ABC reporter Will Murray has become known around the world after leaving his camera to rescue a man from floodwaters near Brisbane. The rescue on Thursday 22 October was covered by the BBC and New York Times. Before his fame, Mr Murray was a television journalist in Wagga between 2017 and 2021, where he built a loyal following. In an interview, he said he acted without hesitating because he could not watch someone drown. He said the attention was overwhelming and expects his fame to fade quickly.
Tradies who built four public housing units at 16 Spring Street in Wagga will never be paid for their work. The liquidator has confirmed there is no money left to repay unsecured creditors, including the subcontractors. Subcontractor Amy Burns of Oasis Scaffolding and Bricklaying says her business is owed $90,000 and calls the situation slave labour. Homes NSW says it had no contract with the subcontractors and has no legal authority to pay them. Wagga MP Joe McGirr has called on the government to act as guarantor for the affected businesses.
Madamelle, a new Asian fusion restaurant overlooking the Murrumbidgee River, has opened in Wagga. Owner and chef Jamie Shepley says the venue is his most ambitious yet. The menu includes oysters, pork belly pancakes, lamb rump and dessert options, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices. Head sommelier Adam Hudson oversees the drinks list, which uses technology to serve wine by the glass. The venue is also designed to host private and corporate events.
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A major housing development south of Wagga has cleared its rezoning hurdle after more than four years. DevCore Property Group plans about 2200 homes across a 225-hectare site, which it estimates is worth $2.5 billion. The rezoning was finalised in September, allowing the project to move towards development applications. DevCore plans to lodge an initial application covering about 220 lots, with construction expected to begin in mid-2027. The NSW Government has committed about $70.8 million to Wagga Council for growth-related works, including road and sewer upgrades.
Wagga-born Latrell Siegwalt made his international debut at the Rugby League World Cup, playing for France rather than the Kangaroos. His selection traces back to his grandfather George, who was born in France and moved to Australia after World War II. Siegwalt played all 80 minutes of France's opening match against Samoa at CommBank Stadium on Friday 16 October, which France lost 78 to 4. France's next match is against England in Perth on Saturday 24 October at 5:35 pm AEDT, and Siegwalt has been selected to play.
Independent MP Joe McGirr has surveyed 697 people who want more frequent and reliable train services to Wagga at times that suit regional travellers. Many respondents said late-night and early-morning arrivals made getting home difficult, and that morning departures between 6 am and noon were the most popular. McGirr told the NSW Legislative Assembly that the state government should use the arrival of new trains to review timetables. The NSW Government is replacing its ageing trains with 29 new ones, but no date has been set for them to run through Wagga.
The NSW Nationals will run candidates against independents Joe McGirr in Wagga and Helen Dalton in Murray at the 2027 state election. Wagga businessman Richard Moffatt has withdrawn from seeking preselection in Wagga, saying now is not the right time for him. He said his ambitions remain and he may consider running in another cycle. NSW Nationals state director Tory Mencshelyi said candidates are expected by December and that the party cannot take any seat for granted.
