Community Breakfast with CommBank and Committee 4 Wagga

Wagga Wagga’s housing, transport and skilled labour issues were addressed when CommBank chief executive officer Matt Comyn was a special guest at a community breakfast held at the Rules Club.

Matt joined Committee 4 Wagga chair Adam Drummond and Founding Director at Sureway Employment and Training Judy Galloway on a panel facilitated by CommBank Riverina Executive Manager Nick Abraham.

Taking part in a panel discussion on a range of issues which are impacting the city are (from left) C4W chair Adam Drummond, Founding Director at Sureway Employment and Training Judy Galloway, Mr Comyn and CommBank Riverina Executive Manager Nick Abraham.

The event was co-hosted by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Committee 4 Wagga, with former Member for Riverina and current C4W patron Kay Hull AO among the 75 in attendance.

Committee 4 Wagga board member Samantha Beresford spoke of the importance of Wagga Wagga’s liveability before introducing the panel.

Committee 4 Wagga board member David Bardos with Mick Quick, Vanessa Nolan-Woods, Nick Abraham, Sureway founder Judy Galloway, Committee 4 Wagga board members Richard Pottie and Sam Beresford, CEO Scott Sanbrook, chair Adam Drummond, Richard Allsopp and Paul Fowler from Commbank.

A need for affordable and social housing was a focus of the discussions.

Adam said Wagga Wagga was trying to play “catch up” as the parallel planning for housing was needed 10 years ago. He added that the city had to think outside the square to make the best use of the land which was available.

Matt said CommBank was passionate about supporting regions and further growing its footprint in areas enjoying an “easier lifestyle”.

With Wagga Wagga ideally situated for organic expansion, Judy said the city’s appealing social aspect – including sporting, entertainment and cultural facilities – supported a strong community.

However, Judy also warned there cannot be accelerated growth without accelerated infrastructure.

Judy cited traffic congestion on the Gobbagombalin Bridge – the connection between central and northern Wagga Wagga – as a problem which must be addressed as a priority.

Adam told the gathering that Committee 4 Wagga would be campaigning extensively for the duplication of the bridge in the lead-up to the State election in March.

Nick asked the panel on its views of the skilled labour shortage.

Matt and Judy both agreed there was no magic solution, with Wagga Wagga considered to be a jobseekers’ market.

Judy said the city was close to maximum employment and there was a need for a stronger connection with the migrant population to fill the increasing vacancies.