The historic ambulance station in Wagga Wagga’s Johnston Street was built by the community, for the community. And now that it is no longer being used as an ambulance station, this now-empty building should come back to the community.

I am fully supporting a campaign by Wagga Wagga Mayor Greg Conkey, who has today appealed for an urgent meeting with Deputy Premier John Barilaro to discuss the building’s future.

We have been working towards having the site gifted back to the community for more than 12 months and that’s the plan Councillor Conkey would like to discuss with Mr Barilaro.

This lovely building would be a great ornament as a cultural facility or as a business centre for Wagga Wagga. We want it to remain in the community’s hands, not sold into private ownership.

The Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, Riverina-Murray Business and Committee 4 Wagga are also backing the plea to have this historic asset returned to the community.

Wagga Wagga’s Peter Gissing has also thrown his support behind the plea. Mr Gissing’s grandfather Harry was one of the founders of the committee which established the Wagga District Ambulance almost a century ago.