Toby Anderson

In my opinion, Wagga has definitely come up in the world!!! My work moved us here in 2007. For the first six months, as a Sydney raised boy from the 'nice' Northern Beaches suburbs, I couldn't wait to leave Wagga in an instant, BUT, over time, when we went to visit my parents and in-laws in Sydney, we came to the realisation that Wagga was just what we needed. I couldn't imagine moving back to the Northern Beaches of Sydney, it's turned into a sardine can, where as at least Wagga, is open spaces, less traffic and fresh air. The quality of life here is DECENT!

We have watched Wagga grow and change, and are very happy that it has 'EVERYTHING' (except a David Jones dept. store). All your shopping needs are here (except for David Jones and high luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Prada etc).

Look, the education is good. I've watched the schools evolve over time and I teach at one of the part-selective high schools in town. Our school boasts children who are on par with students who would attend Sydney based selective schools such as North Sydney Girls/Boys High, James Rouse High, Sydney Girls/Boys High. My children attend the new Montessori preschool.

The new hospital is good and there are heaps of specialists. For instance, my wife requires a nephrologist (a kidney doctor) which actually exist in 'little country' Wagga. Our children were born at the Calvary (private hospital) and the doctors and nurses were amazing. My wife's gyno/ob doctor moved from Sydney too. She's a legend and has integrated well into the community.

The multiculturalism of this town is great! For instance, the Fusion Festival in October is AMAZING and all the food stalls have increased in number. Heaps of restaurants of different background popping up all over the place; this place is only getting better!!!

Lake Albert is a treat! Great lake to walk around.

Criticisms: Wagga City Council councillors were once an impenetrable old boys club, which is slowly eroding. Their interests in the past have served their own needs, not the community's.

Some builders have monopolies on some land parcels, and some of them charge a small fortune to build a nice 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house (however, compared to big cities, housing in Wagga is CHEAP!).

In recent years, ice usage has become a problem (but where else hasn't it???)...

Take a drive and take a look... lots to do... great place to raise a family... I would imagine in the future, Charles Sturt University would probably have a medical degree on the cards, because the dental and vet degree students have AMAZING facilities. It would only be fitting if CSU followed suit with some type of rural medicine degree... watch this space... :)