Charles Sturt Universitys annual Town and Gown march down the citys main streets witnessed a smaller crowd than has become typical.
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Owing to the inclement weather on Tuesday October 16, it also became a much quieter affair without the usual accompaniment by the Kapooka Army Band.
The rain can lead to a lot of problems for their instruments, so they made the call not to join us on the parade, said Aaron McDonnell, Wagga acting campus head.
Usually when people hear the band playing, the come out of the shops to have a look, so it was disappointing that they werent able to join us. It meant that it was very much a silent parade.
However, the band did perform at the Civic Centre reception afterwards.
Despite a short downpour moments before the processions commencement at 4:30pm, the rain held off for the duration of the annual parade.
Now in its 13th year, there has been times when it has had to be cancelled due to the weather.
Similarly, last year the weather threatened deluge all afternoon.
The coincidence prompted a jovial proposal from Wagga mayor Greg Conkey.
Im not sure how many of those years has resulted in rain, but over the past couple years its brought it. I would like to suggest to CSU that it be held several times a year from now on, he said.
The initial gathering attracted roughly 80 participants.
Aside from the university, there were representatives of the TAFE, Notre Dames rural clinic, council, and five different primary schools.
For Notre Dame rural medicine student Meleseini Tai-Roche, the parade was made extra memorable by a particular group of spectators.
Her three-year-old daughter Moana stood at the corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets with a handpainted sign.
I didnt even know about the sign, but it was beautiful and I think it epitomises that idea that it really does take a whole team to get through a degree, she said.
Mrs Tai-Roche and her partner, Brendan Tai-Roche uprooted their lives in the Illawara to come to Wagga in January.
Initially, the degree requires she stay in Wagga for two years, but Mrs Tai-Roche is hopeful their young family may be able to call Wagga home for much longer.
Ive worked in remote health, as a midwife in the Kimberly region. Working rural is very rewarding, its become very competitive too but Im hopeful we will stay.
