NutriSoil wins top award for organic product

A local family-run business that produces biological fertiliser has been recognised as a leader in change and integrity.

NutriSoil was awarded Australian Organic Product of the Year (non-food item) at the Australian Organics Awards in November.

NutriSoil is a concentrated worm liquid, produced from a unique vermiculture recycling system used in broadacre farming systems, located in Baranduda.

The judges were impressed by the long term dedication of NutriSoil to their product research and unique inclusive approach to lifting all profiles of biological and organic products.

“It is essential to work as a united front to help farmers move  towards more regenerative and sustainable farming practices for current and future generations”, says Rachelle Armstrong, Managing Director of NutriSoil.

More information here.

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Funds available to renovate your shopfront

The City Heart Shopfront Improvement and Access Fund will form part of Wodonga Council’s Business Support Package during the City Heart Revitalisation works.

A total of $150,000 is available over two years ($75,000 for stage one and $75,000 for stage two of works).

The aim of the fund is to:
• Encourage and facilitate shop owners, operators and landlords to improve their buildings through façade upgrades, thereby improving their presentation to the street.

• Encourage and provide a mechanism for shop owners, operators and landlords to ensure all people can access the front of their premises (regardless of ability or disability).

The fund will include two activity streams:

  • $1:$1 matching grants up to $3,000 for shopfront improvements; and,
  • $1:$1 matching grants up to $3,000 for internal all abilities access improvements within private buildings that cannot be corrected by the public realm (i.e. the footpath) works.

For more information, download the brochure and online application form.

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Woolworths to open June 2017

Construction works on the Woolworths site are progressing well, with June 2017 forecast as the opening date.

Although slightly hampered by recent wet weather, construction is well underway for the carpark, external pavements and landscaping, and internal fitout of the supermarket.

During May, permanent power will be connected, the carpark asphalted and external canopies and shade sails installed.

The development will include a full-line Woolworths supermarket, as well as retail and office spaces. There will also be car parking, multiple pedestrian access points and an atrium entrance.

Anyone interested in leasing opportunities are encouraged to contact Corey Finlay of L.J Colquhoun Dixon.

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$10K boost to first home owner grant

Prospective new home owners in North East Victoria have received a welcome leg-up from the Victorian Government after it doubled its First Home Owner Grant.

The grant will increase from $10,000 to $20,000 from July 1, and is expected to help around 6000 first home buyers across regional Victoria.

The grant is available to first home buyers building new homes valued up to $750,000, but is not applicable to purchase existing homes.

More information here.

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Dewars Peformance Engines returns to Wodonga

A business born in a small shed in the backyard is returning to Wodonga after many years at Tangambalanga.

Dewars Performance Engines is a family-owned, engine reconditioning business that opened its first shop in 1989 on Reid Street, Wodonga and then moved to Tangambalanga.

In 2017, owners Wally and Sandy Dewar made the decision to return to Wodonga and purchased a garden center in Baranduda drive, which they have transformed into a shop that includes crank grinding, balancing, engine dyno and chassis dyno.

"Our decision to relocate was driven by a desire to be in the growth corridor of Wodonga, which has high exposure and forecast industrial growth – there is just so much opportunity for us here," said Sandy Dewar.

With over 40 years of experience, Wally and the team can take on anything from car engines, HI performance, turbo repairs and heavy diesel engines including 6.2 and 6.5 turbo/non turbo Chev diesel engines.

More information here.

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Mann Central development progressing steadily

Mann Central

Works continue to escalate on the Mann Central development, with the centre expected to open in October this year.

Completed works include car park slabs, car park ramps off Hovell St, formwork for a ramp off South St, slab

Also on track are loading dock slabs and steelwork for specialty tenancies.

Internal works are also progressing at Coles, with all concrete slabs completed and high level services being installed. Refrigeration and coolrooms are also underway.

KMart is in progress with high level services being installed, while Kmart Auto now has roof, panels, slabs, and services going in.

Anyone interested in leasing spaces in and around the development should call Steve Martin of Stanley and Martin on 0419 269 687.

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NBN live in most of Wodonga

The nbn™ network is almost fully rolled out across the city of Wodonga.

Prepare your business for the switch and learn how to connect by visiting the nbn™ Business website to learn how to connect (where you can also check your address to see if the network is available in your area).

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The Promenade celebrates first anniversary

Junction Square saw an influx of people at the end of March to celebrate The Promenade's one-year anniversary.

The event marked 12 months since businesses including The Goods Shed Craft Beer Café, BeanStation Café and Miss Amelie opened their doors, following Victorian Government and Places Victoria’s $1m upgrade of the space from its former railway station days.

Party at the Promenade featured a menu that included pizza and paella from The Goods Shed Craft Beer Café, cheese plates and steamed bao from BeanStation Café and a freshly-shucked oyster bar at Miss Amelie, among other selections on offer.

Locals responded very postively to the event, with many noting they would be keen to see this type of event repeated on more often. More information here.

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Promote the diversity of your workplace

Have you got a great story to share about diversity in your workplace?

Champions of Workplace Diversity is a new, local initiative that was born from council's 'Creating local opportunities for people with disability’ workshops. It celebrates and promotes workforce diversity by featuring a local business that champions diversity every fortnight on social media.

Champions of Workplace Diversity will also feature articles on a range of topics, resources and news updates about workplace diversity.

To feature your business or to find out more, please visit Champions of Workplace Diversity on Facebook.

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Energy Assessment grants

Small and medium-sized businesses can apply now for Sustainability Victoria 'Boosting Productivity' energy assessment grants.

Grants will be offered to businesses with less than 200 full-time employees and who spend more than $20,000 a year on energy. The grants will help you carry out an energy assessment, and identify and implement energy improvements.

Funding is available to cover 50 per cent of the cost of an energy assessment at two levels:
• Basic (up to $2000): for businesses spending $20,000-$50,000 on energy per annum.
• Detailed (up to $6000): for businesses spending more than $50,000 on energy per annum.

More information here.

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Community Impact Grants now open

Community organisations and individuals are urged to apply for the latest round of Wodonga Council’s Community Impact Grants, open today.

As well as empowering people to grow ideas in an innovative and creative way, the grants help to strengthen programs and services that meet a local community need, and encourage people to volunteer or participate in their community.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for community groups and not-for-profit organisations in the categories of building stronger communities, environmental sustainability, community events, and arts and culture. An individual can also apply for a grant for up to $500.

Grants open May 1 and close 5pm on Monday, May 22, 2017. Apply now: wod.city/cigp16-17

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Financial counselling for small business

Does your family rely on small business or agriculture for its  livelihood?

AgBiz Assist can provide small businesses in rural and regional communities with free financial counselling.

Regardless of your industry sector, the team at AgBiz can assist you with an objective analysis of your business and provide invaluable advice.

Members of the team are experienced rural professionals with tertiary qualifications in fields such as financial counselling, social science, agricultural science, economics, accounting, property or business.

More information here.

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Immunise to protect your staff

The flu season is fast approaching, and local residents and businesses are urged to prepare by getting immunised.

Immunisation is a safe and effective way of protecting our community against harmful disease.

The typical work environment provides ideal conditions for the influenza virus to thrive, and will infect more than 23,000 Australians each year.

The council can visit workplaces with 10 or more staff for a fee.

For information and bookings phone the council’s immunisation team on 1800 655 360. More details at wod.city/Immunisation

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Nominate amazing young people for an award

Many local businesses have taken up the mantle of providing valuable sponsorship for this year's RED Carpet Youth Awards, including Wodonga Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Wodonga, GenesisCare Radiation Oncology Albury Wodonga, ATEL Employment Services, Aware Industries, Rotary Club Wodonga Central, Dutch Media, and RACV.

Young people aged between 14 and 24 years who work, live, study or volunteer in Wodonga are eligible to be nominated across nine categories.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from wodonga.vic.gov.au/rca and close Friday, June 2.

 

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Introducing City Heart website

As part of the city centre revitalisation, the council is launching a website to showcase those businesses located within the Wodonga Central Business Area (CBA).

The City Heart website will include information on each individual business, along with upcoming events, latest news, and dining and shopping opportunities in the area. It will also complement the City Heart app (due to launch in August, 2017), providing accessible and up-to-date information for locals and tourists alike.

If your business is in the city centre and you haven't already completed the form, send it now to make this most of this free promotional opportunity.

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Useful statistics and information

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Planning statistics

Wodonga Council's planning team has had a steady first quarter for the year. Many large planning permits were approved, and many new lots have been released in and around Wodonga.

See full planning statistics here.

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Chamber business awards now open

The 2017 Albury Wodonga Business Awards provide local businesses the opportunity to celebrate and be recognised for their achievements.

The Business Awards have 14 categories which provide all businesses the opportunity to enter and be recognised.

Entry is free for Chamber members, and $120 per category for non-members.

Entries close Monday, May 15 at 4.30pm. More information here.

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Snapshot of building activity

Building activity began slowly in the January to March 2017 quarter with the domestic housing market and the commercial / industrial sector returning after the Christmas break.

Some of the larger jobs issued in the quarter include:
• Works at a new shopping complex in Wodonga with a value of $26m;
• Recreation building at a retirement complex in Wodonga with a value of $1.7m; and,
• Alterations and fitout of an indoor play facility with a value of $700,000.

See full building statistics here.

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