for our upcoming presentation at a Lions Club Meeting in Leavenworth.


A highlight of June was being given the opportunity to visit our Sister City Leavenworth, Kansas to strengthen our Sister City relationship between the two cities. We cannot even begin to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Community of Leavenworth, in particular Krisi and Jennifer, and the Leavenworth Sister City Committee who made this visit possible. All those involved worked tirelessly to ensure we had the most incredible week, and gave us the chance to see the insights of Leavenworth, it’s history as well as thrilling zip lining through the vibrant greenery, for an in depth overview of our Sister City Week, please refer to the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Social Media pages where we posted daily updates - it is worth checking out! We were provided with the opportunity to meet and interact with Leavenworth locals, discussed the differences in our daily lives and shared many unforgettable laughs.


Having the opportunity to attend Leavenworth as a Sister City visit has allowed us to walk away with many emotions, we have created lifelong friendships and have unforgettable memories. No words will ever be able to show our appreciation to everyone involved, and we cannot wait to have the opportunity to host delegates of Leavenworth to Wagga Wagga. 


We can’t wait to see you all soon, sharing the beautiful memories we have shared together! 

Jess Barclay, Community Princess 


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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 07 - May

3/6/2024

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Hello and welcome to another Titleholder blog! 

Jess and I are currently preparing for our Sister City Visit to Leavenworth and can’t wait  to share all we get up to with everyone. We are extremely honoured and excited to continue strengthening the Sister City relationship between Leavenworth and Wagga Wagga. 


May began with an official welcome to the Quest for our six wonderful new Entrants at the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Launch night. The Entrants delivered their first speeches as part of the Quest, addressing the question, “What does Wagga Wagga mean to me?” We were incredibly impressed by how the Entrants presented themselves both personally and professionally. Their speeches were a fantastic representation of the remarkable women they are, and it was touching to hear why Wagga Wagga holds such significance for them. The growth in the Entrants is already noticeable, and we look forward to witnessing their continued development and the gain of new skills. 


May also marked the beginning of the Entrant fundraising events for their four Beneficiaries. The first event they organised was a gift-wrapping stall at the Wagga Marketplace for Mother’s Day. This event was a highlight for Jess and I during our time as Entrants, as it allowed us to mingle with the other Entrants, get to know each other better, and meet members of the Wagga Wagga community while wrapping their lovely presents. We were more than happy to lend a hand, dust off our wrapping skills, and assist the Entrants throughout the week at this event. All funds raised went to the Beneficiaries chosen by the 2025 Entrants. 


It was an Amazing and Wonderful Day on the 11th May for Lilier Lodge's Big Open Day, and Official 20th Birthday Celebrations. Jess was honoured to support Lillier Lodge with a Community Princess Grant this year and to attend the 20th Anniversary Celebration. Lilier Lodge provides a home away from home for people seeking medical treatment and assistance that is so important and so very much appreciated. We would like to wish them a Happy 20th birthday and congratulations on all the work you have done for the Wagga Wagga Community. 


We welcomed the new Australian Citizens of Wagga Wagga during May's Citizenship Ceremony. These are always a highlight event for us as Titleholders. We love welcoming and celebrating Wagga’s newest Australian citizens. Congratulations to all who received their Australian Citizenship during the ceremony, what an accomplishment!


We attended the Mayoral Reception for the Presentation Sisters, celebrating 150 years of community service. Founded by Nano Nagel in 1775, the Presentation Sisters made their way all over the world opening schools, and in 1866 the Presentation Sisters made their way to Australia. Congratulations to the Sisters for 150 years, what an achievement! 


Jess and I were both lucky enough to be educated at Kildare Catholic College which was founded by the Wagga Wagga Presentation Sisters, so it was really very special for us to be able to attend this event. 

We ended off May with a farewell dinner planned by our beautiful Titleholder Coordinator this year, the most kindhearted soul, Ali. We had a lovely night at the Thirsty Crow with family, friends, Committee and this year’s Entrants and felt so much love and excitement as they wished us all the best before our visit to our Sister City Leavenworth next month.


We are so honoured and grateful to be surrounded and supported by the most beautiful, supportive people. 


That's all for now, next time we will be writing from the USA!! Be sure to follow our socials so you can see what we get up to on our Sister City Visit.


Velika Hayes

Miss Wagga Wagga 2024

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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 06 - April

7/5/2024

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Hello!

Velika and I started the month of April through pride and diversity as we welcome new members into our community at the monthly Citizenship Ceremony. Individuals from various locations around the globe took their oath, signifying their commitment to our city and country.

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Friends, families, organistions came together in their superhero attire for a special stroll through Apex Park in support of The Wagga Autism Group raising awareness for Autism within our Community. The event was filled with excitement from children dressed in their favourite superhero costumes, while parents interacted with the local organisations that were present at the time, displaying the services they offer. 

I had the honour to present a Community Princess Grant to a local community group, Riverina Rollers. Riverina Rollers encourages health and fitness to different ages, allowing new individuals to join at any time. It was a lovely afternoon interacting with those involved, and seeing the skills they have learnt. 

Velika and I had an MC Development Session with Lindsay Tanner, where he offered his skills, advice and knowledge on how to MC an event to perfection. We ran through the runsheet, made many changes, practiced presenting both sitting down, and standing up. He provided us with 10 tips, something that we will hold onto forever. We are so grateful for the support that both Ali and Lindsay provide to the Quest, and we truly wouldn't be in the position we are today if it wasn't for their endless support. 

Newcomers to Wagga were greeted with open arms and warm smiles at the recent Welcome to Wagga Event held at the Riverside Precinct. Against the calm backdrop of the Murrumbidgee River, friendships blossomed as locals, including Velika and I shared our love for our City, spoke about what we enjoyed doing in our spare times, good restaurants to eat at and traditional Wagga events. It was a heartwarming introduction to Wagga Wagga’s vibrant Community Spirit, and an event that we both love to attend.

We attended our second Citizenship Ceremony for the month, where another three groups committed to their Oath, reinforcing their dedication to our City and Nation. Citizenship Ceremonies are always one of our favourite events to attend, as they are a very heartfelt occasion, reminding us just how lucky we are to call Wagga home. 

Velika, Ali and I joined the Entrants for a spectacular Dining Etiquette Workshop held at the amazing Hide Steak & Bar. Sarn provided insights on how to formally eat at a table, the correct way to use your cutlery, and how to determine which glass and bread on the table is yours - something Velika and I will always remember. We shared and tasted different entrees, a large variety of meat for main course and a delicious cheesecake dessert that melted in your mouth. It was a lovely night, where we all shared many laughs, life stories and overall good times with each other. It was a great opportunity for Velika and I to be able to interact with and create a stronger bond with our Entrants. We cannot wait for their year ahead. We are so grateful for the support that Jamie, Sarn and the team at Hide Steak & Bar provide to the Quest. 

As the sun rose over Victory Memorial Gardens, the Wagga Community stood in remembrance during the ANZAC Day Ceremony. With heads bowed, poppies held and wreaths laid, our community paid tribute to the ongoing courage and sacrifice of those who served our country. Velika and I were given the opportunity to lay a Wreath, we felt so honoured to be able to do something so special. It truly was a moment of reflection and gratitude, honouring the legacy of our heroes. 

As April comes to an end, we cannot wait for the next few months, and most importantly to recognise and celebrate our new 2025 Entrants - Velika and I wish them all the very best, and are beyond excited to see their personal growth and confidence boost throughout the year as Entrants.

​
Jess Barclay, Community Princess 
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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 05 - March

7/5/2024

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Happy Easter! 
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. 
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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. 
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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 04 - February

2/4/2024

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End of February already, how fast is this year flying by!

We started the month of February in the Victory Memorial Gardens, where we had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Roe from Region Riverina, for a casual interview speaking about the upcoming Entrant Information Evening, how we have found being Titleholders so far, and what we have personally taken away from our experience.

Bright and early on a Tuesday morning, Velika and I were lucky enough to be invited to be Guest Speakers at the Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting. The Gardens Cafe was filled with conversations, laughter and a delicious smell of the yummy breakfast provided. Rotary Club members came together, where we engaged in lively discussions, and presented a speech around our journey from Entrants to Titleholders.

Velika and Ali were given the opportunity for an interview with SBS radio, where they came together and provided information about the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest, who can enter and the professional and personal growth that you experience along the way.

We were honoured to spend the morning at Kapooka Army Base, Blamey Barracks. Velika and I, presented another speech and PowerPoint presentation, talking about our time with the Quest, our commitment to the community, life Entrants, Titleholders, and everything in between. We were lucky enough to have an opportunity to conduct the Army Band to the song Waltzing Matilda. The Miss Wagga Wagga Quest is eternally grateful for the support that the Australian Army Band Kapooka provides so generously for the Quest.

As the sun rose over the Wagga Wagga Beach, Velika and Ali were up early and grabbed the opportunity to meet the Sunrise Team. They even got the chance to meet a Dingo from the local Wagga Zoo.

We then had a catch up with the Committee, where we found out we have received an invitation to visit our Sister City, Leavenworth, Kansas. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and is something we will forever be grateful for. Velika and I cannot wait for the opportunity to meet the locals of Leavenworth and represent the place we will forever call home. We are so thankful for all those involved to make things like this possible.

A monthly occurrence is attending the local Citizenship Ceremony, where individuals from diverse backgrounds pledge their allegiance to Australia, their newfound home. This is one of our favourite moments being Titleholders, listening to all the new citizens singing the Australian Anthem, while waving the Australian Flag, a very precious moment that we are so grateful to be a part of.

We attended a radio interview with Jamie & Leigh at Triple M where we promoted our upcoming Entrant Information Evening. We also got to play a fun game that Jamie made up, Fakin, Bacon, and On this Daykin, where he made a statement and we had to guess whether it was a fake comment, a scene out of a Kevin Bacon movie, or something that happened on that day. It was overall a fun interview!

Velika and I, and this year's Committee Members gathered at the RSL Club for an Entrant Information Session, where individual ladies came and gathered, learnt information about the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest, what it involves, and what it is like being an Entrant. Velika and I shared our experience as Entrants, while Community Princess, 2023Haylee shared her experience as an Entrant and Titleholder. We shared stories, learnt information about one another, and found out what brought them to be interested in joining the Quest. It was a great night getting to know everyone involved, and we cannot wait for the year ahead working alongside these ladies.

We wrapped the month of February up by spending a local Sunday afternoon at the Oasis Aquatic Centre, where we extended a warm welcome to Defence Members and their families. We interacted with the different stalls that were involved and learnt information about what they provide to Defence Families, and how they can help in making their transition to Wagga Wagga  just that little bit easier. Listening to the splashing waters, and the echoing laughter and screams from the kids playing on the inflatable toys in the pool, we celebrated the spirit, inclusiveness and support that defines Wagga Wagga.

Velika and I have many upcoming Events, and we cannot wait to share our journey with you 💜



Jess Barclay
Community Princess 2024
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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 03 - January

2/2/2024

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Hello! 

Happy New Year! 


Can you believe we are already a month into 2024? 

As Titleholders, we've had an exciting January. We were thrilled to be part of the Australia Day Mayoral Reception and Awards Ceremony on January 25, and the Community Activities and Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day. What a wonderful way to celebrate and start our year!

Jess and I felt so privileged to meet the Australia Day Award nominees. Every nominee should take immense pride in their accomplishments. They've done an amazing job, and the dedication and effort they've put into our community is truly remarkable. Huge congratulations and thanks to all. 

The Australia Day Award Ceremony was a beautiful event, marked by an inspiring speech delivered by Allan Pottie, Australia Day Ambassador and Wagga Wagga Citizen of the Year 2023. 

Allan is an amazing individual. His compassion and commitment in his various roles earned him the prestigious title of Global Hero of Hope by the Cancer Council in 2018, an honour shared by fewer than 40 people worldwide. The Ceremony included a performance by the incredible Australian Army Band Kapooka. The event also showcased the talents of the primary school students who were finalists in the National Anthem competition. A hearty congratulations to Annette St Clair, our newly minted Citizen of the Year 2024. Her recognition is truly well deserved, and a testament to her unwavering dedication to increasing melanoma awareness and service toward those who are impacted by a melanoma diagnosis. 

In addition to the inspiring speeches and performances, I was also given the wonderful opportunity to present an address on 'What being an Australian means to me'. This was a truly humbling experience, allowing me to share my thoughts and feelings about our beautiful country. To me, being Australian is about embodying the values of unity, respect, and friendship. It's about embracing our rich cultural diversity and celebrating our shared history. Presenting this address was a privilege and an experience I will cherish. The Australia Day Award Ceremony was a celebration of our community and the individuals who contribute to making it extraordinary. 

Australia Day in Wagga Wagga was an event to remember! The day began bright and early at 7am at the Riverside Precinct. The Kooringal Rotary Club, in true Aussie spirit, hosted a free community BBQ breakfast. The morning was packed with a variety of activities. Performances by Zana, thong throwing competitions, and sandcastle making brought smiles to faces young and old. Local music filled the air, while food trucks were ready to serve up some delicious local treats. A particularly touching moment was the Australian Citizenship Ceremony. We had the honour of witnessing 36 individuals take their pledges and receive their certificates. A huge congratulations to our newest Australian Citizens - we know you'll love it here! 

Later in the day, the CSU Riverina Playhouse hosted a beautiful event where we had the privilege of hearing Indigenous Elders share their stories. The artwork displayed around the area was nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to the rich cultural heritage of our nation. 

Jess and I spent the afternoon at South Wagga Wagga Apex's Annual Mighty Murrumbidgee Duck Race. Local food stores, amusement rides, and live entertainment made it a family-friendly event enjoyed by all. The highlight of the day was, of course, the Duck Race. The anticipation built up as the rubber ducks were set afloat on the Murrumbidgee River. The crowd cheered on their ducks, adding to the fun and friendly atmosphere. The event was a fantastic mix of community spirit, fun and entertainment. It was truly a family friendly event that had something for everyone, and Jess and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

January was genuinely a time of development and gratitude. We are incredibly grateful for everything we have experienced and been a part of, and we are looking forward to carrying this momentum into February. 

For those considering becoming an Entrant, we are holding an Information Session on Thursday 22 February, 6pm at the RSL Club. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more and ask any questions you might have. 

We can't wait to meet this year's new group of Entrants! We're already so excited for all the adventures they'll embark on this year. 

We hope to see some of you there 💜

Velika Hayes
Miss Wagga Wagga 2024
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MWW & CP 2024 - Blog Number 02 - December

14/1/2024

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December, our second month of being 2024 Titleholders, and we are loving every minute of being out in the community, representing our beautiful hometown. 

Velika and I had the chance to start the month off by attending events in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We danced the night away at the RDAS Dance Party, where the theme was to dress up as your favourite sports team. The room was filled with so many different colours, and echoed with beautiful singing and dancing. Following this, we attended a morning tea with one of this year's beneficiaries, The Leisure Company, We came together at the Victory Memorial Gardens, interacting with everyone and sharing some delicious treats - the caramel slice was a known favourite! 

Ali, Velika & I got in the Christmas spirit early and headed down to the Wagga Marketplace, spending some days gift wrapping, with the donated funds going towards Ronald McDonald House, another beneficiary from this year. 

A very wholesome experience was assisting at The Salvation Army, with their annual Christmas Gift Giving appeal, this involved meeting parents and helping them fill santa sacks with presents for their children to wake up to on Christmas morning. The room was filled with tables, with things suited for children of all ages, from handmade teddy bears, to donated books and toys. There was something for everyone - the support of the Wagga Wagga community is truly something so special. 

A very rewarding experience we shared together was having the opportunity to visit Ronald McDonald House and receive a tour of the Wagga House. We were shown a presentation of the work that the organisation does, and watched a video from a family who stayed in the Wagga Wagga House. There is so much hard work and dedication from the volunteers behind the scenes to make this organisation so amazing. My favourite part was seeing the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest plaque on one of the rooms in the house. Getting to see this makes you realise just how appreciate of the Quest these local organisations are, and it is a feeling that I cannot explain that we played a part in this. The efforts of all Entrants truly makes an incredible difference in people's lives. That we played a part in this, is a feeling I cannot explain. 

We were lucky enough to be invited to the Mayor's Christmas party, where we came together and interacted with many local community members, learned about their different stories and shared many laughs. Mayor Dallas Tout and his wife Janine provide endless support to the Entrants and the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest and our journey would not be complete without them wanting to see everyone achieve their best. 

Velika and I were humbled to assist at this year's Country Hope Christmas with the Con. The Riverside Precinct was filled with families of all ages, coming together to enjoy carols performed by the Riverina Youth Orchestra along with choirs and soloists from the Riverina Conservatorium of Music. We ended the night with a beautiful firework display over our local Murrumbidgee River, and the lighting of the traditional Country Hope Tree of Hope - something that was so special. 

We wrapped up December with pallets of mangoes, hand picked and delivered to Wagga just in time for Christmas - making a perfect Summer treat. This fundraiser would not have been possible without the staff and space at the Thirsty Crow Brewery. 

On behalf of Velika and I, and the Committee members, we would like to say a massive thank you for the endless support and love shown towards the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest. As Entrants and Titleholders our journey would not have been possible without any of it, and without the kindness and generosity of the Wagga Wagga community.

​We would like to wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas, surrounded by your loved ones, and a very Happy New Year! 

Jess Barclay 
Community Princess 2024 
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    Velika Hayes & Jess Barclay

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