SPORT clubs and social groups are the heart of Wagga's community, but many have been forced to pivot to ensure its members have a place to return to at the end of the health crisis.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lake Albert Pony Club secretary Jodie Cooke said electricity, water and maintenance bills did not stop during the ongoing pandemic, which has seen its income dry up.
Usually the pony club depends on its bi-monthly rallies as its main source of revenue where money collected in the canteen also helped the committee operate its facilities at the rear of Rawlings Park Reserve in Lake Albert.
However, Mrs Cooke said the uncertainty of when the community will return to normal has put a pause on outstanding issues and upkeep at the grounds.
"We are in the process of trying to do a little bit of fundraising, but obviously that is really difficult in the current climate," she said.
In other news:
North Wagga Football Netball Club president Brendan Nilsen said the club was "in hiatus" after it managed to pay off its debts and suspend all expenditure about six weeks ago.
The club is reliant on sponsorship and fundraising, both of which have been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions.
"We haven't actually done anything to raise money because the expectation early on was a lot of people were out of work and we don't want to put extra stress on our members," Mr Nilsen said.
"It would be good to get the guys on the paddock and the girls on the court, but we have to allow time for our sponsors to recover themselves before putting our hands out again."
During the crisis, he said the club was looking at ways to ease the burden on its members once the season resumes.
"As a club we have to think about our members and those who cannot afford the rego fees. We are looking at how we might absorb some of that cost to get people back," he said.
Wagga School of Arts Community Theatre's April production came to a grinding halt after the government announced restrictions on indoor gatherings, which are yet to budge.
Marketing manager Fay Walters said the committee was quick to act by pushing its production back six months to allow the show to go on.
"It gives some future hope that we can deliver our planned program for this year," she said.
While taking a break from the stage, Mrs Walters said videos of past shows were uploaded to the School of Arts website for those who missed out.
"Hopefully our loyal audience will be entertained while they wait to see the next show," she said.