The Wagga Autism Support Group Incorporated, held their annual Superhero themed walk on Sunday the 8thof April and Zoe had the honour of meeting many heroes and heroines. The Superhero Walk for Autism, a walk alongside Lake Albert, followed by a whole lot of fun-filled activities at Apex Park, made for a great day out in the sun. Zoe enjoyed conversing with each of the stallholders, who all demonstrated a great passion towards the day’s event and could not wait to share stories of their love for Wagga and what has kept them in this beautiful city.
There were prizes for best dressed, judged by Miss Wagga Wagga and this was no easy choice, as families had set aside plenty of time for creating all sorts of superhero costumes, not only the children but the parents as well! No one’s costuming efforts should go unrecognised! Taking on the dress and persona of a superhero pushed many of those in attendance to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. To see so many young people willing to push their own boundaries and raise awareness for Autism, was a terrific start to the month of April and something we hope we see plenty more of, as the year continues.
April was also show time for Zoe in Thomas Brothers Wagga Wagga Takes Two! Zoe has been working with the Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad, Volunteer Rescue Association since November last year to fundraise, and with Nathan Lamont to get performance ready! Zoe and Nathan sang “Jackson” a Johnny Cash and June Carter classic. Thomas Brothers Wagga Wagga Takes Two has a lot of support from local businesses, charities and individuals, who put many hours of effort into creating the production. Twelve local charities including the Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad benefited from the event financially. This is an annual event to mark up on your calendar, not to be missed!
The Miss Wagga Wagga Entrants have been working hard at their personal development behind the scenes in preparation for their launch. Zoe and Maddie look forward to mentoring this year’s group of young women through their Entrant Year and cannot wait to see what fundraising initiatives they come up with!
Zoe and Maddie woke up bright and early on the 25th of April and attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Kapooka. After the First World War, soldiers who returned to Australia, sought the companionship they had felt in the quiet and peaceful moments before dawn on a battlefield. A dawn vigil became a key commemoration after the war, and is still observed today.
Following the Dawn Service Zoe and Maddie made their way to the Gunfire Breakfast at RAAF Base Wagga, a traditional ANZAC Day breakfast. Zoe and Maddie were lucky enough to be invited to enjoy their breakfast with Air Vice Marshal Warren McDonald, AM, CSC, the current Chief of Joint Capabilities and Wagga Wagga’s Guest Speaker for the day. He grew up in Hay and had plenty of stories about his time both living and training in the Riverina.
Official duties for Miss Wagga Wagga and the Community Princess began at the main ANZAC Day Ceremony in Victory Memorial Gardens, after the march. Zoe and Maddie laid a wreath on the cenotaph as a sign of remembrance for all those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and in recognition of the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.
Miss Wagga Wagga and the Community Princess both had a jam-packed April, bringing them straight into May, rearing to go!