A civic leader has jumped to the defence of our city after it copped a barrage of criticism on the internet over the weekend.
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Wagga has been slammed as a “terrible place” in a harsh critique on popular social news website, Reddit.
The website pitches itself as a social media, social news, web content rating and discussion website, with the slogan “the front page of the internet”.
The page is essentially a snapshot of what people are thinking across the globe – with anything from serious discussions to funny cat pictures.
And Wagga featured on the front of its Australian page, with a blogger known as jimbobbee ripping into the regional centre.
Jimbobbee, who said they were living in Wagga for “a little over a year now”, didn’t hold back in their thoughts on the city, covering everything from drugs to customer service.
“Pretty sure meth has taken over this town,” the blog reads.
“Multiple house break ins and car thefts daily. Houses burnt out. Murders. You name it.”
Wagga mayor Rod Kendall, who is the interim chairman of Evocities, which aims to promote regional cities as a better livability option than metropolitan areas, said the comments had to be taken “with a grain of salt”.
“The overwhelming feedback I receive is exactly the opposite,” Councillor Kendall said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t come from Wagga.”
The mayor challenged the blogger to jump down from their social media ivory tower of anonymity and talk to him.
“What are you prepared to do to help me solve (Wagga’s) problems?” Cr Kendall said.
“The invitation extends to anybody in the community.”
Wagga public relations expert and Comms&Co. director Nadine Crowley said posts on Reddit cycle through at a rapid rate.
“Any brand is subject to a vast variety of opinions in an online space,” Ms Crowley said.
“(Reddit is like the) digital version of word-of-mouth, but with a wider reach and faster circulation.”
She said the comments could have a lasting impact, but said brands needed to use all feedback to grow their customer base, including towns and cities.
“You get a real feel of the wider community feeling,” Ms Crowley said.
“It’s valuable from a branding perspective.”
