Have you thought about Christmas yet?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
December 25 is now just a little more than 10 weeks away and chances are most haven't even started thinking of what, if any, presents they'll hand out this year.
Wagga City Council has, though.
The council's gift to the city is to have some of the CBD's vacant shops occupied by Christmas.
It's an ambitious move, but an important step towards reinvigorating our CBD.
Councillors voted unanimously on Monday night to trial a Renew Australia program, which will temporarily fill shops with creative industries, retail businesses or gallery spaces.
The proposal has since generated plenty of debate, with the council slammed for sending mixed messages to residents.
Just days before deciding to give the CBD a boost, the council voiced its support for Buy Nothing New Month in October - a nationwide campaign to curb needless consumerism.
The support angered some, who criticised the initiative for hurting an already struggling economy.
In other news, the state and federal governments were also on the receiving end of criticism this week, after it was revealed millions of taxpayers' dollars had been spent building private dams.
The revelation was contained in a report by The Australia Institute, which found up to 30 dams had been built on private properties in recent years - including at least 10 between Hay and Griffith.
A spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister, and Riverina MP, Michael McCormack said the recently-formed National Water Grid Authority would take the politics out of building water infrastructure.
Let's hope so. The need for water security is evident now more than ever.
Most of NSW is currently in drought and the big dry is starting to tighten its grip on the Riverina.
This weekend, thousands of people are taking their minds off failing crops and rainless skies as they visit Lockhart for the town's annual Spirit of the Land Festival.
The festival began in 2006, during the worst drought in the town's recorded history, and pays homage to the determination and strength of its residents.
The aim of the festival was to get people together for a social outing, while also celebrating the resilience of people who live and work on the land.
That resilience, and spirit, is again being tested.
However, there remains a constant amid the adversity; Riverina communities will rally together in tough times.
We're stronger together, so don't be afraid to reach out to someone if you're not OK.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and have a great week.
Andrew - deputy editor.