Wagga Wagga’s 20 most influential people revealed
From sporting heroes and transgender truck drivers to entrepreneurs and emerging artists, we have put together a list of the 20 most influential people to come out of Wagga.
The Wagga News
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They are experts in their fields — whether that be sport, business, arts, politics or the law.
From transgender LGBTQI leaders to the deputy prime minister, to sporting heroes and those that strive to make a difference for the area’s people in need, it takes all types to make a bustling regional city like Wagga Wagga really sing.
These are the people whose opinions matter and have an inpact on our lives.
The Wagga News is celebrating our most influential residents and has put together a definitive list of the city’s gamechangers.
LYNNE GRAHAM
In her endeavour to help give food and shelter to those less fortunate, one of the most compassionate people in the city was named Wagga’s 2020 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Two years ago, Graham Lynne established the community kitchen that operates out of the Baptist Church on Tarcutta Street.
She then helped form Carevan Wagga to provide three meals a week in outlying areas, Ashmont, Tolland, South Wagga and Kooringal.
The initiative goes beyond just providing meals and addresses homelessness, disadvantage and food insecurity in Wagga and across the country.
In her acceptance speech at this year’s Wagga Australia Day ceremony, Ms Graham said the program was “very much needed”.
“We have a large number of people in our city sleeping rough — some desperately homeless down the back of Wilks Park under the bridge.
“All the places you might possibly not go to — we don’t see them very often, but they see us. It’s easier to care than to turn away. I encourage you to care.”
LARRY SKEWES
Larger-than-life Larry Skewes is certainly one of the city’s most colourful characters.
The cult-like figure roams the city’s streets and suburbs and can strike up a conversation with just about anyone.
The happy-go-lucky 66-year-old, otherwise known as Pockets because he claims to have “short arms and deep pockets”, became an internet sensation some years ago when the “Where’s Larry?” Facebook page was established, calling for users to snap and send photos of Mr Skewes if they see him in town.
Photos and videos feature Mr Skewes doing anything from taking selfies with fans to shadow boxing.
The page now has nearly 12,300 fans and an Instagram equivalent has been set up.
Not everyone is a fan, however. Mr Skewes has had run-ins with the law in the past and some accuse his internet fame as glorifying his troubled history.
Whether a fan nor not, one thing is for sure: Pockets continues to leave his own indelible mark on the city.
DR JOE MCGIRR
It was an inquiry’s exposure of disgraced MP Daryl Maguire’s attempt to broker deals with a Chinese property developer that led to Dr Joe McGirr securing the Wagga seat.
The independent member first clinched victory at the September 2018 by-election and again six months later in the state election.
The by-election victory meant six decades of Liberal’s stronghold was no more.
While only deciding to run for the seat three weeks prior to the by-election, it was not Dr McGirr’s first tilt — he ran as an independent in 2011 and secured 30 per cent of the vote.
Of the issues since his time in office, Dr McGirr has been advocating and working for positive results regarding climate change, coronial autopsy delays, refugees and multiculturalism, healthcare and sustainable growth.
However, he has also been under fire for opposing euthanasia laws should any bill be introduced in parliament, as well as his views against and the decriminalisation of abortion.
Dr McGirr had a career in emergency medical care and hospital administration before turning to politics.
DIANNA SOMMERVILLE
There is perhaps no stronger voice for the Riverina’s entrepreneurship and personal tenacity than that of Dianna Sommerville.
Playing key roles in five organisations that help regional innovation, one would think she has been in this field all her life.
Not quite — the 40-year-old began at 26 after being a warship driver for the defence force.
Ms Sommerville said when she came back to Wagga after leaving the defence force, she could not land a job.
She experienced the full loss of her professional identity before embarking on her current trailblazing route.
Now she is leading Regional Pitchfest, 8point8, RGTC Group, HubbHubb and Bridge Hub — all to do with innovations in regional Australia.
To top it off, the 40-year-old has been nominated for the 2020 NSW Regional Woman of the Year.
STEVEN SPINK
He’s one of the voices on 2AAA community radio and says what he loves most about the role is promoting and supporting local endeavours.
Steven Spink arrived in Wagga in 1989 and has always been involved in radio and broadcast journalism.
“I also love the fact that we continue to be locally owned and operated and provide a local radio station at times when other stations are on relay from far away,” Mr Spink said.
“I fell in love with Wagga almost 30 years ago and decided this is where I’m staying.
“But my best highlight of 30 years in Wagga is meeting my life partner ‘Nurse Jo’ — she’s my rock.”
MELANIE WELLS
Hockey superstar Melanie Wells was always going to achieve big and reach the elite level.
Wagga born and bred, she represented NSW in the under-16, under-18, under-21 and open teams.
She also became a member of the Australian senior youth team before making her senior international debut in 1998.
Even before she entered the top leagues, she was inducted into the Museum of the Riverina in 1998 for her achievements.
She then went on to represent the country in more than 200 games, which includes two World Cups, two Commonwealth Games and two Olympic Games.
The side secured the gold medal at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Other highlights for her include being named international player of the year from 2002 to 2004.
VANESSA KEENAN
With two decades of experience in the private sector, non-profit and government, Vanessa Keenan understands deeply the critical issues in regional areas.
The Wagga councillor and Country Labor member last year led the initiative for the council to declare a climate emergency only for it to be rescinded shortly after.
During the devastating bushfires in early January, she and her family had a close call in the midst of the Dunns Road fire.
Following the experience, she wrote a letter to Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, detailing her experience and calling for action on climate change.
Among the other issues most important to her is improving regional transport, which includes a feasibility study into an improved passenger rail in the Riverina and Murray regions.
I spent New Year’s eve huddled in a bunker while a firestorm incinerated my family’s farm. I spent much of my time thinking of my local federal member @M_McCormackMP so I wrote him this letter.https://t.co/4qC3OpmnTo
— Clr Vanessa Keenan (@clr_keenan) January 2, 2020
#ausfires #bushfiresAustralia #NSWbushfires pic.twitter.com/RtTwLM4azf
Cr Keenan said the city “is such a welcoming and generous community”.
“We've seen that warmth come through in the wake of the bushfires with so many willing to lend a helping hand or make a donation.”
She also described the community as being “rich with creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit where so many people build on their ideas and create successful ventures”.
JOE WILLIAMS
Boxer and former NRL player Joe Williams has used his battle with depression to instigate campaigns for better health, Indigenous rights and youth outcomes.
Born in Cowra but raised in Wagga, Williams is a proud Wiradjuri/Wolgalu, First Nations Aboriginal man who played for South Sydney, Canterbury and Penrith before switching to professional boxing in 2009.
Through customised workshops, Williams talks of dealing with adversities, struggles, resilience, addiction, connection, emotional well-being and healing trauma in schools, communities, correctional services, sporting clubs and workplaces.
He is also a published author with his autobiography Defying The Enemy Within. His accolades include health awards in 2018 and 2019 for his work to prevent suicide.
In 2016, he was Wagga’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year for his works; however, his decision to not stand for the national anthem drew criticism, including calls to hand his award back.
RIVERERINA SUPERINTENDENT BOB NOBLE
He’s the top cop not only in Wagga but the whole of the Riverina.
Superintendent Bob Noble, commander of the Riverina Police District, was charged with overseeing the region in 2017 after a major NSW Police Force restructure.
With a deep history in community policing, Superintendent Noble said he had spent the past 15 years specialising in delivering police services for marginalised communities.
He is also focused on helping provide policing to remote areas generally and engages in various community/police collaborations.
GREG CONKEY
Prior to leading the city, Mayor Greg Conkey had a stellar career in the media.
He moved to Wagga in 1977 and worked in radio, television and newspapers, which includes him starting his own newspapers, in which he spent 25 years as managing editor.
His achievements in campaign journalism and media generally earned his paper multiple country press awards.
Cr Conkey was first elected as mayor in 2012 before being elected unopposed four years later.
During his first term, his lobbying led to a sustainable energy reserve to reduce the council’s energy costs.
Cr Conkey has played a leading role in the sustainable growth of the city’s services and infrastructure to meet the projected 100,000 population by 2038.
DR SABA NABI
With a PhD in biomedical science from Charles Sturt University, Dr Saba Nabi has influence across various sectors of the community, particularly in education, health, regional development and multiculturalism.
So much so that she was named in the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence.
Dr Nabi described Wagga as “beautiful, multicultural and inclusive”.
“Though it's a regional city, you still get the comfort of a metro city, as the city is full of activities, entertainment, shopping spots and wonderful spots to dine in,” she said.
“The city has its own freshness, full of culture to be proud of and a community that is willing to accept and embrace everyone who call Wagga their home.”
Dr Nabi has lived in the city for nearly eight years and said she still enjoyed the “the positive vibes in the atmosphere, mingling with my friends and networking with my professional friends”.
“This city surprises me every now and on and because of this feeling- you fall in love again and again.”
TYRONNE HOERLER
At only 22, artist Tyronne Hoerler already has a long list of achievements in art and leadership.
In 2018, the Wongkumarra man was named Wagga NAIDOC Young Person of the Year for his artwork and various roles in the community, including mentoring other young people.
He has also worked with various youth groups, community groups and police to boost youth engagement in pro-social activities.
In mid-2019, he held his first ever solo exhibition — Together as One — that blended his trademark bold colours with explorations of landscape, environment, heritage and the future.
The series of large-scale paintings gave Mr Hoerler a way to investigate the complexity of being a young Aboriginal man.
DALE ALLISON
The name Dale Allison is one of the most prominent not only in Wagga’s music scene, but also in the entertainment and arts industries.
Record label owner, producer and owner of Allison Music, the 63-year-old has been in the industry for four decades.
“In that time I have travelled the length and breadth of Australia and have been lucky enough to have played in quite a few configurations of bands and shows with some great players,” Mr Allison said.
The lead guitarist in the Groove Factorie band said Wagga had always had a strong infrastructure and network of business, government and education to help it progress.
“It's real strength is the community spirit that cements it together,” he said.
“When something needs doing, there is always someone in this city to step up and do the job.”
In 2015, Mr Allison along with fellow musician Scott Cochrane wrote and recorded a song, The World Sang La Marseillaise, following the Paris terrorist attack in which 130 people died.
WAYNE DEANER
He’s the man who goes the extra mile to tackle crime and help put in place programs across the city in a bid to stamp out criminal activities.
Wagga Neighbourhood Watch president Wayne Deaner, who has lived here all his life, speaks with passion and conviction when crime issues are raised.
Despite the crime concerns across the region, Mr Deaner said there were still many positives.
“Even though Wagga is classified as a regional city, we’re still country,” Mr Deaner said.
“We are a big city with a country attitude — I believe a lot of Wagga people hold those same country values.
“It's a very family-oriented town with good medical facilities and good things for kids.”
The Wagga branch of Neighbourhood Watch began about six years ago and Mr Deaner took over presidency about two years later.
Mr Deaner, who is also regional vice-president of Neighbourhood Watch, was outspoken last year when the organisation was losing funding for its public liability insurance.
MICHAEL MCCORMACK
Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has lived and worked in the region his whole life.
Since being elected as The Nationals’ Riverina MP in 2010, Mr McCormack has held various roles and portfolios - including veterans’ affairs and defence, transport, small business and regional development.
In February 2018, he was elected the 14th leader of The Nationals and sworn in as the nation’s 18th deputy prime minister.
Prior to politics, Mr McCormack was a journalist. He also co-founded a media and publishing business in Wagga.
DANIELLE WAIT
Running her own recruitment and human resources firm, Wagga Business Chamber president Danielle Wait knows what it takes to drive the city’s economy.
The passionate businesswoman brings together the business and wider communities for mutual benefits, including the annual Crow Awards showcasing business excellence.
“Wagga is an ideal place to start or grow a business as we enjoy a relatively stable economy and we have a very supportive community,” Mrs Wait said.
“Being based in a regional area is no barrier to having a rewarding and fulfilling career — it gives you the opportunity to enjoy shorter commutes (or no commute at all), which allows you to spend more time doing what you love.”
Mrs Wait is also a member of other committees, including the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Wagga Airport and Regional Innovation.
BRAD KAHLEFELDT
It’s hard to go past Brad Kahlefeldt as a sporting export who best exemplifies Wagga’s reputation as The City of Good Sports.
The triathlon and endurance athlete first represented Australia at only 17 years old at the 1996 Junior Duathlon World Championships in Italy.
Since then, he has gone on to wear the green and gold and various running events across the world, including the Commonwealth and Olympic games.
He was also inducted into the Museum of the Riverina for his achievements in triathlon.
He was born in Temora, moved to Wagga when he was eight and was always going to end up in sport following his active lifestyle as a youngster.
He played various sports and his path was also influenced by his sporting family.
Among his achievements on the world stage are his gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and three World Championship bronze medals.
The 41-year-old also coaches fellow athletes.
HOLLY CONROY
She has shown leadership and inspiration for many when it comes to identify, acceptance and diversity.
Wagga’s Holly Conroy, a transgender woman, has become an influential role model for the LGBTQI community in the Riverina following her public transition and gender reassignment surgery.
Last year, she spearheaded the city’s first-ever Mardi Gras Festival and now she is in the midst of organising the second edition this year.
Her journey has also been documented by SBS series Untold Australia and her efforts have since been recognised further — she is now a finalist in the NSW Women of the Year awards.
“I think it’s really special to acknowledge the work that I do, but to also be acknowledged as a woman alongside other amazing women, to me that’s the most special part,” Ms Conroy told The Wagga News earlier this month.
MARK TAYLOR
Former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor may have been born in Leeton, but his formative years — including cricketing — were spent in Wagga.
Besides playing cricket for South Wagga Public and Lake Albert during is early days, he was also active in soccer and Australian Rules Football.
He then moved to Sydney for university where he continued playing before representing the state then finally the country.
Among the many highlights on the pitch is his highest score of 334 not out, equalling the great Sir Donald Bradman’s score.
Off the pitch, he was named Australian of the Year in 1992 and appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2003.
Taylor has been inducted into the Sport Australia's Hall of Fame and the Museum of the Riverina for his achievements in cricket.
WAYNE CAREY
Born in Wagga, ‘The King’ Wayne Carey is considered one of the greatest Australian rules footballers.
He played for the North Wagga Saints for about four years before being selected in the NSW State Primary Schools team.
At 16, he joined the North Melbourne Kangaroos and played most of his professional career there before the Adelaide Crows.
He played nearly 300 games and kicked more than 720 goals.
His on-field highlights including leading the Kangaroos to eight consecutive finals, captaining the club's 1996 and 1999 premiership sides, winning the North Melbourne best and fairest four times and being named in the All-Australian side seven times (four times as captain).
Carey, however, was no stranger to off-field controversy with multiple run-ins with the law, as well as having personal matters played out in the public.