WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY REVIEW - DRAFT - Item RP-1 Wagga ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY REVIEW DRAFT
Cover: National Science Week 2018
Photo: Jack of Hearts Studio
2 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft
CONTENTS
Acknowledgement Overview 5
of Country
Wagga Wagga City Council Executive Summary 6
acknowledges the Traditional
Custodians of this land, the Wiradjuri
2020: A Day in the Life at Wagga Wagga City Library 8
people, and pays respect to Elders,
past and present and emerging. Section 1: Research 11
We honour the living heritage of the
Community research 12
world’s oldest continuous culture, After the lockdown 16
and we celebrate the contemporary Case study 1: Place for the imagination 18
creativity of our First Nations
communities. We acknowledge the
ongoing connection between First
Section 2: Reference points 20
Nation communities and this land. Benchmarks 22
The Wagga Wagga City Library Future Library Service Models 24
Review 2020 has been compiled in Leading libraries 26
consultation with the local Wiradjuri
and First Nations Communities with
the aim of building a city that thrives
Section 3: Themes 28
on positive relationships and cultural Growth 29
diversity. Case study 2: A bit of magic 33
People and place 34
Case study 3: Knitting Circle 37
What people say 38
Summary 39
Section 4: Future 41
Future 42
Commissioned by: Summary of recommendations 44
Wagga Wagga City Council
243 Baylis Street, PO Box 20, Recommendations 46
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 2038: Hotbed of Ideas 48
Written and produced by: 2038: A Day in the Life at Wagga Wagga City Library 50
Project Sisu
www.projectsisu.com Appendices 52
Designed by: Bibliography 52
Pro Bono Publico
www.probono.com.au Glossary of terms 54
© Copyright 2020
3
Boorooma Bomen
Estella
Wagga Wagga City Library
Glenfield Park To Wagga Wagga Airport
To Kapooka
4 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft
OVERVIEW
YIRADHU MARANG (GOOD DAY)
Opening in 1999, the Wagga Wagga City Library has served the community
well in its current location for twenty years. To mark its 20th anniversary,
a review of library spaces, services and capabilities was launched in 2019.
The Wagga Wagga City Library Review aimed to position the library service
for a future that will be radically different from the world in which it was
originally conceived.
Scope of review Riverina Regional Library
The City Library Review has drawn on extensive Wagga Wagga City Library is a member of the
community research, library benchmarking, relevant Riverina Regional Library (RRL), conceived in 1978.
case studies, and a comprehensive examination of Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) continues
public library trends, national and international. to support the Riverina Regional Library Model in
It has involved: its role as Executive Council. The current Deed of
Agreement expires in 2022. WWCC and RRL have
• conversations, workshops, meetings and initiated a consultative process to explore future
surveys with 710 people throughout the City membership service options. A report will be
of Wagga Wagga tabled to WWCC by June 2021. Future options for
• extensive research into a range of regional the City’s membership of RRL will be made after
library services across NSW and Victoria this date.
• in-depth exploration of international library
trends, research and futures thinking. Uncertainty and opportunity
The repercussions of the Covid-19 global
In a nutshell pandemic are predicted to be far-reaching.
Wagga Wagga City Library is well used and loved by The crisis also presents opportunities to think
those who value its physical and online resources, and act differently.
spaces, learning programs and capable staff.
Trusted places like public libraries, in which
More can be done to extend its reach into every communal identity is amplified by practical
corner of the Wagga Wagga community. resources, have never been more vital and
The Library Review has clear findings: necessary. Libraries, more than any other cultural
• the City Library is too small for a regional city institution, welcome, encourage, entertain and
of Wagga Wagga’s size and ambition support the greatest number of people and uses
• too many people are missing out on the in any given community.
important and often life saving opportunities Libraries, including Wagga Wagga City Library,
the library provides have already displayed innovation in response to
• library staff exhibit an inventiveness that if recent crises and creative recovery efforts.
further resourced will help the City find a new When it comes to supporting Wagga Wagga’s
creative edge: to rebuild communities; tackle economic, social and cultural aspirations, the library
disadvantage; actively engage with and learn service can’t do everything, but it can do a lot.
from Wiradjuri elders, cultural knowledge and
language; craft new 21st century stories of
identity, inclusion and hope.
NOTE: This map is for illustration purposes only.
5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
THE CITY CITY LIBRARY
65,258 (2019) people 20-year-old building in Civic Centre
100,000 people by 2038 1600 sq metres/2 levels
> % growth in migration to No branch library network
Wagga Wagga Small staff cohort = 18.7 FTE
> % growth in (since Sunday opening was
younger age demographic approved in July 2020)
5.6% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Member of Riverina Regional
Islander Library since 1978
Hybrid economy: agriculture, Library is highly valued
health, knowledge, aged Excellent programs/responsive
care & creative industries staff
COMMUNITY RESEARCH
710
participants: LIBRARY SIZE Perceived gaps WW City Library x
500
578 surveys, Flexible frequency mentioned
132 interviews meeting EQUITY OF ACCESS
& workshops study
Lack of
frequency
spaces
meetings critical to branch LEARNING PROGRAMS COLLECTIONS
growing structure Physical/
Lots of ideas Great, more online
city outreach needed/
for expansion mobile & more places/ PARTNERSHIPS
keep
& new pop-up fresh &
broader diverse
options Shared
services 24/7
cross
space & + Library
section of
Consistent access community services in of Things
digital community/
views on creative
+ creative
current gaps + literacy
hubs
0
higher importance lower
6 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft
REFERENCE POINTS THEMES
Coffs Harbour
1. Growth
NSW
Tamworth
Port Macquarie Lots of economic, social & cultural
Dubbo opportunities/potential for unequal
Port Stephens
Orange distribution of services to support
disadvantaged communities
VIC Albury
Bendigo 2. People & Place
Ballarat
Geelong Growth + liveability, accessibility,
equality of opportunity
How does WWCL compare with
= need for cultural infrastructure
other regional cities?
= libraries.
• One of the smallest city library
services of any regional city in
NSW and Victoria
• Smaller staff cohort
• Smaller spatial footprint in
comparison to other regional city
libraries of similar populations
Performing well: programs
+ collection diversity
+ staff responsiveness
FUTURE: RECOMMENDATIONS 2020 - 2038
NOW 2020 - 2022 INTERMEDIATE 2022 - 2025 LONGER TERM 2025 - 2038
Reconfigure floorplan: Maximise Implement Agile Library: Expand Agile Library Services in
use of current and potential nimble van that can be driven response to population growth.
floorspace to increase seating and by staff to suburbs and villages.
Redesign footprint of the
study areas, digital access and
Trial activation of a library Civic Centre including the Civic
programming.
presence in neighbourhood Arcade; integrate Customer
Level 1: More learning/meeting locations e.g. Glenfield Service/Library experiences;
spaces; western end - install casual Community Centre & Ngurra stretch outwards towards
seating and a smaller concierge desk Youth Hub in Ashmont. Wollundry Lagoon including
to replace the large front desk; install a Café.
Explore possibility of 24/7
mobile technology with bookable
kiosk. Explore need for a branch
laptops/tablets and café style
library in a growth area.
benches; install smart return shelves Add capabilities: outreach,
to accommodate recent returns; digital engagement, diverse
self-serve coffee bar. Enclose the futures, learning and literacies.
book chute returns area.
Level 0: Expand Children’s Area
for events and regular Storytime
sessions; install smart return
shelving.
7
Around the clock…
2020: A DAY IN THE LIFE Knitting Circle
AT WAGGA WAGGA Around 25-30 people
CITY LIBRARY
“Summer 2019-2020: our
community is at a loss to know
how to deal with the growing
sense of hopelessness in the
face of bushfire emergency.
Storytime Book launch The library holds a Knit for
Around 125 people and reading Joey’s event to support our
local chapter of WIRES. We
across two sessions Around 65 people provide cake and tea, always a
(kids and parents) great social lubricant. Around
20 women gather to knit, other
members of the community
donate wool and needles,
there is a sense of purpose for
these women, they share skills,
knitting patterns, and stories
of fire survival they make
sense of the wold through the
simple act of being together
with common cause. Across
the day the group decides
they would like to continue to
Local studies knit together each Tuesday.
The library has facilitated
requests this request. This group has
“A woman came in asking now decided to knit beanies
for help. She was born in for Wagga’s homeless, the
Wagga Wagga but moved library will connect with local
away as an adult. All her welfare agencies to organise
family came from Wagga, distribution.”
and when she was a little girl Chrissie
her grandmother died, but
it wasn’t talked about. With
no explanation, visits to her
grandma stopped abruptly. I
was able to find information Disability support
in Trove about where and “Kerry is a regular Library
how her Grandma died, and customer with a vision
identify where her Grandma’s impairment. Typically, she
house had been, using the comes to the Library to type
council mapping portal and letters. When she enters, she
Computer access NSW lands department. will come to the main desk
Tourists, grey nomads, With the information I was to ask for help to log on to
international backpackers, able to give her, the woman a computer, find the word
job seekers, students: was able to trace her processing feature, and for the
use the library facilities to Grandma’s route to where font to be changed to size 48.
access the internet, print she ended her life, as she After typing each letter, Kerry
and scan documents, read drowned herself in one of the will return to the desk and ask
a newspaper, or relax in an sections of the lagoon. The one of us to proofread the letter
air-conditioned environment. woman was so thankful she and help her to print it off (Kerry
was able to get closure on a usually types several letters in a
sad event in her childhood, session). She is always grateful
and honour her Grandma for our help and knows many
and pay her respects.” of us by name.”
Mentoring sessions Sarah Simon
8 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft
Tech-savvy seniors Cultural support Practical support
“People who don’t have “Hardly a day goes by when “I helped a truck driver apply
access to the internet or a group, author or artist for a job with Visy. Their
understand technology doesn’t contact the library process was entirely online,
make up a huge part of our wanting our help to reach and he was unfamiliar with
customer service. Often the the wider community to most of what was needed.
problems aren’t easy to solve, share information and skills: He had a typed copy of
but by directing them to other legal; health; art & craft; his CV, and hard copies of
services or organisations we performance… his qualifications with him.
can often help. We also have When the local Shakespeare Visy wanted a written cover
regular Tech Savvy Senior Club had its centenary, I letter and all the rest, but
Classes, which are friendly was able to borrow the State uploaded via a portal.
and oversubscribed.” Library of NSW’s copy of So, he had to learn to use
Jen the First Folio published in Word for the cover letter
1623, and the only copy in and learn how to use the
the southern hemisphere, to scanner for everything else,
be on display for one month all of which I helped him
in the library. John Bell with. That’s a really indicative
from Bell Shakespeare also example: people encounter
agreed to attend our major barriers between themselves
event for free. The ladies in and what they’re trying to
the local club were delighted achieve (I mean, he was
as it was beyond their already a truck driver), and
wildest dreams to celebrate librarians try to help them
their centenary in this way.” learn how to remove those
Claire barriers, without judgement,
and for free.
On any given day in the
library, we would do the
equivalent of what I just
described, three or four
times over.”
Peter
Baby Bounce Home delivery
“The children’s area of
Volunteers
Wagga Wagga City Library
has become a pram car
park as parents arrive for
Baby Bounce. Some of the
participants have come Information Language Café
together, others make their
way to the open floor space
requests Around 25 -30 people
spreading out baby rugs. I “I’ve settled many bets!
Started in 2017. Conversational
greet all bubs and carers. People come into the library
English. 50-70 volunteers,
They sing songs and rhymes, and ask questions such as
many bi-lingual. Learning
blow bubbles and read books. “My mate reckons he kicked
and social experience.
Participants smile at each a goal in the 1970 Carroll
other, connecting as group of Cup final. Can I see the “Some participants felt lonely
new mums and dads. At the Daily Advertiser report of when they were new arrivals,
end of the session strangers the game?”. They sure can, but after participating in LC
are talking together about using our comprehensive they made friends and keep
the parenting experience and local newspaper collection meeting each other outside
finding social connection.” available on microfilm.” the library.”
Jeannie Michael Mahsa
9
10 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft
SECTION 1:
RESEARCH
In this section:
710 people participated in the Wagga Wagga City Library Review. Research
modes included: surveys, workshops, interviews, small group sessions, and
visits to community hubs and mobile library stops.
Wagga Wagga residents love the library – space, collections, programs
and service ethic.
Consistent views:
– City Library is too small for a regional city;
– More flexible study, workshop and meeting spaces needed;
– Many community members live in suburbs which are currently
underserved by the library;
– Need to consider new options for library service delivery.
11COMMUNITY RESEARCH
MAYINY-GU GARRAYWANGIDYAL (PEOPLE’S FINDINGS)
Community research has affirmed the importance of the library to the City’s
goal to be a culturally rich, learning centred and socially inclusive regional
city. It has revealed consistent views about the library’s current limitations
and service possibilities. Equally important are the views of people who are
not current or regular users, but could be if library offerings met more of
their needs, in the right locations, at the right times, and in the right way.
Consultation Consultation has included interviews,
meetings, and/or workshops with:
Between July and December 2019, a range of
• Wiradjuri Elders along with members of Marwang
different stakeholders participated in community
Garway and other community leaders and
research activities. In addition, one online survey,
service providers
available between August and October 2019,
attracted 368 responses via the Wagga View portal. • eight Councillors, recorded and transcribed
• library staff workshops (x3)
An additional online survey was available between
June and July 2020 to explore usage of and • directors and managers from community,
reflections on the City Library’s offerings during cultural and planning services, and council staff
the NSW Covid-19 pandemic closures. The survey from accross the organisation
attracted 210 responses. • Executive Director of Riverina Regional Library
The total number of survey and community • Friends of the Library
research participants was 710. • community groups in the library – knitters,
Storytime participants, high school and
university students, range of library users
• Youth Forum participants
• community centre co-ordinators and clients
at Tolland, Ashmont and Kooringal
• State Library of NSW
• Charles Sturt University
“The library is starved for space.
• Wagga Wagga TAFE
Where will the expansion come
• Eastern Riverina Arts
from? 100,000 people will need
• Riverina Community College
bigger spaces.”
• Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga
Councillor
• 13 library managers/CEOs of NSW and Victorian
regional and peri-urban library services.
12 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft16,000 350 x 181,801 x
Section 2 People attend library
programs & events
Programs x
per year, on average
People used
library in 2018/9
x
Research x x
16,000 350 x 181,801 x 368x x
People attend library Programs x People used x Survey x x
programs & events per year, on average library in 2018/9 respondents
350 respondents
Survey 181,801 368
x Usage x 150 x x
participants
Programs
There are a number of things People used
to note: x Survey
The people of WaggaxWagga use x
In workshops,
their library x
focus
per year, on average library in 2018/9 respondents
• respondents were generally younger in service in a multitude of ways.groups & interviews
The 30-40 per cent
comparison to many community surveys of this of Wagga Wagga’s population who use the library
kind. While the highest response rate was from regularly do so on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
181,801 368
people aged between 55 and 64, the second x 150
The most frequent x
participants x
High
uses relate to borrowing x
(books,
satisfaction
People
highestused Survey
response rate was from people aged x picture books, DVDs,
In workshops, xe-books);
focus Foronline resources;
books,x DVDs, xe-
library in 2018/9
between 25 and 34, and therespondents
third highest was places to study and
groups & interviews read; attending programs,
resources, Storytimetalks,
from respondents aged between 35 and 44; events; using wifi and computers.
• while the library attracts visitation from across While respondents had high levels of satisfaction
368
usage is from people livingIn
150
the greater Wagga Wagga region, theparticipants
in workshops,
highest x
central, east focus
andx
High
with most of the
dissatisfaction
x Lowx
above, they signalled greater
satisfaction
withe-the
x
satisfaction
Survey For books, DVDs, x availability of suitable
For libraryxsize, meeting
x
north Wagga.
respondents When cross correlated with
groups & interviewshow meeting andStorytime
resources, recreational spaces,
spaces and bookable
& accessibility
people get to the library, it is evident that having rooms.
a car helps. In fact, the lack of public transport Dissatisfaction was also registered around
150 x Low x $60m
options was frequently mentioned, as was the
issue of participants
parking availability;High satisfaction
opening times
quiet, studysize,
spaces;
x 7.6m
(should be longer); availability of
satisfaction people fun
In workshops, focus
• most respondents were born in Australia and e-
For books, DVDs, x For library xmobile and
meeting branchx options Increase by NSW S
Visited Australian
groups & interviews resources, Storytime outside
spacesthe CBD; and targetedlibraries
& accessibility services for peopleGovt over 4 year p
speak English at home. In descending order, the with a disability, unemployed, Indigenous and
proportion of respondents born outside Australia multicultural communities.
were from: Iraq, Iran, Sudan, United Kingdom,
High
China, India, Low
New Zealand, Canada, Ireland,
satisfaction x
satisfaction 7.6m people $60m x
6.7m
There was a high level of agreement about the
need for a café in the library; and a funding
114m
people
high level of
Germany,
For books, France,
DVDs, e- Japan, Uruguay, Finland, x
For library size, meeting Visited Australian Increase by x
NSW Australian
Visited State Visits to public
resources, Storytime
Switzerland, USA, Bangladesh, Malta,
spaces Madagascar;
& accessibility disagreement
libraries with the sentiment that
Govt overmuseums libraries
4 year period are
libraries annuall
just places for books.
• 11 respondents identified as Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander. When asked to think expansively about the library
Low satisfaction 7.6m people $60m
6.7m
people funding people
were generally x
6.3m
114m
– current form, services and future possibilities –
upbeat and optimistic.people
Other 3.9m peop
For library size, meeting Visited Australian Increaselibraries
by NSWwere
Visited Stateoften cited
Australian Visitsastoplaces
public
Visited x
emulate orWent to see
toAustralian
spaces & accessibility libraries Govt overmuseums
4 year period libraries art
annually
galleries a play
learn from. Double Bay, Randwick, Ryde, Rockdale,
“It’s the one space where you are Geelong, Library at the Dock, Shellharbour, Yarra
Libraries, Moreton Bay are some of the specific
7.6m
not obligated to spend anything.”
Community member
people 6.7m people 6.3m
114m
examples given. people 3.9m people x 3.5m peop
Visited Australian Visited Australian Visits toWhile
public
Visited Australian Went to see x
the current library was perceived as light, Went to see an
libraries museums librariessunny,
annually
art galleries a play
welcoming and well-resourced, it was also opera or musica
described as formal, dull, lacking colour, cramped,
and too serious.
6.7m people 6.3m people 3.9m people 3.5m peoplex
Visited Australian Visited Australian Went to see Went to see an x
museums art galleries a play opera or musical
6.3m people 3.5m people x
Visited Australian Went to see an x
art galleries opera or musical
13368 150 x
participants High x
satisfaction x x
Survey x
In workshops, focus For books, DVDs, e-
x x x
respondents groups & interviews resources, Storytime
150 participants High x
satisfaction Low x
satisfaction x $60m fun
In workshops, focus For books, DVDs, e-
x For library size, meeting
x x Increase by NSW S
groups & interviews resources, Storytime spaces & accessibility Govt over 4 year pe
High
Big townsatisfaction Low
or regional city? x
satisfaction 7.6m people$60m funding
Associations x 114m
ForCity
The books, DVDs,Wagga
of Wagga e- Foralibrary
is at size, meeting
crossroads, a x Visited
There areAustralian
few socialIncrease by NSW
or cultural State
x
institutions thatVisits to public
resources, Storytime spaces & accessibility libraries Govt over 4 year period libraries annually
cusp, a transition point. At least this is how it can attract the depth of feeling and positive
was framed by numerous interviewees. The City’s associations people have for their libraries. The
‘conservative’, ‘risk averse’, ‘country town’ identity citizens of Wagga Wagga are no exception. In
Low
is challengedsatisfaction 7.6m
by growth, greater diversity,people 6.7m
$60m
and a workshops, meetings
funding 114m x
people and the online survey, 3.9m peop
more ‘progressive’ mindset.
For library size, meeting Visited Australian people
Visited described
Australian
Increase by NSW State the library
Visits to and its
public meaning
x toWent to see
spaces & accessibility libraries Govt overmuseums
them in period
4 year libraries
highly expressive annually
ways, ranging from thea play
Potbound plant pragmatic to the poetic.
The library is ‘potbound’. It has outgrown its There were four dominant metaphors used.
7.6m
home, and itspeople 6.7m
programming success continues people 6.3m
114m
to People viewedpeople 3.9m
the library as a place x
people 3.5m
of discovery, peop
highlight its current
Visited Australian deficiencies. Increasing the adventure,
Visited Australian Visits to Visited treasure and wonder.
public Australian Went to see It was
x a refuge,
Went to see an
City Library’s footprint and availability
libraries museumsof flexiblelibrarieshaven,
art retreat, heaven.
galleries
annually a play opera or musica
learning spaces was a recurrent theme across all
It acted as a village green, meeting place
research modes.
and community hub; it was perceived as safe,
6.7m
What’s not peoplesaid 6.3m 3.9m
people people
embodied abundance,
3.5m
welcoming egalitarian, inclusive people
x
and accepting.
Visited Australian Visited Australian Went toItsee Went toexcess,
see ancomfort
x and fun;
The consistency
museums in views about and aspirations
art galleries for
a play it was free, environmentally sustainable,
opera or musical available
the library was, paradoxically, reaffirmed by what to everyone, resourceful, an asset.
people didn’t say. Not one person, in workshops,
While the library was perceived ‘sunny’, ‘fabulous’,
interviews and survey, said that libraries were a
6.3m
thing of past, people 3.5m
irrelevant in the age of Google, a relic people
as ‘underfunded’,
x
‘marvellous’, ‘lovely’, a ‘blessing’; it was also perceived
‘too small’ and ‘under-appreciated’.
Visited Australian
from a previous era, or any number of Went to see an
ill-informed x
art galleriesthat often feature in contemporaryopera or musical
perceptions
library research projects. This is a positive and
Possibility
possibly unique finding. Now is the moment to reimagine the library
service, people said. The library should be at the
Ignition point for change centre of Council’s thinking and planning.
The City needs more meeting, co-working, study With growth comes new possibilities – for revenue,
and event spaces. This was the most frequently grants, developer contributions, the latest
expressed need across all research groups. Creative technologies, new social and cultural infrastructure.
and cultural practitioners, refugee support groups, Participants supported this expansive mindset.
knitters, students, Wiradjuri and First Nations The City also has a responsibility to the vulnerable,
Elders, teachers, community workers, legal and marginalised and disadvantaged. A majority of
health information services, Councillors, planners, participants believed the library service reaches into
parents, kids - all articulated this need. The these communities in unique and practical ways,
library was perceived as welcoming, multifaceted, and needs to be adequately resourced to continue
resource-rich and kind. It was described as a and deepen this work.
vibrant community and creative hub.
“Everything needs “Community outreach is definitely
to scale up.” our biggest black hole.”
Councillor Friends of the Library
14 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – DraftLibrary of the future “It’s a common place where you can
The invitation to speculate on a possible future meet friends, or make new ones, share
library produced an extraordinary range of ideas and improve connections.”
imaginative ideas and suggestions. Some
suggestions involved designing new library buildings “I would like to see a vibrant
and places; expanded and new programs; and library, full of colour, beautiful
radically different library collections. and comfortable, it should be an
experience to be here not just a place
A small sample of comments: to pick up materials.”
camping equipment; 3D printers; DIY tools;
cameras and tripods; stage lighting; recording “I can’t tell you how important Baby
studio; small theatre; power tools; board Bounce has been for me as a young
games; science kits; lego technics; musical mother. I’ve met some great people.
instruments; Abobe creative suite; glue guns; gym
equipment; toys; sewing machines; easel and It should be on every day. Will be
loom; headphones; whipper snipper; telescopes; going to Storytime next.”
puzzles; cake tins; robots; community languages;
Wiradjuri signage; postal service; pop-up libraries “One Book, One Wagga - fabulous.”
in suburbs; hammock; more Storytime and Baby
Bounce, more of everything currently on offer and
….. a Library Dog!
Community research How do you travel to and from the library?
The CBD location, combined with limited public
LIBRARY SIZE
transport options, privileges car and foot
500 Perceived gaps WW City Library x
Flexible frequency mentioned
transport modes.
meeting EQUITY OF ACCESS 368 responses, 0 skipped
study
Lack of
frequency
spaces LEARNING PROGRAMS COLLECTIONS
critical to branch
growing structure Great, more
Physical/ car bicycle foot public mobility
online
city outreach
mobile &
needed/ keep transport scooter
more places/ PARTNERSHIPS fresh &
pop-up broader
options Shared diverse
cross
24/7 section of space & + Library
access community services in of Things
digital community/
creative
+ creative hubs
+ literacy
0
higher importance lower 319 24 106 22 1
15AFTER THE
LOCKDOWN
An additional online survey was conducted during • Just being able to go there and browse quietly,
the Wagga Wagga City Library shutdown, as a favourite place in town!!!
result of NSW Health Covid-19 advice, between • Seeing the staff, having somewhere to go with
March and June, 2020. kids, Storytime, getting new books each week.
Some people extended their use of e-resources, • It was a joyous day when I heard you were
others discovered them for the first time. Online reopening and in all honesty, the only place I
Storytime and Baby Bounce sessions were really missed due to shutdown.
appreciated. People missed the physical library: • Missed that it is always there, always available.
atmosphere, books, staff and social connections.
What surprised you?
The questions were simple:
• Wide range of online titles, resources.
• What library services did people use?
• Slim catalogue on Borrowbox and the
• How did they find out about what was happening? inadequate number of titles available for loan
• What did they miss about their library? • Loved Facebook posts and Storytime.
• Did anything surprise them? • The fact that you have a social media presence.
• What can the library keep doing? • How much the library means to us.
What did people miss during the shutdown? • How much I rely on the library.
• social interaction • I was surprised how much I used the library and
• connection to community didn’t realise it. It was one of the things I missed
• quiet space to work, study, wait, read, use wifi most during the lock down.
• space to meet with students, mentoring, • I’d never thought about using ancestry.com, so I
coaching etc. was surprised, firstly that I used it, and secondly,
that I found something there of interest.
• physical books, newspapers, DVDs
• I didn’t realise how much we rely on access to
• browsing
a wide range of children’s books. We’ve got a
• Storytime, Baby Bounce, Book Club, knitting small house & a small budget, and so we can’t
group buy or store enough books to sate the kids’
• library staff appetite for reading.
• ideas, inspiration • I thought it was awesome how quickly the
• computers, printers library adapted, eg doing Storytime online -
great idea, kids loved it!
Services used during lockdown? How satisified were you with services used?
E-books
E-magazines
Ancestry
Newsbank
Online
Storytime
0 100 200 300 400 500 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
E-books Ancestry Movie streaming Very satisfied Reasonably satisfied
E-magazines Newsbank Online Storytime Unsatisfied Very unsatisfied N/A
16 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – DraftThe show
must go on
Improve and/or continue? Wagga Wagga City Library produced and
• I was really impressed with the story time distributed digital Storytime sessions in the
sessions still being done. I thought that was a wake of Covid-19 library closures. The first
great initiative by the library staff. digital Storytime reached 16,292 people; was
• We need more mobile library services. liked 99 times; shared 84 times; received 33
positive comments. The Australian Library
• Online Facebook Storytime, Baby Bounce.. and Information Association (ALIA) included
expand to adults, author talks live streaming. Wagga in its honour roll of early adopters.
• Increase range of physical and online books.
Two pre-recorded sessions were produced
• Keep up promotion via email and FB. each week.
• Stay open.
Authors and publishers temporarily lifted
• Longer opening hours. copyright restrictions on people reading
• Click and collect service. stories on broadcasting platforms.
• Continue as is. Great service. The building
is welcoming and safe. Staff helpful. Good
resources.
• Love the library - helpful staff - diverse
resources - fact & fiction.
• More sitting places - I know that has to be in
line with restrictions at the moment. I liked
it when there was free tea and coffee as an
incentive to do a survey.
• I like visiting the library as a comfortable, safe
public space. I don’t feel comfortable in the
shopping malls or street cafés.
• Local library is so important to our family. We
really appreciate having access to so much
literature, reference and educational resources.
“I love Wagga Wagga library.
It has a welcoming vibe.”
How did you find out what was happening? What is your age?
Facebook Under 15
Library website 15 to 24
Library email/ 25 to 34
newsletter
45 to 44
Newspaper
45 to 54
Radio
55 to 64
TV
65 to 74
Instagram
75 to 84
17Case study 1:
PLACE FOR THE IMAGINATION
As the community research demonstrates, people have complex views,
needs and perceptions in relation to the library. It is constrained and
expansive; taken for granted and a civic jewel.
It’s perfect Space
A group of Wiradjuri and First Nations Elders and “For a start, there’s not enough of it, no where
community leaders meets often at the library. It’s near the number of meeting spaces needed, and
perfect, many say, one of their favourite places to it should be more colourful,” an Elder volunteers.
just BE. Everyone laughs.
When it’s hot, cold, when the kids need books “Yes,” says another person, “it feels like a fishbowl
or come to workshops, when you’re waiting for in this room. And the computers out there take up a
someone, need wifi or a computer, to hold a book lot of space.”
launch or meeting – there is no where better in town. “It’s bland, too formal; bring in lots more colour,
bright and bold, make it like Geelong Library.”
It is central and safe
More laughter. The group is buzzing now.
“For the time we are here, it’s a place where we feel
equal,” a respected Elder says. “I’m mystified,” a noted community leader explains.
“The space downstairs is really beautiful. Why
“Any place that encourages learning and creativity,
doesn’t it open up to the lagoon? A more outside-
especially for our kids, should be supported,”
inside connection. It would be great for kids to run
another comments.
around, and for culture stuff as well.”
While Elders and leaders are positive about the
‘The river,” another says, “how about a library facing
library, they are bursting with ideas about how it
the river? That would be fantastic.”
could better serve the Wagga Wagga community,
and Wiradjuri culture and language in particular.
18 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – DraftCulture Community
People noted that it was great to see Aboriginal, “Knowledge is not just about numbers,” an Elder
including Wiradjuri, literature and language says. Everyone goes quiet when she says this, all
prominently displayed on the book shelves. More ears tuned to her next comments.
could be done to welcome people to country and “We need to take what we know, all of the
acknowledge the cultural specificity of place. information available, listen carefully to people, and
“If the airport can welcome people in Wiradjuri, and work with them to decide what’s important. What
display our art, why not the library?” are our priorities as a city and community?”
“That’s right,” another says, “ there are huge glass “Well, if the library isn’t at the forefront of this,
windows out there, crying out to be inscribed with we will struggle as a community. The library is
Wiradjuri.” our information storehouse. Even with everything
Craft, design, artworks, drawings, photos of online, we still need places to come to, even the
Wiradjuri Elders and colour, were all mentioned as kids love coming here to learn,” someone notes.
necessary elements in a redesigned library. “We’ve got to make it easier for people,” another
“It’s great that the City now has a Wiradjuri walking comments. “You need a car to get here”
track and artworks in more places, why not the “Wouldn’t it be great if Wiradjuri was taught here in
library? Bring it inside as well.” the library? Not just for our mob, but everyone.”
“Imagination. Science and maths are important, The ideas keep flowing until someone says they had
but places like this, places for the imagination are better get on with the meeting they were here for in
needed for our community, and, for that matter, the first place.
everyone, especially our kids.” Respected Aunty has the last word.
“It’s a community learning space here, a
space for everyone and everything, including
the lagoon. Culture, country and modern
technology. All combined. Tranquil like the river;
vibrant like the sun.”
19SECTION 2:
REFERENCE POINTS
In this section:
- Wagga Wagga City Council has one of the smallest city library services in
NSW.
- The Library is struggling to meet State Library of NSW standards in
relation to spatial footprint, opening hours and staffing ratios.
- Examples of effective outreach services are presented.
- Four NSW and Victorian library case studies are presented as exemplars
of the social, economic and cultural benefits libraries can generate if
adequately supported by communities and governments.
20 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – DraftREFERENCE POINTS
As the community research demonstrates, the people who use, visit,
borrow from and enjoy the Wagga Wagga Library Service exhibit a high
level of attachment and care. They are not indifferent to its future success,
even when they are critical about its current constraints.
Summary of findings The total library staff cohort is small compared to
benchmarked libraries, especially considering its
Wagga Wagga has a smaller library service status as a regional city library.
compared to most major regional cities in
NSW and Victoria. A new Agile Outreach Library, combined with a
modest expansion of specialist staff positions, will
enable WWCL to better meet the community’s
expressed needs and hopes for the future.
Glossary
WWCL: Wagga Wagga City Library
WWCC: Wagga Wagga City Council
SLNSW: State Library of NSW
LGA: Local Government Area
21BENCHMARKS: NOW
NSW Regional City Library Services
Location Population Staff in FTE Floorspace
per city service in sqm per city
service
Albury 53,767 21.78 FTE 2,600 (Albury)
2 branches (combined Library/ 450 (Lavington)
Museum)
3,050 sqm
Coffs Harbour 76,551 15.75 FTE 986 sqm (Coffs Harbour)
3 branches 460 sqm (Toormina)
450 sqm (Woolgoolga)
1,896 sqm
Dubbo 53,240 14 FTE 1,976 sqm
1 Branch
(Member of Macquarie Regional
Library Service - 10 branches)
Griffith 26,882 7.6 FTE 1,548 sqm
1 branch
(Member of Western Riverina
Library Service – 7 branches)
Orange 42,056 10 FTE 1,306 sqm
1 branch
(Member of Central West
Libraries – 7 branches)
Port Macquarie 83,131 18 FTE 2,100 (Port Macquarie)
3 branches 471 (Laurieton)
(Member of Mid North Coast 580 (Wauchope)
Library Service – 6 libraries) 3,151 sqm
Tamworth 62,156 16 FTE 1,584 (Tamworth)
2 Branches 220 (South Tamworth)
(Member of Central Northern 1,804 sqm
Regional Library - 6 branches)
Wagga Wagga 64,820 18.7* FTE 1,600sqm
1 branch + mobile service (*assumes 11.7FTE WWCL +
(Member of Riverina Regional equivalent of 7 FTE offsite
Library – 19 libraries + mobile from Riverina Regional
service) Library)
Source: SLNSW Bibliostat Statistics year ending 2018/2019
22 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – DraftSTANDARDS
State Library of NSW Standards
Library Spaces vs SLNSW recommended minimum standard
2020 2020 2040
Current Benchmark Target
Wagga Wagga SLNSW: 68,000 population SLNSW: 100,000 population
3230 4065
City Library:
1600 square metres square metres
square metres
Library opening hours vs SLNSW recommended minimum standard
Wagga Wagga SLNSW: 68,000 population SLNSW: 100,000 population
53 62
City Library:
53* hours per week hours per week
hours per week
* S unday opening hours were
approved in the 2020/21
financial year
Staffing ratios vs SLNSW recommended minimum standard
Wagga Wagga SLNSW: 68,000 population SLNSW: 100,000 population
22.6 62
City Library:
18.7 *
FTE FTE
FTE
* Assumes 11.7FTE WWCL +
equivalent of 7 FTE offsite from
Riverina Regional Library
Collections vs SLNSW recommended minimum standard
Wagga Wagga City Library SLNSW Cohort Comparison
1.21* 1.74
items per capita items per capita
= 78,030 items total (cohort median)
* Library size restricts collections kept on site
Source: People Places: a guide for planning public buildings 2020 SLNSW
23FUTURE LIBRARY SERVICE MODELS
New generation outreach
services
Library services have changed dramatically over
the last 20 years, with mobile library delivery
having evolved significantly in the last ten years.
The current emphasis is on agility and flexibility;
smaller vehicles, on demand delivery of library
resources, digitally enabled, capable of delivering
multiple programs, place activators, and even
moving billboards for library advertising and
promotion. Emerging technologies, combined
with generational change, will likely see library
users select materials using virtual reality
interfaces, check out materials online and have
them immediately delivered, easily access more
streaming platforms, and a range of options not
yet envisaged.
Smaller vehicles also mean a specialist license New generation mobile library
is not required, enabling library staff to deliver Blacktown City Council has a population of 372,000;
the service. by 2036 it will be 505,000. It is a richly layered
multicultural Western Sydney conurbation spanning
an area of 246.9 km². There are five branch libraries;
150 schools; complex needs.
A library service review had identified gaps in service
delivery, particularly outreach. A small van already
provides library home visits. A new generation
mobile library was needed.
Blacktown sourced $120,000 in local priority grants from
State Library of NSW, and $60,000 from Clubs NSW.
A Mercedes Sprinter van was purchased and
retrofitted: $60,000 for vehicle; $60,000 for retrofit.
The Sprinter requires a C Class licence to drive.
It has pull down shelving and display units on either
side of the vehicle, which open and close, and
contain different items depending on the audience.
Agile Library Van Sophisticated sensors can detect movement and
height; retractable awnings provide shade and
Wollondilly Shire’s mobile library service includes two
shelter. It offers library resources, high speed wifi,
retrofitted Mercedes Sprinter vans, which visit 16 villages
computers, printers, story time events.
and towns on a weekly basis. They spend a minimum of
1.5 to a maximum of 3 hours at each location. This is not a van that people enter; its primary
objective is to increase visibility, engage new users
It costs Wollondilly approximately $100,000 pa to
in new ways, and create a more permeable boundary
fund the mobile library service. This includes
between the physical library and community needs.
salaries, vehicle maintenance, replacement fund
and operational expenses. Launched in late 2019, it is already a fixture at ten
busy railway stations; 12 community centres; shopping
Vehicle size and flexibility enable the service to visit
complexes; playgrounds and childcare facilities.
schools, festivals, events and parks.
24 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – Draft24/7 kiosk/pods 24/7 Library
A number of regional library services also Part of West Gippsland Libraries. the Foster Library
provide 24/7 access to curated collections, was the first to offer 24/7 library access in Victoria
online membership and e-resources, WIFI and in 2019.
comfortable seating. A small regional town of 1,200 people, Foster
The Kiralee Library Pod is a good example. attracts high numbers of seasonal tourists. Around
25 per cent of the population is without internet
access. People working longer hours and juggling
multiple responsibilities appealed to the library to
What is a library kiosk? extend opening hours.
The Kiralee Library Pod was launched by Ipswitch A $92,000 upgrade enabled the library to
Libraries to meet the needs of a growing community. reconfigure spaces and install secure swipe card
It was an Australian first when it opened outside the access to library collections.
Kiralee Shopping Centre in October 2019.
Interested library members were invited to register
The Library Pod offers: for the service and undertake a short occupational
• 24/7 access health and safety course.
• curated collection, restocked daily There is an opportunity for 24/7 kiosk access
• self service vending machine access via mobile across the city to be considered in appropriate
phone or library card
locations.
• large touch screen for joining library, downloading
e-books, magazines, audio
• comfortable benches for sitting, if needed
25LEADING LIBRARIES
Libraries do more than any other cultural institution to promote community interaction and democratic
cultural exchange; they support employment outcomes, provide spaces for creatives to create, support
literacy and the literary arts, and collect and interpret unique local histories. The following four case
studies show how regional city library services can support economic growth and cultural vitality.
Albury City Library, City of Greater Bendigo
Museum and Gallery Bendigo Library, part of the Goldfields Library
Opened in 2007, the Albury Library Museum Corporation, is situated in a 4000 square
is a community hub bringing together state- metre purpose-built facility in the heart of
of-the-art technology, reading and research town. It contains a large collection of over
facilities, a diverse exhibition schedule, a 133,000 items, the latest multi media and
dynamic program of events, and a focus on the audio visual equipment, a cafe, research
region’s heritage. Open seven days, it averages centre, regional archives, and volunteer
4,000 visitors each week. Albury City has a resource centre. Membership is over 40,000.
branch library located at Lavington, which also There are around 1,144,000 visits per year.
contains exhibition, meeting, research, and co- The library offers around 2,000 programs
located citizen services spaces. a year, with 33 per cent of the community
attending. It opened in 2014 and cost $9.12
The museum collection contains over 20,000 million. Recent economic analysis estimates
objects and includes pieces of national and the library alone returns $27.4 million annually
international significance. The converged in benefits to the Greater Bendigo community
library and museum model has been an and economy.
outstanding success. In addition, Albury
LibraryMuseum staff have become research Importantly, the library is part of a dynamic
leaders and advocates for the benefits of cultural ecology and economy. Bendigo Art
converged cultural services. Gallery is one of the most successful regional
galleries in Australia. Joint programming and
Albury City population is 52,723. collaboration occur across all of Bendigo’s
cultural institutions.
City of Greater Bendigo has a population
of 110,000.
26 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – DraftCamden Council Geelong Library and
South Western Sydney is one of Australia’s Heritage Centre
fastest growing regions. Spanning the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre is part
local government areas of Campbelltown, of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation.
Camden and Wollondilly, new suburbs are Opened in 2015, and costing over $45.5
being created in what was once semi-rural million, visitation and usage have increased
agricultural land. One such suburb, Oran by a massive 320 per cent.
Park, is named after the car racing track upon
which it is placed. Older Aboriginal tracks In 2016/17, Geelong Regional Libraries
underpin its physical form, which will soon attracted nearly two million visits to library
host over 30,000 homes. branches and mobile libraries. A lifelong
learning and cultural programming calendar
The $14 million Oran Park Library and offered 6,255 separate programs and
Community Centre opened in July 2018. attracted over 150,000 participants. The
It is the product of a voluntary planning library generates income through its in-
agreement with the suburb’s principal demand venues.
developer. Council contributed $2 million;
the developer $12 million. Intended as a Geelong is a city in transition. The erosion of
community anchor, it has attracted over its traditional industrial and manufacturing
145,000 people since it opened. The library base is being replaced by a coordinated focus
boasts up-to-date technology, media labs, on learning, knowledge, urban revitalisation
study spaces, learning areas for children, and culture. There are significant pockets
audio-visual technologies, meeting rooms, of disadvantage. Around 40 per cent of
café, and a large community hall for hire. library members are on incomes of less than
Contemporary visual art and sculpture, $30,000 per annum.
with an emphasis on ‘tracks’ both racing While the City of Greater Geelong’s
and Indigenous, are strategically placed population is around 250,000, it is
throughout the multi-level, 2,500 square included here because so many research
metre site. participants cited the Geelong Library as
Camden’s population is currently 96,000; an exemplar. The award-winning Geelong
it is predicted to grow to 233,000 by Library and Heritage Centre occupies
2036. It has three library branches – six floors, and 6000 square metres. Its
Camden, Narellan, Oran Park – and outstanding success has been followed
another planned for Leppington. The by a new branch library at Leopold in
library service has 20 fte staff, and a 2018, and three more libraries coming
range of casual positions. on line before 2022.
27SECTION 3:
THEMES
In this section:
Community research identified two interconnected themes:
Growth – as the City of Wagga Wagga’s population and economy grows,
there are tensions between what is gained and what is lost; what is
perceived as an opportunity or challenge.
People and Place – research participants were optimistic about the kind of
place Wagga Wagga is becoming. In particular, its capacity to be a ‘liveable’
city; a welcoming and tolerant place.
The Wagga Wagga City Library is perceived as a positive force in supporting
the City’s economic growth and social cohesion.
28 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – DraftGROWTH
WAMARRA (BUILD) + GURRAY (CHANGE)
Wagga Wagga’s growth forecasts are well publicised and discussed.
As a designated regional growth hub, Wagga Wagga’s population is
predicted to grow to 100,000 by 2038. The current population growth
rate of 1.00 per cent will need to reach 2.1 per cent in order to achieve
this target. Organic population growth will be augmented with various
forms of migration – city to region, skilled migration, refugee intake.
Substantial growth In 2018, there were around 38,000 jobs in
Wagga Wagga.
The city is planning for substantial growth around
Estella, Boorooma and Bomen in the north, and The Riverina Region, of which the City of Wagga
around the airport to the east. Wagga Wagga City Wagga is an integral player, will need to generate
Council has masterplans in place for its industrial, 14,000 additional jobs by 2038*.
knowledge and health precincts. Wagga Wagga is fortunate to have a hybrid
Improving access to the river through the Riverside knowledge, health and aged care economy.
Project stages will create new event and recreation While agriculture is important, the long term
opportunities. Infill development in Wagga’s CBD is future will likely see the knowledge and creative
forecast to grow. industries flourish.
* Figures supplied by WWCC planners
29100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 5m peop8
Section 1 City by 2038 AustraliansWagga
Wagga Base Hospital
upgrade
sale
without By 2030 will be In
yards upgrade affected by disrupt
internet access vi
Growth Identity Culture
100,000 $167m 2.5m$3m 8m Start-up
$400m
5m people 3
City by 2038 AustraliansWagga
Wagga Base Hospital sale
without Wagga
By 2030 will sale yardsThetourists
be International largest contribu
In
upgrade internet access visited Austtoinjob
yards upgrade affected byturnover
disruption creation en
2017
A$167m
liveable city $3m $400m
5m people
Shadow Start-ups
side 3.5m70%
$10m 7
Wagga Base Hospital Wagga sale By 2030 will be sale yardsThe largestEunony
Wagga contributor Bridge Start-ups
International touristsare found A
Toupgrade
accommodate the projected population
yards upgradegrowth The optimism
turnover
affected by disruption that infuses
to job the growth
creation
upgrade narrative by 25-44
engaged with the arts year-old in
of the City, it is estimated that around 25,000 new is powerful, but it also has a shadow side. Not
homes will be needed. The City’s current housing everyone is or will be a beneficiary of economic
stock growth of 350-400 dwellings per year will expansion and change.
$3m $400mStart-ups
need to increase to 750 dwellings per year. 72% Gen Z $
$10m 70%5.6% There are Bridge
already pockets of are
significant
Aussies
Wagga sale Wagga sale yardsThe largest contributor
Eunony Start-ups ArefoundedAged over 15
Wiradjuri/ Born 1995-2010 w
engaged R
The styleupgrade
yards of housing will also need to change. The
turnover disadvantage
upgrade in Wagga
to job creation Wagga’s
by 25-44 suburbs
year-olds
First in artsand
Nations rural
havein52017
events different carepe
current preference for four bedroom detached or villages. Around 21 per cent of current households
semi-detached housing, which comprises 90 per are classified as low income. The same percentage
cent of new dwellings, will need to make way for of households report little or no broadband internet
$400m $10m 70%5.6%
the different housing needs of the fastest growing Gen 9%
Z $1.88b
Gen Z $
telecommunications. There is a high correlation
Wagga sale yards Eunony Bridge
demographic, namely single dwellers and couples. Start-ups Arefounded
are
between Wiradjuri/ Born 1995-2010
suburbs classified asAre bornwill
Revenue
disadvantaged Born 1995-2010
generated by In
w
turnover upgrade
A combination of infill development and land by 25-44 First
year-oldsNations have 5 different careers
overseas
according to the SEIFA index – Ashmont, Tolland, performing have
arts in17 different
2017 d
jo
rezoning will need to balance housing demand with Kooringal and Mount Austin – and residency of
urban planning, infrastructure, environmental and Wagga’s 5.6 per cent Aboriginal and Torres Strait
$10m
cultural considerations. 5.6% Gen 9%
ZIslander population. Gen 24.3%
Z $280m
Aus studen 6
Eunony
Recent Are Wiradjuri/
Bridgeconfirm that population
studies and Born 1995-2010Are born
Wagga will is also
Wagga Bornan1995-2010
Aged under
increasingly will
Income lossWorst
18; to theinternational
multicultural arts Tot
upgrade First Nations have 5 differentoverseas
careers have 17 different
median jobs
due 35 results recorded in th
agetoiscoronavirus 20
housing stock growth needs to be accompanied city, and a designated refugee resettlement
by adequate social and transport infrastructure. centre. Around 10 per cent of the population
Access to essential community and cultural services was born overseas; 112 different languages are
5.6% 9%
is often lagging in regional areas compared to Gen 24.3%
Z Aus 20.7%
6.4%NSW
spoken. Highly qualified people students
with culturally and GDP A
Australia’s eight capital cities.Are
Are Wiradjuri/ Thisborn
gap contributes linguistically
Aged under
Born 1995-2010 will different
18; Worst backgrounds,
international
Aged 60 Toreported
test that
Biggestfrom
the economy drop in readiM
First Nations overseas
to people’s perceptions of a city’s ‘liveability’ have 17 median
different age
jobs is 35 results recorded
or in
over
they are often unable to gain employment in their 2019
the arts in science
2016/7 & maths in th
20
and vitality, and inevitably its attractiveness and chosen profession.
economic performance. Some regional centres A cluster of factors compound economic
9% 24.3% Aus 20.7% NSW Arts 14
perform well in this regard and even outperform
smaller capital cities.
80%
jobs
students
and social disadvantage: unemploymentRanked or #=
12
to
Are born Aged under 18; Worst international
Aged 60test
underemployment; Biggest
a rise indropIninNSW
privatereading, Older
for incidents
More
rental people
options Australianslo
employed fe
overseas median age is 35results recorded
or over
in 2019 science & maths
of in 2019
domestic
than
vs public housing; limited public transport options; younger
violence
mining or IT than they coa
arrested literacy, learning and English language
skills; low percentage of students completing
24.3% 20.7% NSW Ranked
the HSC; diminished
participation
14
80%
# health, education
outcomes.
12.3 and
tourists
mcivic
domestic
attended a
O
to
Aged under 18; Aged 60 Biggest dropIninNSW Older Australianslocal
for incidents
reading, feel art gallery, o
median age is 35 or over of
science & maths domestic
in 2019 younger
violence than they
Growth is an engine of possibility, but it can be are
concert or festival ev
unevenly distributed.
The upbeat language with which many described
20.7% Ranked # 14
80%Wagga Wagga’s future growth prospects
Only 5.5 m domestic
will
tourists attended an
O
to
Aged 60 In NSW for incidents
Older Australians feel by the scale of post pandemic
be tempered organised sporting lo
or over of domestic violence
younger than they are
recovery needed. event 4
Ranked # 14 Only 5.6 m domestic
tourists visited a
In NSW for incidents local monument or
of domestic violence 400k a casino
30 Wagga Wagga City Library Review – DraftYou can also read
