Ring road to cut traffic - City of Wodonga

citylife
wodonga.vic.gov.au
TRIAL RUN: The first car to use Yarralumla Drive after its official opening.
TRAFFIC congestion in Wodonga’s
main street is expected to ease
following the official opening of
Yarralumla Drive on October 16.
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley
cut the ribbon to the new $3 million
carriageway, including a 26m bridge
across House Creek, linking West
Wodonga to Beechworth Rd.
“This completes a ring road around
Wodonga, providing an alternative to
driving through the main streets of the
city,” he said.
“Removing traffic from the centre
of town will make the roads safer
for local motorists, cyclists and
pedestrians, as well as reducing travel
times for those utilising Yarralumla
Drive.
“This is of particular importance
considering the unprecedented
growth Wodonga has experienced over
the past 25 years.”
Wodonga Council’s chief executive
officer, Patience Harrington, said the
860m extension would pave the way
Huge Senior
Celebrations
Dogs allowed
at cafes
7 9 12
What's on
Ring road to cut traffic
for the redevelopment of Wodonga’s
central business district.
“This was the final piece of the
puzzle to allow High St to become
more people-friendly,” she said.
“It is something we have been
looking forward for a very long time
and will go along way in improving the
city.”
The council’s manager
infrastructure and works Theo
Panagopoulos said he has fielded
enquiries from the pubic about when
Yarralumla Drive was going to open
since he started with the organisation
eight years ago.
He said it has been a highly
anticipated project that has required
a massive 14,800 cubic metres of
material moved over a number of
years to help build up the foundation
to the road.
The Yarralumla Drive extension
completes the Wodonga bypass, with
motorists who don’t want to drive into
the central business district having
HISTORIC MOMENT: Member for Benambra Bill Tilley cuts the ribbon to open
Yarralumla Drive with the assistance of VicRoads regional director, North
East Victoria Graham Freestone and Wodonga Council chief executive officer
Patience Harrington.
the option of two bypass routes.
The Bandiana link already connects
traffic south of the city to the Hume
Freeway.
The new road is expected to cater
for up to 2400 vehicles a day by year
2020, and 4000 by 2030.
Childrens fair a success
A RECORD crowd of 16,000
people attended the City of
Wodonga Children’s Fair last
month.
A huge program of events
was held over five hours,
with the most popular
activities being the animal
play area, rock climbing wall,
CFA display and the Hocus
Pocus magic show.
Pictured are performers
It will be managed by VicRoads,
while High St will become the
responsibility of Wodonga Council.
The project to build the new
road was funded by the Victorian
Government and overseen by the
council.
from the Regional Academy
of Performing Arts, who
were among many of the
local artist to perform on
the dance stage during the
event.
They are, from left to
right, Taylah Milgate, Tiarna
Church, Kayla Stuart, Aimee
Offner, Isabelle Macklan.
For full story and more
pictures, see page five.
Follow us: November, 2012

citylife
wodonga.vic.gov.au
Wodonga Council
Office: 104 Hovell St, Wodonga,
Post: PO Box 923, Wodonga,
VIC 3689
Phone: (02) 6022 9300
Fax: (02) 6022 9346
Website: wodonga.vic.gov.au
CityLife is Wodonga Council’s monthly
publication and is delivered around
Wodonga from the first Monday of the
month.
Approximately 14,300 copies are
printed each month by Border Mail
Printing, Wodonga.
CityLife is printed on recycled paper,
which is made up of 20 to 40 per cent
of recycled fibre from old newspapers.
It can also be re-added to newsprint
production as a recycled fibre after use.
Contact your councillors
Mark Byatt
mbyatt@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Michael Fraser
mfraser@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Eric Kerr
ekerr@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Lisa Mahood
lmahood@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Anna Speedie
aspeedie@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Rod Wangman
rwangman@wodonga.vic.gov.au
John Watson
jwatson@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Councillor phone numbers will be
availible from the Council website
later this month.
Council meetings are open to the
public and are held on the third Monday
of the month (except if it falls on a
public holiday). Meetings are held in
the Wodonga Council chambers on
level two, council offices, 104 Hovell
St, Wodonga and commence at 6pm.
Agendas can be downloaded from the
council’s website the Friday prior to the
meeting and minutes are also available
after the meeting.
Rates issued for new financial year
WODONGA Council’s annual rates
and valuation notices for the 2012-
2013 rating period were issued in
August.
The valuations shown on the
notices have been returned by the
council's valuation contractor based
on the level of value at January 1,
2012.
These values will be used for the
2012-2013 and 2013-2014 rating
periods.
The closing date for accepting
any objections to these values was
October 22, being two months after
the date of issue of the notice.
This information was shown on the
reverse of the notice.
The properties that are subject
to a residential or rural garbage
and recycle collection have the two
transfer station vouchers as a cut off
section on the notice.
Ratepayers should ensure that
these vouchers are kept in a safe
place until there is a need to use
them.
The two vouchers will have the
rate assessment number as a
Australia Day
citizen awards
Nominations are invited for Wodonga’s
Australia Day citizen awards for 2013.
These awards provide a wonderful
opportunity to recognise the great work
being done by many people within the local
community.
There are three award categories:
• Citizen of the Year;
• Young Citizen of the Year; and
• Community Organisation of the Year.
All residents of Wodonga who are Australian
citizens are eligible for nomination. The
awards will be in the form of a certificate
which will be presented at the council’s
Australia Day celebrations on Saturday,
January 26, 2013.
Nominations close on Friday, November
30, 2012 and should be made on the
nomination form. The form can be obtained
from customer service at the Hovell St
council offices, from wodonga.vic.gov.au
under ‘Application forms’ or by phoning the
council on (02) 6022 9300.
wodonga.vic.gov.au
The 118 Hovell St,
Cube Wodonga, VIC 3690
Wodonga PO Box 923,
Wodonga, VIC 3689
barcode on them for monitoring
purposes.
All other properties were issued
with a notice without the vouchers.
Direct debit
Direct debit payers should be
aware they have agreed to make
payments on the dates specified
in the letter of acceptance of the
direct debit facility and note that the
banking details for each assessment
has been rolled to the 2012-2013
rating period.
Notices for the 2012-2013 year
showed the details of the four
instalment amounts; first instalment
amounts were extracted on October
1, with the other instalments to be
extracted on November 30, February
28, 2013 and May 31, 2013.
Instalment reminder notices
will be issued for the remaining
three instalment amounts with the
notation on the notice to reflect the
direct debit that is in place.
The notices will be issued as a
courtesy reminder of the pending
payment.
WODONGA Council is urging residents
to be aware of grassfires this fire
season.
Despite predictions of an “average”
fire season in Victoria, residents should
not become complacent about the
risks.
Grassfires can spread rapidly and
can quickly threaten lives and property.
Now is the time residents should
be undertaking individual preparation
work at home, with fire ready kits
available from the Country Fire
Authority (CFA) website.
During a grassfire, residents should
expect:
• Dry and brown grass that easily
catches fire;
• Grass more than 10 centimetres
tall will have a higher flame
height and intensity;
• Faster burning than through
forests as grass is a finer fuel;
The direct debit nine instalment
payers have followed the same
process of rolling to 2012-2013 and
were advised of the nine monthly
amounts that will be extracted from
their nominated account on the 20th
day of the month from September,
2012 through to May, 2013.
Any ratepayers wishing to
consider utilising the direct debit
method of payment can obtain
details from the council's web site
wodonga.vic.gov.au/payments/
index.htm or direct any inquiries to
the council’s community focus team
on (02) 6022 9300 for these and any
other inquiries.
Emailing of future rate notices
The facility is now available for the
council to issue rate notices as a PDF
document to the nominated email
address provided by any ratepayer.
If you wish to utilise this method
and not have your notice posted, as
is the normal process, please contact
the community focus team on (02)
6022 9300 to provide the email
address.
Be prepared for the fire season
• Make your day distinctive and wow your guests with a unique venue in
the heart of Wodonga.
• Flexible venue format which can cater for intimate or larger wedding
receptions accommodating up to 400 guests.
• Tailored menu packages available from our award-winning chef.
• Venue décor, lighting and in-house audio can be themed to meet your
needs.
• Well appointed private facilities for the bridal party.
• Highly experienced, skilled and friendly team on hand to deliver your
wedding in style. Inspections welcome.
The Cube Wodonga ticks all the boxes for the perfect wedding reception
venue.
Contact: Chelsea McLaren
Phone: (02) 6022 9223
Fax: (02) 6022 9322
Email: cmclaren@wodonga.vic.gov.au
• Large amounts of radiant heat.;
• Fires that can start early in the
day; and
• Faster moving fires that travel
up to 25kmph. In open grassland
speed increases up to 60kmph.
Residents are also encouraged to
start preparing a written Bushfire
Survival Plan and to be aware of
Neighbourhood Safer Places, especially
if you plan on travelling to a high risk
bushfire area.
For some Victorians living in high-risk
bushfire areas, leaving early is the only
safe option when there’s a high fire risk.
Further information is available at the
CFA website cfa.vic.gov.au
The Cube
Wodonga
thecubewodonga.com.au

Early years among the best in Victoria
WODONGA Council has been
recognised for its efforts in working
with children by being named a
finalist in the Victorian Government’s
Early Years Award.
The council was one of six
finalists in the award category for
communities that are more child and
family friendly.
The winner, the South Gippsland
Shire Council, was revealed at
an awards ceremony held at
the National Gallery of Victoria
International on October 19.
The council’s manager recreation
and early years, Marcia Armstrong,
said it was a huge honour to be
considered for the awards, with just
15 finalists selected from more than
50 nominations.
“Wodonga Council has been a
finalist in these awards ever since
they began seven years ago,” she
said.
“So I think that in itself is
something that we can be proud of.”
Previously the council has won the
WHEN writing her books about
Australian women dealing with
careers and men in cities all around
the world, Anita Heiss finds it vital
to immerse herself in the settings
where her characters live.
This has given her a fabulous
reason to travel to Paris (Paris
Dreaming, 2011), New York
(Manhattan Dreaming, 2010) and to
Brisbane for a forthcoming book.
Her latest book – her memoir Am
I Black Enough For You? (2012) – is
a statement of her identity in light
of the recent court case involving
Andrew Bolt, which attracted
significant media attention.
The memoir won this year’s
Victorian Premier’s Award for
Indigenous Literature.
Heiss is Sydney born and raised,
proud of her Wiradjuri heritage.
She has worked in a chicken
award for creating a more child and
family-friendly community and has
received a highly commended on four
occasions.
Ms Armstrong said the council’s
continued success in the awards
was recognition of the hardworking
team of staff who strived to improve
outcomes for children in Wodonga.
The council’s work recently has
included development of an early
years service directory, provision of
supported playgroups, renovation
of the Koori First Steps Preschool
building and building strong
partnerships with Mungabareena
Aboriginal Corporation and the Albury
Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service.
“The council has taken a proactive
approach to make Wodonga child
and family-friendly through the
development of policy, framework
and plans,” Ms Armstrong said.
“These have guided the provision
of services, improving the health,
learning, development and wellbeing
of local children and their families.”
Indigenous writer to visit Wodonga
shop, as a writer of comic strips,
as a social researcher and a
communications director.
She has published books of
poetry, junior fiction, historical
fiction and “chick-lit”, and now
writes and travels for a living.
She also has an ambition to
collect a piece of jewellery from
every Tiffany’s store in the world.
Although Wodonga can’t provide
a Tiffany’s store, Heiss has agreed
to visit the city and on Thursday,
November 29 she will hold a writing
workshop for high school students
at the Wodonga Library from 5pm to
6pm.
This will be followed by an author
talk open to the general public from
7pm to 8pm.
For further information contact
Wodonga Library on (02) 6022 9330.
Midday trains replaced by buses
THE two Albury midday trains were
replaced by buses last month.
The two trains, the noon Southern
Cross to Albury, and the 12:45pm
Albury to Southern Cross, now run
as buses the entire trip to reduce
inconvenience for passengers.
The Australian Rail Track
Corporation (ARTC) approached V/
Line to make these changes, so that
they can bring forward their Ballast
Rehabilitation Program.
The buses will continue until
December 8.
Train services are expected to
recommence from December 9 and
throughout the Christmas period.
Buses will run to the current train
timetable and customers requiring
assistance should phone ahead on
1800 800 007.
Training offered for Tai Chi leaders
ARTHRITIS Victoria will travel to
Wodonga later this month to offer
training to current and aspiring
leaders of Tai Chi.
The first session, to be held on
Friday, November 30 from 10.30am
to 5.30pm, will enable existing
leaders of the Tai Chi for Arthritis
program to update their knowledge
of contemporary practice.
The cost ranges from $127 to
$195.
The second session will be held on
Saturday, December 1 and Sunday,
December 2 from 9am to 5pm and
will provide Tai Chi for osteoporosis
leader training.
This course is aimed at health
professionals, fitness instructors and
others in the health industry.
Cost ranges from $268 to $412.
Further information is available
by contacting the programs
administrator on (03) 8531 8000 or
email programs@arthritisvic.org.au
PROUD MOMENT: Debra Mudra (Wodonga Council), Matt Burke (Mungabareena
Aboriginal Corporation), Marcia Armstrong (Wodonga Council), Julie Ramm
(Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation), Kate Taylor (Albury Wodonga Aboriginal
Health Service), David Noonan (Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service)
and Shelli Hardwick (Wodonga Council) at the Early Years Award ceremony.
New look changes for High St
TRAFFIC conditions in High St will
change soon with the council set
to reduce traffic from two lanes
to one lane and to introduce angle
parking to replace the current
parallel parking.
The changes will make High
St significantly more pedestrian
friendly, safer and more inviting for
shoppers in the area.
Arts
Space
Expressions of interest for the 2013
Carnivale Wodonga Wearable Art Award
Carnivale Wodonga invites you to create a colourful wearable art
sensation inspired by flavours of the world. Let your imagination
run wild with colour, texture, movement and form.
Artists are invited to enter one or more wearable art pieces from
the following categories:
• Complete Wearable Art Outfit
- first place $1000, second place $500;
• Extravagant Head Wear
- first place $250;
• Brazen Bra
- first place $250; and
• Flash Trash Cloak - Recycled Award
- first place $250.
All entrants’ creations will be showcased
at Carnivale Wodonga on Saturday, March 9
followed by the Wearable Art exhibition
at Arts Space Wodonga from April 12 to
May 4, 2013.
For an application form and enquiries
please contact Arts Space Wodonga
on (02) 6022 9600.
Applications close Friday,
November 30.
Further information on the dates
these changes will occur will be
available on the council website
and anyone seeking further
information can phone the council
on (02) 6022 9300.
Business owners will be
contacted individually to discuss
the changes.
IMAGE: Sand, Sea and Stomp by Abi
Thompson - Wearable Art Award
winner 2011

edal power on show in Wodonga for Ride2Work day
IKES replaced cars as the preferred
ode of transport for almost 80
esidents who took part in Ride2Work
ay activities at The Cube Wodonga
ourtyard on Wednesday, October 17.
Glen Johnson, of Baranduda, was
articipating in his 12th annual
ide along with colleagues from the
epartment of Sustainability and
nvironment, and the Department of
rimary Industries.
Together the group of eight
“Gifts” to brighten your day
WODONGA Council has launched
a program to deliver “gifts” of
unexpected joy, inspiration and
beauty to the local community.
The Little Gifts program aims
to create curious happenings to
interrupt people’s normal routine
and bring new life and meaning
to spaces in Wodonga’s central
business district.
Some examples include a
miniature puppet show, roaming
choir, face frames and high tea in
Woodland Grove.
The first gift, a psychedelic
pink piano, has been placed in The
Cube Wodonga courtyard and has
inspired impromptu performances
by many passers-by.
The next activity will provide a
letter writing service in local cafes.
Award-winning writer, Kate
Rotherham, will offer residents as
little or as much help as they need
in drafting a letter for a loved one
or friend.
“This is a chance for people to
reconnect with family or friends
through the medium of a letter,
which is fast becoming a thing of
the past,” Ms Rotherham said.
“A letter reflects more thought,
time and care than a text message
or email, and is ideal in the lead-up
to Christmas.”
Wodonga Council’s manager
community culture, Simone Hogg,
said the program was born out of
the Wodonga 2033 Vision plan in
clocked up 82km on the bike between
them, or an average of 10km each,
before enjoying a breakfast provided
by Wodonga Council and prepared by
Rubix Catering.
Mr Johnson, who rode 17km, said
he looked forward to Ride2Work Day
every year.
“I’m right into the idea of trying
to promote sustainability and
promoting health benefits,” he said.
“I’m not a frequent rider because
OY RIDE: Richard Hughes and Jack Bond, of RHPM Engineers, Wodonga, on
heir way to work.
which the community expressed a
desire for a CBD with heart.
“One way to achieve this is to
use space activation techniques to
bring the unexpected, intriguing,
entertaining and fun elements to
the city centre,” she said.
A second program called Activate
will also aim to engage local
performers aged between nine and
25-years to perform in public spaces
across the city.
Four Activate events will be
delivered each year in the warmer
months.
Each performance will be one to
three hours long, depending on the
performance style and time of day.
There will also be an expression
of interest process aimed at
community groups, schools and
known performers to hold their own
performance events in public spaces
on pre-defined dates.
Wodonga Council’s letter
writing service will be
available from 11am to 1pm
at:
• Monday, November 19 at
Rubix Catering, The Cube
Wodonga;
• Monday, November 26 at
Cafe Grove;
• Monday, December 3 at
Zilch Food Store; and
• Monday, December 10 at
Marrelli’s Cafe.
of the distance I’ve got to travel (to
work), but when I do ride I love it – my
legs feel great afterwards.”
Wodonga Council chief executive
officer, Patience Harrington, also
joined residents in riding to work.
“Riding to work is fun, cheap and
convenient,” she said.
“It not only keeps you fit
and healthy, but also helps the
environment by reducing pollution
from vehicles.”
Other activities provided at The
Cube Wodonga courtyard on the day
were yoga classes by Wodonga YMCA,
free engraving and bicycle education
by Wodonga police and, for the first
time this year, a free bike cloak room
with minor servicing and a safety
check bay by Border Community
Cycle Works. Ride2Work Day aims to
get people started and keep them
riding to work.
FULL HOUSE: The Cube Wodonga courtyard was filled with bikes and people
for Ride2Work Day last month.
Time to take recycling action
NOW in its 17th year, Planet Ark will
be celebrating National Recycling
Week from November 12 to 18 by
encouraging all Australians to take
recycling action at their home,
school or workplace.
As a long time advocate and
supporter of the annual campaign,
Cleanaway is again getting involved
this year to do their part in helping to
promote the importance of recycling
within the local community.
Cleanaway, in conjunction with
the Albury, Wodonga, Corowa, Indigo,
Greater Hume and Towong regional
councils, provide more than 45,000
households with a fortnightly
recycling collection service.
As part of this, all households are
supplied with a yellow-lidded wheelie
bin to place their recycling in.
Cleanaway trucks then collect the
contents of these bins and transport
them to a local material recovery
facility (MRF) to get separated
and sorted into different streams
for recycling, such as glass, steel,
plastic, cardboard and paper.
A number of different techniques
are used to sort these materials,
however one of the main ones is by
hand.
“Many people are surprised when I
tell them that most of our recycling is
sorted by people and not machines,”
Cleanaway education officer,
Vanessa Dwyer, said.
“This means that when people put
items into their recycling that they
shouldn’t, such as nappies, wire or
sharps, it puts our workers at risk.
“Some people find recycling
complex, but it doesn’t have to be.”
Ms Dwyer said there are just a few
simple things to remember:
There are only five types of
materials you can recycle:
Steel cans, such as food tins and
empty aerosols;
Aluminium cans, foil and pie
dishes;
Glass, but only jars and bottles;
Paper and cardboard (no silverlined
cartons); and
Hard Plastics, numbered 1-7.
Plastic bags should not go into the
recycling bin.
“Many residents think they are
helping us by putting their recycling
into plastic bags, but in actual fact,
they’re not,” Ms Dwyer said.
“What many people don’t realise is,
due to safety restrictions, we can’t
open the bags, and for this reason, all
plastic bags and the contents within
them have to be sent to landfill
rather than recovered and recycled.”
Cleanaway also supplies a large
amount of recycled materials to
the local, national and international
commodities markets.
Alternatively contact Ms Dwyer
on (02) 6024 4590, or at Vanessa.
Dwyer@transpac.com.au to find out
about the free of charge waste and
recycling education program provided
by Cleanaway on behalf of the local
councils.

Children’s fair draws a record crowd
WODONGA Council hosted its
biggest children’s fair ever last
month, an estimated 16,000 people
attending the event over five hours.
Children, parents and
grandparents filed into the
Wodonga Racecourse and
Showground precinct in perfect
weather on Sunday, October 14
for a day of ‘Magic, Mystery and
Mayhem’.
The program was jam-packed full
of activities for children of all ages,
from art and craft to rock-climbing,
circus skills to sports coaching and
bubble-blowing to music and dance.
Before gates opened at 10am, a
queue of more than 500 people was
already waiting to get in.
Later in the day, organisers
estimated 2000 people had packed
into the animal play area alone.
Wodonga Council’s team leader
events Kellie Miller said numbers
were well up on previous years,
and attributed the success of the
event to fantastic programming,
new experiences and variety of
activities from the stalls.
“The feedback we’ve received
has been great,” she said.
“Parents and children enjoyed a
wide range of activities and the
opportunity to interact and learn.”
Danielle Topalovic and her family
used to travel from Mornington for
the children’s fair prior to moving to
Wodonga, with this year being their
third consecutive year.
“I love that it’s all hands-on for
the kids, that’s the main thing,
and there’s nothing they can’t
experience and have a go at,” Ms
Topalovic said.
“The kids can wander quite freely
and enjoy everything and you don’t
have to tell them, ‘Stop, don’t touch
that’. So that’s nice.”
CREATIVE: Stella Topalovic enjoyed the art and craft activities.
PACKED: Some of the crowd at the children’s fair last month.
FAMILY FUN: Amanda Sellwood with her daughter Clara tackle the
Jenga blocks.
Daughter Stella, 7, said she
looked forward to the fair each year.
“I like that it has interesting stuff
like ponies, animals and craft,” she
said.
This year was the first time
Saturday activities were introduced
to the program as well.
About 70 people took part in
each the water mayhem at the
Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre,
and the children’s trivia trail at the
Army Museum Bandiana.
A survey by the council revealed
the most popular activities on
Sunday were the animal play area,
rock climbing wall, CFA display and
the Hocus Pocus magic show.
Some comments were:
“Thank-you so much for yet
another fantastic children’s fair.
Everyone seemed to have a brilliant
time with people looking forward to
next year’s event already.”
SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES: Kayliah and
Sahsha Wells take time out at the
children’s fair for a cuddle.
HUGE TASK: Children were amazed
at the size of the bubbles at the
Incredibubble activity.
And, “It was wonderful. I love
that there are many smaller
exhibits/activities. There is always
something fun.”
Wodonga Council would like to
thank the major sponsor Alessi
Chrysler Jeep; supporting sponsors
Garner Brothers Construction,
Coles and Vitasoy Australia; and its
community partners Hume Building
Society, Stuart Gordon Landscaping,
Transpacific Cleanaway, Flying
Fruit Fly Circus, HotHouse Theatre,
MEGAS Music, Kinross Woolshed
Hotel, Bunnings Wodonga, Mr Pure
Water and Nordcon Land.
The Australian Government is
proud to be associated with City of
Wodonga Children's Fair.
This project was made possible
by Festivals Australia, an Australian
Government program which
supports cultural activity at
regional and community festivals.
SHOWTIME: The Hocus Pocus magic
show was a huge hit with parents and
children.

Paw power for Wodonga seniors
WODONGA Council’s Paw Pals pilot
project has been named a finalist in
this year’s LGPro Aged and Disability
Awards for the ‘Outstanding
Program/Project (grant-based)
Category’.
The awards were held in
Melbourne last night, and recognise
the excellent work and success of
individuals and teams working in the
Victorian local government aged and
disability services’ sector.
The Paw Pals pilot project
commenced in December, 2011
and was funded by the Victorian
Department of Health to March,
2012. The aim of the project was
to help those pet owners who are
unable to physically walk or clean
their pets, which can be either dogs
or cats.
A total of 10 participants and 30
volunteers took part in the fourmonth
trial, with all pet owners’
clients of the Home and Community
Care (HACC) service. Due to the
project’s success and a further
How to deal with
odour issues
RESIDENTS impacted by offensive
odours are advised to contact the
Environment Protection Authority
directly.
The Environment Protection
Authority (EPA) is the statutory
authority responsible for
administering the Environment
Protection Act 1970, which covers
offensive odours.
Wodonga Council works closely
with the EPA regarding odour
complaints by providing assistance
when required.
But as the environmental
regulator, it is the EPA’s role to set
and enforce environmental standards
and assess risk and minimise harm to
human health and the environment.
If you are affected by offensive
odours or become aware of other
pollution, please contact the EPA on
1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).
Further information and updates
are available from the EPA website at
epa.vic.gov.au/community_issues
Carnivale Create Friday, March 1 to Friday, March 8, 2013
The Cube Wodonga courtyard
Carnivale Market Day Saturday, March 9, 2013
9am to 1pm Wodonga CBD
Wodonga Council is seeking expressions of interest for Carnivale Wodonga 2013.
For an expression of interest form, phone the nominated contact below or visit wodonga.vic.gov.au
Market stalls
Interactive art stalls
Food vendors
We are seeking quality market stallholders for the
Carnivale Market Day on Saturday, March 9, 2013 from
9am to 1pm. Applications close on Friday, December
14, 2012.
Phone team leader events Kellie Miller on
(02) 6022 9283.
$60,000 from the department under
the Healthy Ageing Demonstration
Fund, Paw Pals is still continuing
in the community as part of the
Healthy Ageing Project.
Project officer Kat Bennett from
Wodonga Council said participants
and volunteers get a lot out of Paw
Pals and are thrilled it is continuing.
“Research suggests that there
are many health benefits in owning
a pet, and this project allows those
ageing citizens in our community to
continue to own a pet with a little
bit of help,” she said.
“Their animals are seen as a way
to keep them active and connected
to their communities, and the Paw
Pals pilot project helped to increase
the feeling of social connectedness
in Wodonga.”
To be eligible as a Paw Pals
participant, you must be Home and
Community Care (HACC) eligible
and have a companion animal that
you need help looking after in your
home.
Tennis centre serves
up mixed social comp
LATE entries are still being taken
for the Thursday mixed social
twilight competition at the
Wodonga Tennis Centre.
There are currently 40
teams made up of two men
and two women playing in the
competition.
A new initiative is the Hotshots
program for primary school aged
children.
The mixed social twilight
competition will run until
December 6.
It is held on Thursdays
from 5.30pm to 8pm, with a
barbecue and drinks available to
competitors.
Cost per match is $10 for
members and $12 for nonmembers.
Anyone interested in joining
the competition can register
online at wodongatenniscentre.
com.au/twilight-social or
contact Wodonga Tennis Centre
on (02) 6024 6354.
ALICIA Wheatley is hoping to improve
job opportunities for Aboriginal people
in Wodonga and, at the same time,
create greater cultural awareness
within local industry.
Ms Wheatley has been appointed
as Wodonga’s first Aboriginal
employment facilitator, working with
training agencies and employers to
help Aboriginal people find jobs.
She will also help increase
awareness of Indigenous culture and
give employers more options when
recruiting staff.
After working as a consultant with a
local employment agency for the last
two-and-a-half years, Ms Wheatley
already has strong ties with the local
business and Aboriginal communities.
She is looking to build on those
relationships to deliver at least 30 jobs
over the next two years.
“I have a passion for working within
the community and in achieving
positive outcomes that have longlasting
benefits,” she said.
“I am really looking forward to the
opportunity that this role presents.”
Wodonga Council’s acting manager
Carnivale Wodonga Saturday, March 9, 2013
Street Festival 4pm to 9pm, Wodonga CBD
Viva Bonegilla Sunday, March 10, 2013
Bonegilla Migrant Experience
Wodonga Council is seeking creative community
groups and organisations to host an interactive stall at
the Carnivale Wodonga Street Festival. Interactive
activities could include cultural necklaces, masks, or
mapping your cultural journey on the large world
canvas. Applications close on Friday, December 14,
2012.
Phone events officer Melissa Nagle on
(02) 6022 9281.
NEW ROLE: Alicia Wheatley is Wodonga’s first Aboriginal employment
facilitator.
Alicia helps deliver new jobs
economic development, Matt Taylor,
said Ms Wheatley was a great fit for
the job.
“They can be hard roles to fill
because it does require a person with
a lot of different skills, not only workbased
skills but people-based skills,”
he said.
“So for us to be able to employ
someone like Alicia is great.”
The position of Aboriginal
employment facilitator was created
following a $300,000 grant from the
Victorian Government in July this year.
Ms Wheatley has been employed
by the council, which will provide inkind
support, and the project will be
directed and supported by a steering
committee of representatives from all
of the partner agencies.
These include the Mungabareena
Aboriginal Corporation, Burraja
Aboriginal Centre, Gateway
Community Health and local
businesses.
The project will encompass a wide
range of industries with the initial
focus being on manufacturing and
aged care.
Wodonga Council is seeking quality food vendors to
host a food stall at the Carnivale Wodonga Street
Festival on Saturday, March 9, 2012 from 4pm to 9pm.
The council is seeking local and international flavours
from all cultures to tantalise the taste buds and help
showcase Wodonga’s national diversity. Applications
close on Friday, December 14, 2012.
Phone events officer Melissa Nagle on
(02) 6022 9281.

Bike ride proves popular
THE River to Rail bike ride,
introduced to the senior
celebrations for the first time this
year, will become a permanent
fixture on the program following
the success of the event last
month.
A total of 22 riders, aged mostly
between 60 and 70 years, took
part in the 18km ride around
Wodonga’s scenic bike trails on
Wednesday, October 10.
The ride was led by Albury-
Wodonga Pedal Power president,
Tony McLeod-Nibbs, who said all
those who took part thought it
was a good event, safe and within
their capabilities.
“We had no idea how many
people would turn up,” he said.
“I had a couple of people ring
up who were there on the day, but
when I got there and I saw this
sea of people I was pleased and
surprised.
“We had a perfect day for it,
and we didn’t have any magpies
swooping us, so everything went
really well.”
The ride began at Les Stone
Park and followed the bike trails
along Wodonga Creek, around
Sumsion Gardens and along the
Murray River.
The ride took in attractions
such as the “bike tree”, where
a child’s tricycle has become
embedded into the trunk, and
Aboriginal canoe trees along the
Murray River, as well as The Butter
Factory Theatre on the Lincoln
Causeway.
It finished with a sausage sizzle
at Les Stone Park.
The oldest participant was aged
in their 70s and the youngest in
their 50s.
PEDAL POWER: More than 20 seniors took part in a bike ride around
Wodonga.
SENIOR citizens sang, danced,
exercised and experimented their
way through a huge program of senior
celebrations in Wodonga last month.
Record crowds took part in the
City of Wodonga Senior Celebrations
2012, which introduced 22 new
events to the program this year and
comprised more than 50 in total.
The celebrations kicked off with
a bang with a sold-out concert by
music legend Normie Rowe at The
Cube Wodonga on October 1.
Wodonga’s Margaret Brodie was
among the 400-plus crowd to hear
Rowe perform smash hits such as
‘Que Sera Sera’, with its famous ‘B’
side, ‘Shakin All Over’.
“It was like we were teenagers
again,” she said.
“His voice hasn’t changed and it
was just great because I never got to
see him when we were younger.”
Other The Cube Wodonga events,
including shows by Wendy Stapleton,
Noeline Brown, and Ernie Sigley and
Dennis Drysdale, were also sold out.
Coleen Melbourne attended shows
by Noeline Brown, Jonathon Welch
and the Vicar of Dibley, and was also
going to try Pilates at the Wodonga
Sports and Leisure Centre.
Ms Melbourne praised the council
and other organisations involved in
the celebrations.
“I think it’s great,” she said.
“There’s lots of good variety and
such a cross-section that everybody’s
going to enjoy something.”
One turn-out that surprised
organisers was the huge crowd of
about 90 people who attended a
HEALTHY ADVICE: Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown, addresses a lunch
at The Cube Wodonga on Sunday.
TV king no role model: Brown
HE may have been a great man
and one of Australia’s best known
performers, but Graham Kennedy
was not a suitable role model for
older Australians.
His close friend and co-star in
the popular game show Blankety
Blanks, Noeline Brown told a packed
auditorium at The Cube Wodonga on
Sunday that Kennedy was a prime
example of “what not to do as far as
getting old”.
“He didn’t age well because he
used to sit down with a recipe book
and smoke a cigarette and have a
gin and tonic, turn the page, have
another gin and tonic, another
cigarette and turn the page and then
forget to eat,” she said.
“We don’t want anyone here doing
that.”
Ms Brown, the nation’s first
Ambassador for Ageing, was the
guest speaker at a celebrating good
eating event held as part of the City
talk by author Barry Heard at the
Wodonga Library on October 11.
Other library programs such as
Master Your Gadget and Introduction
To Email and Internet also received
strong support, along with exercise
classes held at the sports and leisure
centre.
The mystery bus tours were
popular as always, booked out early
through a ballot system, and the
aged care facility open days, as well
as the iris flower display and open
garden, again were highlights on the
senior celebrations calendar.
Many senior citizens also took the
opportunity to try something new
with the come and try days at indoor
bowls, dragon boat paddling and
bushwalking proving popular.
Wodonga Council’s manager
of Wodonga Senior Celebrations
2012.
The Logie Award winner drove
home the message of healthy eating,
exercise and social interaction
to about 200 senior citizens who
attended the event.
Ms Brown said it was important for
older Australians to eat a variety of
nutritious food including vegetables,
fruits, reduced fat dairy and lean
meat.
“I’ve had a lifelong interest in good
food and nutrition,” she said.
“I know that as we get older,
sometimes we think, ‘Oh, it’s only me
I’ll just have some toast and some
vegemite or something like that’.
“Well it’s really, really important
as you get older to have those five
vegies a day.
“We all know a balanced, nutritious
diet, combined with a bit of physical
and social activity, is the best recipe
for good health as we get older.”
Seniors enjoy a huge month of celebrations
community support and aged
care Debbie MacKinlay said
the celebrations were a fitting
recognition of the rich contributions
of older people within the
community.
“Overall, the events went really
well and the feedback we’ve received
is that everyone had a good time,”
she said.
“Attendance numbers were up I
think because we had more events
this year, but also I think the
beautiful spring weather played a big
part as well.”
Wodonga Council thanks the
festival’s major sponsors, Westmont
Aged Care Services and Alessi Mazda,
and all supporting and community
sponsors for their contribution to the
successful program this year.

School vaccination program wraps up
WODONGA Council’s schoolbased
vaccination program is
now complete for 2012.
Throughout the year all
secondary schools within the city
of Wodonga were visited and the
following vaccines were offered:
Year 7 boys – hepatitis B,
chickenpox;
Year 7 girls – hepatitis B,
chickenpox, Gardasil (human
papillomavirus); and
Year 10 boys and girls –
Boostrix (diphtheria, tetanus and
whooping cough).
Students in Year 7 in 2012
who have missed any of their
school-based vaccinations are
encouraged to complete their
vaccination course as soon as
possible.
Any Year 7 student who
started a course of hepatitis B
or Gardasil vaccine in 2011, has
until the end of 2012 to complete
the vaccine course for free.
Students in Year 10 in 2012
have until December 31, 2012 to
receive the Boostrix vaccine for
free.
After this time these vaccines
will need to be purchased.
Parents of eligible students
are invited to bring their
child to one of council’s free
immunisation sessions to have
their child vaccinated.
No appointment is necessary.
Session details may be found
on the council’s website or by
phoning the council on (02) 6022
9300 during business hours.
Changes in 2013
From 2013, Year 7 boys
will be offered the human
papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
known as Gardasil as an ongoing
program to complement the Year
7 girls Gardasil secondary school
program.
For a two year period, a catchup
Gardasil vaccine program for
Year 9 secondary school boys will
be offered at the same time as
the Year 7 boys program.
• Situated in the heart of Wodonga within walking
distance to restaurants and shops.
• Boardroom for 25 plus people, conference for 300
plus people.
• Conference and catering packages tailored to suit
your needs.
• Skilled and friendly team to deliver your event in
style.
The Cube Wodonga ticks all the boxes for the perfect
meeting or conference. Host your function before
February 28, 2013 and receive 10 per cent early bird
discount.
The
Cube
Wodonga
The Year 9 catch up program
will run for two years, beginning
in 2013 and ending in 2014.
Over the next two years, boys
aged 12 to 15 years who do
not attend school may receive
a free course of the Gardasil
vaccine at one of the council’s
immunisation sessions or from
their doctor.
The Gardasil vaccine is given
as a three dose course over six
months and is a very safe and
effective vaccine.
The introduction of the
Gardasil vaccination program for
girls in 2007 is already showing
promising results in reducing precancerous
conditions.
Adolescents who are not
sexually active will gain the
greatest protection from the
Gardasil vaccine which provides
protection against four HPV
types six, 11, 16 and 18.
HPV types six and 11 protect
against 90 per cent of genital
warts.
Type 16 protects males from
about 90 per cent of cancers
caused by HPV including penile,
anal and oropharyngeal cancers.
From 2013, the hepatitis B
vaccine will not be offered as
part of the secondary school
program for Year 7 students.
Most Year 7 students will
have received a course of the
hepatitis B vaccine as an infant.
Any students who have not
completed a course of hepatitis
B vaccine may attend a council
immunisation session or their
general practitioner to be
vaccinated.
Vaccines offered to school
students in 2013-2014:
Year 7 boys – Gardasil (human
papillomavirus), chickenpox;
Year 7 girls – Gardasil,
chickenpox;
Year 9 boys – Gardasil; and
Year 10 boys and girls –
Boostrix (diphtheria, tetanus
and whooping cough).
118 Hovell St,
Wodonga, VIC 3690
PO Box 923,
Wodonga, VIC 3689
The Cube
Wodonga
Contact: Team leader The Cube
Wodonga Chelsea McLaren
Phone: (02) 6022 9223
Fax: (02) 6022 9322
Email:
cmclaren@wodonga.vic.gov.au
thecubewodonga.com.au
Nominate Wodonga’s best citizens
NOMINATIONS are now open for
Wodonga’s 2013 Australia Day
Citizen Awards.
The awards provide an opportunity
to recognise the great work being
done by many people within the local
community.
There are three categories - Citizen
of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year
and Community Organisation of the
Year - and all residents of Wodonga
who are Australian citizens are
eligible for nomination.
Birallee Neighbourhood House coordinator,
Dianne Mant, was named
Citizen of the Year for 2012 and said
it introduced her to new people and
opportunities.
“It’s made me conscious of what
an individual can do to support their
community and makes you strive to
want to do more,” she said.
“I’ve been invited to some
interesting events, like the RED
Carpet Youth Awards where I got to
meet young people who are doing
some great work in the community.
“They really inspired me to get
more involved in the community and
to look at other ways I can help.”
Other highlight for Ms Mant as
Citizen of the Year has been her
involvement in Paws in the Park
and speaking to others about how
rewarding community work can be.
Ms Mant is best known as the
brainchild of the Our Table To Yours
program, which uses home-grown
vegetables and herbs to help
produce meal -packs for UnitingCare
Wodonga, families in Ronald
McDonald House and Wodonga
palliative care.
She has also volunteered with
community organisations such as
Stanley St Preschool, Wodonga
Primary School, the Save The
Children fund, Wodonga Rotary Club
and Wodonga Hospital – Belvoir
ABOUT 1.3 million cases of foodborne
illness are recorded in Victoria
each year.
According to the Victorian
Department of Health, this is
caused by poor food handling, and
preparation and storage of food.
Some cases of food poisoning
are suspected to be caused by poor
food safety and personal hygiene
practices in the home kitchen.
This year, Food Safety Week will be
held from November 12 to 18, with
the main focus on preventing cross
contamination.
Cross contamination is when
bacteria are spread from one object
to another.
For example, this can happen
when contaminated raw meat juices
drip onto a ready to eat cake stored
below.
Appropriate food safety practices
can prevent the likelihood of cross
contamination occurring in your
home.
Some basic food safety tips to
ensure your family safe include:
• Wash your hands thoroughly with
warm water and soap before and
after handling all foods, going to
the bathroom, touching your face,
blowing your noise, eating and
COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE: This
year’s Wodonga Citizen of the Year,
Dianne Mant, encourages people to
nominate for the awards.
Auxiliary.
The awards will be in the form of
a certificate which will be presented
at the council’s Australia Day
celebrations on Saturday, January 26,
2013.
Nominations close on Friday,
November 30, 2012 and should
be made on the nomination form,
which can be obtained from the
council offices in Hovell St, from the
council’s website at
wodonga.vic.gov.au or by phoning
the council’s community focus team
on (02) 6022 9300.
Food safety in the spotlight
handling animals;
• Always use clean cutting boards
and utensils. Replace worn and
damaged equipment;
• Place raw meats, poultry and
seafood into containers to prevent
their juices from dripping onto
ready to eat foods;
• Ensure raw meats are placed
below ready to eat foods in your
refrigerator.; and
• Use separate chopping boards,
plates and utensils for raw meats
and ready to eat foods.
Remember to separate foods and
don’t cross-contaminate.
Further information is
available from Wodonga Council’s
environmental health team on
(02) 6022 9300 or online
health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety

Dogs invited to dine outdoors at cafes
MAN’S best friend can now join you
for a cafe lunch after food laws
were changed to allow dogs in
outdoor dining areas.
The Food Standards Australia
New Zealand (FSANZ) found that
pet pooches in outdoor settings
posed a “low to negligible” risk, with
a federal law passed earlier last
month to allow the practice.
The laws previously didn’t permit
animals, other than assistance pets,
in areas where food is handled.
But Wodonga Council’s manager
environment and community
protection, Mark Verbaken, said the
new law will encourage people to
get out and exercise with their pets,
and enjoy outdoor dining with their
canine friends.
“Dogs are now allowed in an
outdoor dining area that can be
entered by the public without
passing through and enclosed area,”
he said.
“They must be able to enter
through a side entrance and not
pass through enclosed dining or
food preparation areas.
“This now allows for members of
the community who enjoy a Sunday
Wodonga Building Services
Spa safety barriers
walk with the dogs to drop into a
cafe with an outdoor dining area for
a coffee or a meal.”
Wodonga dog owner, Liam
Matthews, has welcomed the new
relaxed laws and plans to take full
advantage of the opportunity to
dine with his miniature sausage
dog, Pappi.
“Being able to take your dog with
you for a coffee really makes for a
better experience for the both of
you,” he said.
“It also gives you something to
talk about with the people you
come across and a chance for your
dog to become a better socialiser
and calmer in public environments.
“It’s exercise and social
interaction for the both of you – a
win for all.”
Individual businesses are
still entitled to ban dogs from
courtyards if they so wish, but
it will be their responsibility
to enforce the ban and not the
council’s.
Mr Verbaken said under the
Domestic Animals Act 1994, owners
must maintain effective control of
their animals at all times.
Skate park works get underway
WORK to expand the James Scott
Memorial Skate Park started
on Wednesday, October 31 and
should be complete in time for the
December school holidays.
The skate park expansion will
extend west to the existing Rotary
shelter and incorporate urban plaza
elements such as rails, steps and
ledges.
It will also feature two refuge
areas with seating, banked walls
and a funbox.
The jumpbox and quarter pipe
featured in the existing park
will also be upgraded to allow
multi-directional travel into the
underutilised snake run, and to
encourage flow into the extension.
The council’s team leader active
communities, Merryn Deslandes,
said Precision Skate Parks
developed the final design of the
park following consultation with
local youth and user groups.
“This is what users told us
they want and once complete, it
will bring a whole new element
Wodonga’s skate park facilities,”
she said.
“Users will love the exciting
new curved ledges, various
transitions and different handrail
combinations.”
Precision Skate Parks is
undertaking the extension works,
which are expected to take about
five weeks to complete, depending
on the weather.
The total cost of the extension
is $238,000, with the Victorian
Government contributing $100,000
and the council contributing the
remaining $138,000.
According to the Building Code of Australia, a ‘spa’ by definition is a
‘swimming pool’. In Victoria, spas are subject to the same regulations as
a swimming pool in relation to building permits and safety barriers.
Therefore all spas require a building permit to ensure that the safety
barrier complies with the relevant Australian standard and the building
regulations of Victoria.
Lockable covers for spas, hot tubs and jacuzzis do not comply in
Victoria as suitable barriers.
Wodonga Council has no hesitation in taking action against pool/spa
owners who fail to install suitable safety barriers.
Finally, these provisions are no substitute for the responsible adult
supervision of young children using the pool/spa.
For more information, please contact the Building Commission on
1300 360 320 and buildingcommission.com.au, or Swimming Pool and
Spa Association of Victoria Ltd (SPASA) on (03) 9872 4502 and
dms.dpc.vic.gov.au
DINING IN: Liam Matthews enjoys a break at Zilch Food Store with his dog
Pappi.
Outdoor group fitness for free
IT’S time to get fit for summer and
what better way to do it than for free.
Following on from last year’s
successful community fitness
classes involving more than 200
people at Woodland Grove, the YMCA
is offering free BodyBalance exercise
classes, outdoors at the newly
finished The Cube Wodonga in the
city’s central business district.
The classes will run for 30 minutes
and start at 7am and 7.30am.
BodyBalance is a yoga, tai chi and
Pilates style program that leaves you
feeling strong, centered and calm.
BodyBalance classes will
commence on Tuesday, November 13
and continue each Tuesday for four
weeks finishing on December 4.
Participation is free; all you need
to bring is a towel, drink bottle and
yourself to enjoy the fresh modern
surrounds of The Cube Wodonga.
For further information please
contact the Wodonga Sports and
Leisure Centre on (02) 6058 2555.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Festival and Event
Contribution Program
2012-2013
Funding guidelines and application
forms now available.
Wodonga Council values festivals and
events, recognising the contribution
they make to a dynamic, diverse and
holistic community. The Festival and
Event Contribution Program is one
part of the cultural services’ plan and
a key way the council seeks to
support a range of public
entertainment and engagement
opportunities. Through this program,
funding is available to community
organisations towards their event
costs. Grants will be awarded
commensurate with the organisation’s
event objectives, track record and
planning.
Guidelines and application forms can
be obtained online by visiting the
‘Application Forms’ section of the
website at wodonga.vic.gov.au or by
contacting Jane Evans on (02) 6022
9371 or jevans@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Applications close at 5pm on Friday,
December 7, 2012. Late submissions
will not be considered.
wodonga.vic.gov.au

Council offers free pool safety inspections
IN Victoria, drowning is the most
common cause of death of children
under the age of five.
A properly constructed and
maintained safety barrier around a
pool or spa substantially increases
the safety of children around these
common household facilities.
Throughout November, Wodonga
Council’s building services unit will
offer free swimming pool and spa
compliance inspections to local
PUBLIC NOTICES
Proposed reserve names
Subject to the guidelines for Geographic Names 2004,
Wodonga Council is seeking public comment on the
proposal to name six reserves and modify the location of
one reserve within the municipality of Wodonga Council.
The council believes one of the benefits of naming
the parks is that the local community will begin to
know specific areas by name and emergency service
organisations will be able to maintain a gazetted feature
name in their navigation systems should an emergency
arise. Each park name will also hold and maintain some
history of the people that have helped shape Wodonga.
Each proposed name has either been locally known as
such or is after a person who has had significant input or
brought character and culture to the local community or
the vicinity being named.
A list of the proposed names and their locations can
be found on the council’s website at wodonga.vic.gov.
au, community notice boards, community centres or
an information pack can be sent to you by calling the
council’s community focus team on (02) 6022 9300 during
business hours.
If you object to any of the proposed names, you should
send a submission to Wodonga Council, PO Box 923,
Wodonga, VIC 3689, prior to the close of business on
Friday, December 7, 2012.
Submissions should be in writing and addressed to the GIS
co-ordinator and marked ‘Proposed Park Names’.
Any enquiries relating to the proposal may be directed to
the council’s GIS
co-ordinator on (02) 6022 9300.
Proposed locality - Huon Hill
residents.
Director planning and
infrastructure, Leon Schultz, said
the move was part of the council’s
commitment to safety.
“Swimming pool and spa owners
should be aware they are required by
law to meet government regulations
and standards,” he said.
“All swimming pools and spas
capable of holding more than 30cm
(300mm) of water must have safety
Pursuant to section 223 of the Local Government Act
1989, Wodonga Council is seeking public consensus on
its intention to create a new locality called Huon Hill,
and subsequent adjustments to Wodonga and Bandiana
localities around the Huon Hill area.
The proposal has been suggested due to the anticipated
growth on the eastern and western sides of Huon Hill
which may in future cause issues with addressing due to
the sporadic nature of the current boundary.
The proposed boundary location information can be found
on the council’s website at
wodonga.vic.gov.au, community notice boards or an
information pack can be sent to you by calling the
council’s community focus team on (02) 6022 9300 during
business hours.
barriers installed and must be
subject to regular maintenance to
ensure they remain compliant.
“This includes temporary and
blow up swimming pools commonly
purchased from department stores.
Anyone who does not comply with
these regulations risks substantial
fines, as well as the lives of family
and friends.”
Local councils are responsible for
enforcing the regulations and the act
Submissions should be sent to the chief
executive officer, Wodonga Council , PO Box 923,
Wodonga, VIC 3689 by Friday, December 7, 2012.
Submissions should be in writing and marked ‘Proposed
Huon Hill locality’.
Any enquiries relating to this proposal may be directed
to the GIS co-ordinator on (02) 6022 9300.
Currrent locality boundary
Propsed locailty boundary
and can issue infringement notices
for certain breaches.
“With daylight saving and the
warmer weather just around the
corner, I urge all residents with a
pool or spa to take advantage of our
free compliance inspections,” Mr
Schultz said.
Anyone wishing to arrange an
inspection should contact the
council’s building services team on
(02) 6022 9300.
I

GREAT ACHIEVEMENT: Border Ovarian Cancer Awareness Group
secretary/treasurer Karen Ferguson with the group’s founder and
October Eagle Award recipient Heather Watts.
Mum awarded for cancer
awareness campaign
A WODONGA mother who lost her
daughter to ovarian cancer has
been recognised for her work in
raising awareness of the disease.
Heather Watts was presented
with Wodonga Council’s Eagle
Award for October, which
recognises residents who are
involved in the community and
helping others.
Ms Watts began her campaign
to raise the profile of ovarian
cancer after her daughter, Kelsey,
lost a three-year battle with the
disease in December last year.
Finding many women had little
idea about the symptoms of
ovarian cancer, Ms Watts decided
to organise an awareness day and
fundraising walk around Sumsion
Gardens on April 21 this year.
The event was sponsored by
local Rotary clubs and businesses,
Wodonga Council and Wodonga
Senior Secondary College, with
A SENSE of optimism about the
local economy is returning to
the Albury-Wodonga business
community, a recent survey has
found.
The Albury-Wodonga local
business survey has also revealed
capital investment is also on the
agenda with more than 50 per cent
of respondents indicating their
intention to undertake works in the
coming year.
This is a three-year high for the
survey, and a six per cent increase
from last year.
However, the impact of the
carbon tax is weighing heavily on
the minds of local business owners,
with results indicating negative
effects in more than 50 per cent of
businesses surveyed.
Wodonga Council chief executive
around 120 people turning up on
the day.
Around $2000 was raised
and was donated to the Albury-
Wodonga Wellness Centre at
the new cancer accommodation
centre.
Ms Watts also organised with
the Wodonga and District Turf
Club to have a race named in the
memory of Kelsey, a successful
horse trainer, at its race meeting
on April 22, 2012.
Ms Watts and her supporters
manned the gates to ask for
donations for cancer research
and successfully raised a further
$700.
If you know a Wodonga resident
who is soaring high, nominate
them for an Eagle Award by
picking up a nomination form from
council’s Hovell St office, online at
wodonga.vic.gov.au or by phoning
(02) 6022 9300.
officer, Patience Harrington,
said local business confidence
is increasing despite turbulence
state-wide and nationally.
“This is a reflection of the health
of the local economy and suggests
Wodonga is a very good place to be
operating a business,” she said.
A total of 575 businesses from a
range of industries completed this
year’s survey.
Surveys were distributed to all
businesses registered on the Albury
Wodonga Business Directory and
members of the local chambers of
commerce.
Business outlook for the next 12
months was 54 per cent positive,
compared to 18 per cent negative,
and outlook for the next two years
was 65 per cent positive compared
to 15 per cent negative.
Soccer, hockey stars awarded YASS
A SOCCER player who throughout
winter trained four nights a week, on
Saturdays, and then competed in club
games on Sundays, was one of three
youths presented with a Wodonga
Council Young Achiever Support
Scheme (YASS) award last month.
Tyler Scott, 14, has played at a
regional, state and national level over
the past twelve months, his latest
achievement being a member of the
Victorian country under 14 side at
the National Youth Championships in
Coffs Harbour.
Tyler, and two young hockey players,
Fraser Cullen and Imogen Albon,
were presented with their awards
by Wodonga Council at a meeting on
Monday, October 15.
Fraser, 15, has been playing hockey
for almost 10 years. He is a member of
the Wodonga Hockey Club, where he
played for both the under 16 boys and
division two men teams this year, as
well as Hockey Albury Wodonga and
North East Knights.
He was also a Southern Sport
Academy Scholarship 2012 recipient,
competing in the Club NSW Academy
Games in Wollongong in April, and
playing for Parkes in the NSW under
15 boys state championships in
Tamworth. Fraser was this year named
Wodonga Hockey Club under 16 boys
best and fairest runner up, Hockey
Albury Wodonga best and fairest under
16 boys and Hockey Albury Wodonga
defence force junior boy champion.
A notable change between 2011
and 2012 is that confidence in the
local economy is returning, however,
still remains lower than in 2010,
reflecting the ongoing uncertainty
surrounding the global economy.
The majority of businesses
surveyed expect no change in
their employment base during
the coming year, while 17 per
cent expect to increase employee
numbers in the next 12 months.
On the financial front, 38 per
cent of respondents recorded an
increase in profitability, while
a further 32 per cent did not
experience a change, and 30 per
cent experienced a decrease.
Results show the carbon tax
has caused concern among the
business community with 51 per
cent of businesses reporting it had
Also a member of Wodonga Hockey
Club, 13-year-old Imogen was this
year selected for the under 13 girls
Victorian hockey team. Training was
conducted twice weekly in Melbourne
over eight weeks, and the national
championship was hosted by Perth
over eight days. Imogen was voted by
her fellow team members as the best
and fairest player for Victoria. She also
played for the North East Knights and
was named Hockey Albury Wodonga
under 14 girls best and fairest for
2012.
As well as competing in the
National Youth Championships, Tyler is
also a member of Rivers FC (Goulburn
North-East representative side), Albury
Wodonga Football Association under
14 boys team and has continued his
involvement with the Wodonga Heart
Football Club. He has played non-stop
soccer for the past two years and this
year played for a total of five teams.
Each of the recipients was
congratulated by the council on their
achievements.
The YASS provides financial
assistance to young people to
participate, develop skills, compete,
perform or represent Wodonga in their
chosen endeavour at a state, national
or international level.
For more information, please phone
the council’s youth services officer
Anthony Nicholson on (02) 6022 9300
or via email at anicholson@wodonga.
vic.gov.au
AWARD WINNERS: Tyler Scott, 14, Imogen Albon, 13, and Fraser Cullen, 15,
are the latest recipients of the YASS award.
nvestment hits a three-year high in Albury-Wodonga
caused either a negative or very
negative effect on their business
during the past 12 months, even
though it has only come into effect
into the past three months.
Ms Harrington said business
can be assured that councils will
be using the survey information
to raise awareness with state and
federal governments regarding
the issues and opportunities for
business in Wodonga and Albury.
The local business survey is
a joint initiative of the Albury
Wodonga Corporation, AlburyCity
and Wodonga Council. Survey
results provide an important
snapshot of the local economy,
allowing the corporation and both
councils to better understand the
challenges and opportunities faced
by local businesses.

What’s on
Melbourne Cup day closures
Wodonga Council offices, Arts
Space Wodonga, The Cube
Wodonga and Wodonga Library
will be closed on Tuesday,
November 6 for Melbourne Cup
Day.
Rubix Catering will be open as
usual from 7am to 5.30pm.
Baha’i Community’s
Multicultural Night
Date: Saturday, November 10
Time: From 5.30pm
Venue: The Cube Wodonga
Enquiries and bookings:
0412 217 125
Cost: Donations welcome. Bring
drinks and a cultural plate to
share.
An unforgettable night of cultural
music and dance with Gary
Sterling.
Hume Murray Farmers Market
Date: Saturday, November 10 and
24
Time: 8am to noon
Venue: Gateway Village, Lincoln
Causeway, Wodonga
Enquiries and bookings: Hume
Murray Food Bowl on
(02) 6058 2996 or email
info@hmfb.org
Come along for fresh produce,
and prepared foods grown and
made on the region’s doorstep.
Facebook information session
Date: Monday, November 12
Time: 2pm to 3.30pm
Venue: Wodonga Library
Enquiries and bookings: Wodonga
Library on (02) 6022 9330
Cost: Free
Keep in touch with family,
friends and the community using
Facebook. A Facebook account
and basic computer skills are
required. If you would like help
to create a Facebook account,
please come at 1.30pm.
Baranduda Community Centre
notice of 2012 annual general
meeting
Date: Tuesday, November 13
Time: 7pm
Venue: Baranduda Community
Centre
Enquiries and bookings:
(02) 6020 8643.
All interested parties are invited
to attend. A light supper will
follow.
Community fitness sessions
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 20
and 27 and Tuesday, December 4
Time: 7am and 7.30am
Venue: The Cube Wodonga courtyard
Enquiries and bookings: Wodonga
Sports and Leisure Centre dry
programs director Craig Hortin on
(02) 6058 2555
Cost: Free
The YMCA is offering free
BodyBalance exercise classes
outdoors. The classes will be 30
minutes in duration. BodyBalance
is a yoga, tai chi and Pilates style
program that leaves you feeling
strong, centred and calm.
All you need to bring is a towel
and drink bottle.
Wodonga Showjumping
Spectacular
Date: Thursday, November 15 and
Friday, November 16
Time: Various
Venue: Exhibition centre, Wodonga
Showgrounds, Wilson St
Enquiries and bookings:
Andrew Williams on
0407 078 119
Cost: $40 per family or $15 per
adult, $10 per child under 18 and
children under five are free.
Round 10 of the Australian
league of the FEI World Cup
jumping qualifier to compete at
the world cup final in Europe.
Fluff and Stuff mini-workshops
Date: Thursday, November 15
Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Venue: Arts Space Wodonga
Enquiries and bookings:
Arts Space Wodonga public programs
officer Stacey Harrison on
(02) 6022 9609
Cost: $12 per session includes
materials. Bookings essential.
A series of mini-workshops
facilitated by local textile artists.
The November workshop is
Christmas cuts.
Arts Wodonga Hume
Building Society Acquisitive
Contemporary Art Award
Date: Friday, November 16 to
Saturday, December 15
Official opening Friday, November
16 at 5.30pm
Time: Arts Space Wodonga
opening hours
Venue: Arts Space Wodonga
Enquiries: Arts Space Wodonga
on (02) 6022 9600
Cost: Free
This exhibition is a chance to
enjoy the diverse artistic gifts
local artists bring to this vibrant
city. The Arts Wodonga and Hume
Building Society Acquisitive
Contemporary Art Award of
$5000 is kindly donated by Hume
Building Society.
Mini Field of Women
Date: Sunday, November 18
Time: 2pm
Venue: Celebrations Rose Garden,
Belvoir Park, Wodonga
Enquiries: For further information
email Jenny Black at
jennifer.ann.black@bigpond.com
Cost: Free
This is a visual display of up
to 100 pink lady silhouettes
which will be planted in the
ground. People will be given the
opportunity of writing a personal
message to celebrate the life of
someone special to them and
pay tribute to women and men
and their families who have been
affected by breast cancer.
Little Me Market
Date: Sunday, November 18
Time: 10am to 2pm
Venue: Sumsion Gardens,
Wodonga
Enquiries: Jade Tauber on 0421
082 388, email
info@littlememarket.com or visit
littlememarket.com
Cost: Free entry for public. Site
fee for market stallholders.
Little Me Market is a boutique
market specialising in handmade
and babies’ and children’s items.
With unique products, food,
entertainment, live music and a
kids’ zone, the Little Me Market is
a great family day out.
The Vibe
Date: Saturday, November 24
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Venue: Arts Space Wodonga
Enquiries and bookings: Arts
Space Wodonga public programs
officer Stacey Harrison on
(02) 6022 9609
Cost: $5
The Vibe is a series of gigs for
local established and emerging
young performers. Each gig will
have headline and support acts,
plus ‘open mic’ opportunities.
To participate in the ‘open mic’
segment, performers can sign up
on the night. To play a supporting
act, performers need to apply
in advance. The Vibe is a great
opportunity to network and gain
live performance experience.
Headline acts will provide
support and feedback to all other
performers. Food and beverages
available for purchase on the
night. People’s Choice is awarded
at each event.
Book sale
Date: Saturday, November 24
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Wodonga Library
Enquiries: Wodonga Library on
(02) 6022 9330
Cost: Free entry
The Friends of the Library Book
Sale is on again. Books start
from 50 cents. Come down to the
library to bag a bargain.
Author visit: Anita Heiss
Date: Thursday, November 29
Time: 7pm to 8pm
Venue: Wodonga Library
AEnquiries: Wodonga Library on
(02) 6022 9330
Cost: Free
Anita Heiss is a successful
author across multiple genres,
including chick lit, poetry and
a My Australian Story book for
younger readers. In 2012, she
released her memoir, Am I Black
Enough For You? Join Anita at
Wodonga Library for a discussion
about her life and writing.
Summer Reading Club
Date: Saturday, December 1 to
Friday, January 25
Time: Various
Venue: Wodonga Library
Enquiries: Wodonga Library on
(02) 6022 9330
Cost: Free
The Summer Reading Club returns
for Untangled Tales, a celebration
of myth and folklore. Sign up for
the Reading Challenge and you
can earn prizes for the books
you have read over the holidays.
A range of activities will be
happening over January including
Club Crafts, Playstation Playoffs,
Muggle Quidditch and Cosplay.
For the full calendar visit the
library.
Artyfacts
Date: Every Wednesday during
school terms
Term four: Now to December 12
Time: 3.45pm to 5.15pm
Venue: Arts Space Wodonga
Enquiries and bookings: Arts
Space Wodonga education officer
Leisa Whyte on (02) 6022 9609.
Cost: $60 per term pre-paid
includes all materials. Bookings
essential.
Be inspired by current exhibitions
to create your own artworks.
Learn new skills and techniques
and enjoy being part of a fun and
creative program. Ages nine to 12
years.
Art Buzz
Date: Every Friday during
Victorian school terms.
Term four: Now to December 14
Time: 10.30am to 11.30am
Venue: Arts Space Wodonga
Enquiries and bookings: Arts
Space Wodonga education officer
Leisa Whyte on (02) 6022 9609
Cost: Gold coin donation.
Bookings essential.
Creative visual art workshops
for little hands relating to the
current exhibition. For preschool
children, ages three to six years.
Regular events at Wodonga
Library
• Master Your Gadget;
• Manga and Anime Club;
• Young Writers’ Group;
• eReading and digital
audio sessions;
• Introduction to Kobo
eReaders;
• Finding books for your
eReader;
• Computer classes; and
• Social networking
information sessions.
For more information, please visit
wodonga.vic.gov.au/library or
facebook.com/wodongalibrary or
phone Wodonga Library on
(02) 6022 9330.
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