​We hit the ground running fast in February and have been busy all month! We spent the first couple of weeks planning the months ahead and networking within the community, also searching for potential entrants for this year’s Quest. By mid-month we were flat out with events and meetings to attend and have enjoyed the busy month working in the community.

I (Stina) attended the Apology Day Ceremony at the Lagoon, marking 11 years since the Apology made by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for the stolen generation. The hurt and pain, was as evident on this day as it was 11 years ago. Though we have come a distance, there remains much room for healing from the trauma.

We had the pleasure of attending the Probus Meeting where we introduced ourselves and spoke about our background, journey on the quest and hopes for our year ahead. We were also pleasantly surprised to meet Miss Wagga Wagga 1957 Barbara Jenkins (Webb) (photo attached), who is a member of Probus. We thoroughly enjoy meeting past titleholder and hearing her journey through the quest and the years that followed. We felt so welcome at the meeting and appreciated getting to know those who attended.

We also attended the February Australian Citizenship Ceremony. Among the many new citizens, I (Stina) met Halima, originally from Bangladesh who had been on this citizenship journey for 12 years. As she shared her painful story of becoming an Australian citizen, and all her losses, a journey I can personally relate to, we embraced in a hug as the tears fell from her eyes. I met a woman of strength, resilience, and determination that day, and through her tears she gifted me a drop of those qualities to carry with me. Thank You Halima! Thank you for making this country your home.

We had the pleasure of attending the DCO gathering where several Defence Support Services came together to welcome our new Defence families to our Wagga Wagga Community. The event was held at Oasis Aquatic Centre which was fantastic for the kids and parents to cool off in the hot weather. We were welcomed by Mayor Greg Conkey, Deputy PM Michael McCormack and Catherine McCormack. It was a pleasure to meet the stall holders on the evening and learn about the services that our community provides to the Defence families. We also had the privilege of cutting the cake on the evening.

To finish off the month I (Stina) spent a few hours at the CSU Market Day, meeting new and returning University Student, chatting to them about the Quest, and what the City of Wagga Wagga has to offer. On route, I also bumped into Herbie and Dane from Hit Fm, and some of the local nurses from the Red Cross Blood Service. As we had several young ladies put their names down for more information to become entrants, Applications have Now Been Extended to Monday 4th March. There is still time, if you would like to enter to be a city ambassador and make a meaningful contribution to our community.
 
Yours Truly,
MWW & CP
AKA your local Queen & Princess

 Starting the year with burst of colour...

In this new year of 2019, we wish you all a year of peace, growth and immense joy regardless of where life places you, or what stage of life you may be in. Just know that you are valued, and needed in our community, and there is ALWAYS a helping hand around the corner… or in our case, 2 sets.

Ready to start the year with our sleeves rolled up, I (Stina) attended the Wagga Sky Works hosted by Thomas Brothers with a number of sponsors with proceeds going towards Country Hope. I was able to meet with some of the Country Hope volunteers and greeted patrons and store holders alike with a fellow Quest Entrant of 2018, Clare Lawlor prior to retiring to the VIP tent for a well deserved drink. Many Country Hope families were also present, and together we watched the magic that is the fireworks display take place in front of our eyes, with the sky being lit with bursts of colour, hearts racing with a choir of ‘OOOOO …Aaaaah’

January 8th marked the end of the Royal Blood Drive, and I sat down with Neil Wright from the Wagga Wagga Blood Donor Centre to discuss how the drive went (see Facebook page for video). It was a HUGE success, with Wagga Leading the charge over every other blood bank in the state in both Blood and Plasma donations, well above average for this time of year. A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the Wagga Wagga Community for Saving Lives. I was so touched by the number of people who made their very first donation as a Royal Donor.

Both of us then sat down with the Mayor of Wagga Wagga Greg Conkey to discuss our role, and our plans as well as the various initiatives we would be working together on. We’re both very excited to be getting more and more involved in our community.

The eve of 25th Jan began with a Mayoral Reception for Award nominees for Australia Day, followed by the Awards Ceremony where Mr Conkey OAM, Mr McGirr MP, Comedian & Australia Day Ambassador Dane Simpson and I (Stina) were able to address those present. Being able to speak to a Civic Theatre full of the City’s most generous people and their family and friends, was quite the privilege (see Facebook page for video of speech). Having shared what living in Australia means to me I was overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to speak with me afterwards. The ceremony saw Alan Lean named Citizen of the Year, Matthew Lennon was named Young Citizen of the Year, and the newest name to be added to the Walk of Honour was revealed to be Cecil ‘Bob’ Scott.

Saturday 26th Morning we braced the heat to take part in the Citizenship Ceremony welcoming new Australians to our community. There was a glimmer in the eyes of our new citizens the moment they finished taking their pledge, almost as if to say ‘We made it’. We also met with some sweet children who we’re barracking for as future Entrants and Potential titleholders, Including a huge Quest Supporter, Ariba Omar Saba, as well as Zoe Willis and Zoe Muller (2 of 4 National Anthem Winners). 
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The month concludes with some much needed recharge and reflection of what has been in order to prepare for what lies ahead. With a new Committee to be confirmed around the corner, and new entrants in the coming months, there is much excitement ahead. As two women who got so much out of working with a good group of passionate and driven women we encourage women in Wagga to embrace this opportunity. Entrant applications Close February 22nd, and we will both be there every step of the way to cheer you on and support you in any way we can to see you reach your goals.
 
Yours truly, 
MWW & CP 
aka local Queen & Princess

A festive month of Variety
It’s been just over a month in our royal titles, and it has seen us attend and take part in a range of community events and initiatives. 

I (Stina), had the pleasure of attending the Regional Disability Advocacy Service Dance, and was able to meet the clients and carers from across the region. I had the sweet pleasure of helping one of the clients with the Christmas cake cutting duties (He told me he didn’t know why he was chosen for the task, I asked him if he wasn’t the best cake cutter around, and he promptly informed me ‘YES! And the best dancer too!), followed by judging the costumes and handing out certificates to the clients on their achievements. The atmosphere was so full of that Christmas Joy, I left with such a full heart. 
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'We also visited Epica Jewellers who donated our crowns in 2016 for the 70th MWWQ Anniversary. I (Stina) Met Cowri Sankar, a 3rd generation jeweller who had moved to Wagga from Malaysia and was given his first task at Epica Jewellers by his employer Jake McPherson to hand craft two individual Crowns. Shankar showed me some of his original designs, and how he came up with the ideas and incorporating the Quest Rose. It took many hours to happen, but after that conversation I walked away with a sense of pride knowing the story behind the crown. It couldn't have been more fitting for me knowing the creator came from a diverse cultural background which subsequently influenced the very crowns we wear'.
 
After several conversations with committee members, and mentors, who gave us everything we needed to know about being a titleholder, we prioritised taking some time as titleholders to discuss what we wanted to focus on and achieve over the next 12 months. We both have areas in the community we are passionate about and want to help make a difference, to help make change for good. We’re both want to contribute to educate and mentor the next generation not only within the Quest but also within the wider Community. I (Presslea) …. And I (Stina) wish to also continue to pursue Cultural Diversity in Wagga, as well as education around toxic relationships as a way forward away from Family & Domestic Violence. 

With our chins up and minds full of ambition, we were invited to attend the final South Wagga Rotary Meeting for 2018 and speak about who we are, our journey and the Miss Wagga Crowning with their members. They were so welcoming and encouraging of our endeavours, we truly felt like we had gained some valuable new supporters. Miss Wagga was even caught ballroom dancing with one of the members at the end. 

You may have also spotted us on National Television attempting a Royal Wave when Sam Mac visited Wagga Wagga for their A-Z weather endeavours. We had a great time meeting Sam, and Producer Sean Flynn and his team at Sunrise on 7. We also met some amazing local musical talents, some little dancing ballerina cats, and bumped into a former Miss Wagga Entrant, Sarah Brunskill. 

We both love to soak up the festive season with Christmas lights and of course Carols! We were delighted by every moment of the Wagga Christmas Spectacular, which had it’s scare of being cancelled but thankfully the Army Band persevered and paired with some local talents and vendors to make it happen. Even Ronald McDonald made his appearance for the kids show. I (Stina) also attended the Interchurch Carols and was privileged to give the Acknowledgement of Country and to meet with some of the little ones eager to purchase candles and meet the local queen. A few days later I was even able to judge a fierce neighbourhood Ginger Bread House competition. Soaking in all the festive spirit. 

I (Presslea) had the privilege of attending the handing over of the final cheque from the Community Princess Foundation with former Cummunity Princess Maddie Smith. The cheque went to Kooringal High School who are putting it towards some outdoor furniture in their chill out space. It was so fantastic to see the children in their classroom so grateful for the contribution and how hard they had been working for their new space. 

The staff from Kapooka Army Barracks helped me collect hundreds of donations for our 1st Recruit Training Batallion Christmas Appeal that I was then able to donate to Ronald McDonald House, Country Hope and St Vincent De Paul just in time for Christmas, hoping that we could put a smike on a few faces over the festive season. 

I then travelled to my home town of Newcastle to spend Christmas with my family and have a couple of weeks close to the beach before returning in the new year ready for the big 2019!

I (Stina) continued the festive season with judging Christmas Shopfront Displays alongside Mayor Conkey, and Co-Business Owners of Papel Paper Caroline and her son Augustine. Augustine’s younger brother also decided to give us a helping hand. There were some solid conversations and deliberations, but we all agreed this was a great initiative with the City Council giving $8000 in prize money to encourage the Christmas Spirit and for people to continue to shop locally.  

As a regular Blood Donor, I (Stina) also wanted to take a small step of generosity over this Festive period. December and January see blood banks nationally take a significant dip in donations. With road accidents and hospitalisations on the rise over Christmas and New Year, and Bush Fire season around the corner I asked the Blood Bank if I could help. Cathy Chapman (Community Relations Officer), Neil Wright (Donor Centre Manager), Tracey Horrocks (Centre Service Officer) along with the Team of Wagga Blood Bank Nurses and I launched the Royal Blood Drive on 28th December with the goal of 12 days to save 120 lives. With the first 40 donors to walk through the Wagga Blood Bank Doors receiving a small thank you certificate from me and go in the draw to win a Gift Card to one of my favourite places to dine, the Magpies Nest. A little birdie also told me two of the donors, Isabella Brown, and Rhianna Richards, on the 28thwere making their very first donation, so I couldn’t help it, I had to get them some flowers and a special thank you card. The commitment donors show is more than money can ever buy, and new donors should know just how much they are valued. 

Finally, on New Years Eve, I (Stina) will be at the Wagga Sky Works hosted by Thomas Brothers, with proceeds going towards Country Hope, and some of my fellow 2018 entrants have offered to help. So if you spot me, make sure you say Hi. 
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With the New Year Approaching, we wish you all a very Happy and Safe New Year, and we look forward to working with you in 2019. If you have any ideas you would like to see happen in our community, or would like our involvement in, by all means email us on mwwqtitleholders@hotmail.com
 
Yours truly, 
MWW & CP 
aka local Queen & Princess

 Once more… 
 
Welcome to the Diary of your new Miss Wagga Wagga and Community Princess of 2019, Stina Constantine and Presslea Cowan. We are both feeling shocked, deeply moved and honoured to be named ambassadors for this City that we both love dearly. 

We would like to firstly acknowledge that the 9month endeavour we have just come out of was only made possible because of a community that generously gives, quest committee that guides, sponsors who support and family and friends who encourage. Additionally for us, there were 5 other people this endeavour would have been impossible without, namely the other beautiful entrants, Bonnie Jackson-French, Chelsea Sutton, Clare Lawlor, Ebony Neal, and Taylor Lemmon. It was the long hours, and hard work of our collective efforts that ensured our 5 local beneficiaries received funds towards programs and equipment they each required. You ladies are amazing women and knowing you will go on to do wonderful things we can proudly say ‘I was an entrant with her in 2018’.

The month of November started off very quietly having finished our final entrant event. This was most unusual for us and some of us felt a bit lost for the first few days with the sudden halt in business. The remainder of the month consisted in tying up loose ends with final funds, and preparing for the event of the year, the Crowning Ceremony. 

We all gathered at the Buete household to feast on amazing Tapa’s and prepare cheques for our beneficiaries. All the hard work came down to an evening of wine and crunching numbers. Thank goodness we had an accountant among us. 

2 weeks prior to Crowning we had our mock interview with the committee, followed by a final interview the day before crowning, sealing the deal on who would become 2019’s new titleholders. The panellists were all incredibly friendly, encouraging, and clearly wanted to see each of us succeed in being our best. 

Many of the entrants were unable to sleep the night before crowning being filled with either nerves or excitement. For some the Crowning day meant pancakes with guests from out of town, for others it meant going for a morning run, and others having some quiet time. What followed soon after were hair and makeup appointments, and arrival at the Art Gallery in time for a final run through of the ceremony and professional photos by Jessie D Images. 

As the 2018 titleholders entered the Art Gallery in their beautiful formal gowns, white sash and crowns reality really sunk in, this is the day, it’s happening now. 

As I (Presslea) listened to Maddie give her final speech as Community Princess I thought “wow whoever takes her place has big shoes to fill, what a fantastic role model” and to my disbelief my name was called. I had tears in my eyes and my heart was beating so fast, Maddie placed her crown on my head and I stepped forward as the 2019 Wagga Wagga Community Princess, making a promise to my community to lead and mentor young men and women and be a symbol of empowerment for those who may need someone to believe in. 

The Miss Wagga Wagga 2019 crowning is all still very surreal. I (Stina) was so caught up in being excited for Community Princess Presslea Cowan, and reflecting on the year that had been, I actually tuned out for a few moments. Only to hear the Mayor say ‘Drum roll please’. A part of me wondered ‘who will it be?’ and the other ‘please don’t be me’ and the other again ‘it’s ok, it won’t be me’. Once I heard my name, all I could do was drop my head in disbelief, feel the thumps of an increasingly beating heart with a split moment’s meditation, and tears fell. Tears of honour from a heart that felt most unworthy. As I tried to recalibrate my breathing, Zoe smiled placing the crown on my head and uttered the words ‘here we go, this is heavy… with the weight of responsibility’ and we both laughed. But deep down I knew, she was right. So I took a deep breath as that very responsibility became mine. 

We were interviewed by the Daily Advertiser Prime 7, and Win news moments after Crowning although the shock had not yet worn off. The entrants who waited for us by the vintage cars, greeted us with joy and encouragement, and we were deeply moved. The evening ended with all our family and friends at dinner celebrating the end of 2018 and the start of 2019. Zoe Martin and Maddie Smith shared stories of their Leavenworth trip, Entrants shared stories of the year, and Melissa Murray thanks Narelle and Larry Buete for their years of service to the quest which is sadly coming to an end. Finally, we were invited to partake in our first official duty, and Zoe and Maddie’s last official duty, cutting of the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Cake. 

The following day the titleholder year kicked off with Miss Wagga Wagga visiting Country Hope (beneficiary) at their Christmas Party and was greeted by several little wide-eyed children with ‘you’re a queen!’ excitement. Later that afternoon, Stina also attended the Inner Wheel Wollundry High Tea for Ovarian Cancer Research and listened to a couple of speakers share of their touched by cancer story, and on tips of maintaining health. 
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Monday morning began with Radio Interviews with Leigh from Triple M and Herbie and Dane from Hit FM, who are major sponsors of the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest, and as always made us feel very welcome. For a short time only, you can hear these interviews ‘catch up’ on their respective websites.  
 
As we launch into this new role we are excited to be able to roll up our sleeves once more, 
​
Your truly, 
-Newly Crowned MW & CP 
aka your local Queen & Princess 

The adventures of our two new title holders will begin early in the new year. 

​What a huge month of planning we have had in July!
 
We started off with the Reserve Forces Day Ceremony, the very last one to be held in Wagga Wagga. This is always a moving ceremony, and we are very grateful to John Ploenges and the committee for their hard work organising these ceremonies and including us each year!
 
At the start of the month, Maddie gave out another grant from the Community Princess Foundation – this one was to our local Edel Quinn shelter, where I received a tour of the facility from Nathalie and Bonnie. I never knew how much was provided at these places – from the obvious such as accommodation, to clothing, toiletries and meals – just to name a few. The grant provided a beautiful community lunch to help celebrate NAIDOC Day.
 
We had the pleasure of attending the 2019 MWWQ Entrants first event, the annual Trivia Night, which is always a huge success in the Wagga community! The girls sold out their event, held at Que Bar, and had some very spookily-dressed participants. We will unfortunately miss the next event, the High Tea, as we will be overseas, but we wish the girls all the best of luck!
 
At the end of the month we were invited to attend the Mayoress’ Rural Command Performance, where Mayoress’ Jenny Conkey raised money for youth programs at our local PCYC. This was an incredible showcase of the talent Wagga has, with over 30 performers coming from as far away as Brisbane and Melbourne to support their hometown. The performance had a great show of support from the community, with over 800 people attending the 2 shows.
 
This month has been a huge one for organisation, planning our trip to our Sister City of Leavenworth, USA! We will be departing Wagga on the 29th of August, thanks to long time Quest sponsor, Qantas, and heading over to America for a week with our Sister City contacts. This year, we are also being joined by Mayor Greg Conkey, and Mayoress’ Jenny Conkey, supporting our continuing Sister City relationships.
 
Please get in touch with us if you would like us to be involved in your upcoming community event. We’d love to hear from you and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings! Please email us on mwwqtitleholders@hotmail.com or message the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Facebook page.
 
- MWW & CP xx

We’re over halfway through our reign as titleholders, and it’s an honour to be able to continue representing our city this way!
 
May kicked off early with the 2019 Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Launch Night. We were lucky enough to MC the night, and got to listen to 7 well presented speeches from the new entrants. We are very much looking forward to seeing how the girls go throughout the year – keep an eye out for their first event, a Black Friday themed Trivia Night on Friday 13th July!
 
This month, we also continued our tradition of the Miss Wagga Quest blood donations. Both Zoe & Maddie donated, as well as members of the committee! Watch out 2019 MWWQ Entrants, we’re recruiting you for our next donation in August!
 
We attended the Mayor & Mayoress’ Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea this month, raising funds for Cancer Council NSW – an incredible charity, and also Maddie’s workplace! It was great to see members of the community, defence and emergency services come together for a great cause. Thanks to the Mayor & Mayoress for always showing their support for worthwhile causes.
 
Zoe participated in National Simultaneous Storytime, reading “Hickory Hickory Dash” to the very cute kids at the Wagga Wagga Early Years Learning Centre in Boorooma.
 
This month also marked the end of Zoe’s journey in our local Wagga Wagga Takes 2. This year, the whole cast raised an incredible $431,870.78 for 12 local charities, including Zoe’s chosen charity, the Wagga  Wagga Rescue Squad. A huge well done to everyone involved!              
 
Maddie is currently calling for anyone interested in applying for a Community Princess Foundation Grant. This is a grant of up to $200 for small community groups – if you would like more information, please send us a message on our MWWQ Facebook page, and Maddie will be happy to discuss with you! Previous grants have been used for a garden project at a local school, toys for the Toy Library, and maintenance of a local sporting club house.
 
Please get in touch with us if you would like us to be involved in your upcoming community event. We’d love to hear from you and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings! Please email us on mwwqtitleholders@hotmail.com or message the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest Facebook page.

- MWW and CP xx

April kicked off with a relaxing Easter weekend, a much needed refresh in preparation for a busy month!
 
The Wagga Autism Support Group Incorporated, held their annual Superhero themed walk on Sunday the 8thof April and Zoe had the honour of meeting many heroes and heroines. The Superhero Walk for Autism, a walk alongside Lake Albert, followed by a whole lot of fun-filled activities at Apex Park, made for a great day out in the sun. Zoe enjoyed conversing with each of the stallholders, who all demonstrated a great passion towards the day’s event and could not wait to share stories of their love for Wagga and what has kept them in this beautiful city. 

There were prizes for best dressed, judged by Miss Wagga Wagga and this was no easy choice, as families had set aside plenty of time for creating all sorts of superhero costumes, not only the children but the parents as well! No one’s costuming efforts should go unrecognised! Taking on the dress and persona of a superhero pushed many of those in attendance to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. To see so many young people willing to push their own boundaries and raise awareness for Autism, was a terrific start to the month of April and something we hope we see plenty more of, as the year continues.
 
April was also show time for Zoe in Thomas Brothers Wagga Wagga Takes Two! Zoe has been working with the Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad, Volunteer Rescue Association since November last year to fundraise, and with Nathan Lamont to get performance ready! Zoe and Nathan sang “Jackson” a Johnny Cash and June Carter classic. Thomas Brothers Wagga Wagga Takes Two has a lot of support from local businesses, charities and individuals, who put many hours of effort into creating the production. Twelve local charities including the Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad benefited from the event financially. This is an annual event to mark up on your calendar, not to be missed!
 
The Miss Wagga Wagga Entrants have been working hard at their personal development behind the scenes in preparation for their launch. Zoe and Maddie look forward to mentoring this year’s group of young women through their Entrant Year and cannot wait to see what fundraising initiatives they come up with!
 
Zoe and Maddie woke up bright and early on the 25th of April and attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Kapooka. After the First World War, soldiers who returned to Australia, sought the companionship they had felt in the quiet and peaceful moments before dawn on a battlefield. A dawn vigil became a key commemoration after the war, and is still observed today.

Following the Dawn Service Zoe and Maddie made their way to the Gunfire Breakfast at RAAF Base Wagga, a traditional ANZAC Day breakfast. Zoe and Maddie were lucky enough to be invited to enjoy their breakfast with Air Vice Marshal Warren McDonald, AM, CSC, the current Chief of Joint Capabilities and Wagga Wagga’s Guest Speaker for the day. He grew up in Hay and had plenty of stories about his time both living and training in the Riverina. 

Official duties for Miss Wagga Wagga and the Community Princess began at the main ANZAC Day Ceremony in Victory Memorial Gardens, after the march. Zoe and Maddie laid a wreath on the cenotaph as a sign of remembrance for all those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and in recognition of the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.
 
Miss Wagga Wagga and the Community Princess both had a jam-packed April, bringing them straight into May, rearing to go!

We hope you all had a relaxing break and enjoyable Christmas and New Year - welcome to 2018! After a short break at the beginning of January we started the new year off with the Australia Day long weekend!
 
On the Thursday evening we attended the Mayoral Reception and Awards Ceremony, allowing us to speak to the nominees, nominators and various awardees of the Australia Day Awards. We then moved across the road to the Victory Memorial Gardens to take part in the Australia Day Celebrations, celebrating locals who are making a difference to the Wagga Wagga community. It was wonderful to hear from Yianni Johns about his story as well as several others who chose to share their story, in keeping with the Australia Day 2018 theme.
 
On Friday morning, Australia Day, we had the privilege to be a part of the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony. Standing alongside the 25 individuals as they pledged allegiance to Australia was surreal. We then assisted Mayor Greg Conkey OAM in presenting both certificates and a gift from the City of Wagga Wagga – a native plant for each family, affording them the opportunity to literally plant roots in Australian soil, whilst also metaphorically planting roots here. This was followed by a morning tea, beautifully catered by the Country Women’s Association.
 
On Sunday the 28th of January we attended the Queen’s Baton Official Ceremony at Bolton Park. We were able to speak to the first baton bearer, Heather Pentland; who was understandably overwhelmed by the honour of the experience and it was fitting to see the Queen’s Baton carried through the streets of the city of good sports, as its first run through New South Wales.
 
Zoe’s Wagga Wagga Takes Two fundraising efforts are now in full swing for the Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad. All of Zoe’s event information and ticketing will be posted on: https://www.facebook.com/zoemartinfundraising/.
 
If you would like us to be involved in an event you, or a local organisation, has coming up – please do not hesitate to contact us at mwwqtitleholders@hotmail.com.
 
Lastly, applications are now open, for both interested charities, and applicants for the 2019 Miss Wagga Wagga Quest, closing on Monday 19th February. We couldn’t recommend it more to the young women of Wagga – so step outside your comfort zone or encourage someone you know to take the leap!
 
-       MWW & CP xx