On February 23, 1993, Wagga was declared a Rotary Peace City, the first in the world. 

That peace has spread across the world and now Wagga has celebrated the 25th anniversary of the declaration and the significance of peace with a series of events. 

During the ‘Towards Peace and Making a Difference’ discussion on Saturday, Mr Loneragan said the events focused on the future. 

“The reactions we’ve received is that people really value the fact that Wagga is a peace community,” he said. 

“It’s so important because it’s not just rotary but the entire community. 

“We all have a role to play.” 

While there was a strong turn out at the discussion, Mr Loneragan said it would’ve been great to see more young people. 

“We have a few younger people but we do want more because we’re interested in their thoughts,” he said. 

“At the end of the day they’ll be the ones implementing these things.” 

Wagga, which is still home to the very first Rotary Peace City symbol, has honoured the celebrations with a Peace Day Ceremony, Multicultural Interfaith Service and a Ceremony of Reaffirmation. 

The Kooringal Rotary Club organised to have the black marble monument made and installed and it still stands proudly on the Wollundry Lagoon on The Esplanade. 

“It’s every group – we all have to work together to build a strong cohesive community,” Mr Loneragan said. 

“To discuss what’s on the table really makes a difference.” 

Charles Sturt University’s Clare Lawlor, who was part of the organising committee, said the celebrations brought different groups together for new ideas. 

“It’s an opportunity to get a fresh perspective rather than having the same people sharing over and over,” she said. 

“Our hopes for the future is just to see a better contribution toward peace in the community. 

“We want more action rather than just talking about it.” 

Six guest speakers spoke at the discussion, including former Wagga police officer Terry O’Connell.