The final stage of the High St works is due to commence in early January 2019 with the reconstruction of High St from Lawrence St to Banovic Lane. The works will include the levelling out of the road, improved drainage, and new street lighting and landscaping.

During the construction period, we encourage customers to take advantage of the parking options behind High St. In the lead up to the roadworks, a campaign of parking options will feature on council's communication channels. Retailers within the work zone have parking maps available in their businesses for customers to utilise which outline the various parking alternatives within the CBD.

Council officers have been working with retailers in regards to the timing of the works to enable them to be well prepared during this time. Regular updates will be provided to the community through council's communication channels.

If you have any questions regarding the roadworks please contact council's Business Engagement Facilitator, Ryan Hastie on 0435 962 565 or via rhastie@wodonga.vic.gov.au

As communities grow and evolve they demand not only supporting infrastructure networks but landscapes and spaces that enhance their lifestyles.

The laneway activation project has been developed to enhance some of the city's laneways and to increase safety and improve connections throughout the CBA.

The laneway works include:

• Bennetts Lane -  rendered walls, a custom designed mural painted by Chiltern-based Artist Kirrily, and improved lighting; and,
• Sesame Lane -  installation of new garden beds and plantar boxes, street furniture, lighting and paving.

Works in Bennetts Lane have been completed, with the additional laneway scheduled to be completed by early 2019.

In the 2016 census, 5.8 per cent of the population in Wodonga reported needing help in their day-to-day lives due to a disability.

In June 2018, Merriwa Industries, a not-for-profit organisation, announced their expansion to Wodonga. 

Merriwa provides ongoing employment outcomes for both NDIS eligible participants and the general workforce. The organisation has a fully integrated workforce model, which they are looking to roll out in the new facility in Wodonga.

Merriwa is committed to providing an environment that encourages people of all abilities to reach their potential, while delivering quality products and services to customers across Australia.

The facility, located on Romet Rd, will be operational from the end of 2018.

The Tutoring Hub Wodonga opened its doors on July 30 in Liverpool Lane, just off Stanley St, for the convenience of all school families.

The Tutoring Hub Wodonga is registered with the Australian Tutors Association and offers one-on-one tuition in literacy and numeracy to children from Foundation to Year 8.  Their qualified learning difficulties specialist can target precise learning areas in dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.

Owners Tess Darts and Tanya Carroll are registered teachers in both Victoria and NSW.

Through classroom teaching over the past 25 years they have extensive knowledge in the National Curriculum and understand the benefits of additional one-on-one tuition.

They offer tuition for students needing to build skills and confidence in specific areas, for students with diagnosed learning difficulties, and for students wishing to build on their advanced skills for their current year level.

Operating six days a week the Wodonga Tutoring Hub can be contacted here.

Zumii Shoes is a family owned and operated business, which has been running for the past 28 years. Run by Megan and Brad, it has recently undergone a makeover, with the two adding their own twist to the business.

The modern shop fit out and new offerings are easily accessible and has had excellent feedback since its official opening in August.

"We are looking to grow the business in Wodonga, and additionally online so our customers have more access to the shoes they love locally", Megan said.

"We had a tremendous amount of support throughout the makeover, and we cannot thank the local businesses and tradies enough for getting the shop to where it is today."

Zumii Shoes is located at 81 High Street, Wodonga.

The Victorian Training Awards gala night in August celebrates the outstanding achievements of vocational students, teachers, training providers and the businesses who train them across Victoria.

The Wodonga Institute of TAFE took centre stage where they were named the Large Training Provider of the Year. Wodonga TAFE is ranked as the highest Victorian TAFE sector for student and employer satisfaction.

Sarah Whitling was also nominated as Teacher/Trainer of the Year, along with Christian Bashimbe who was nominated as Vocational Student of the Year.

Wodonga TAFE will now be a finalist at the Australia Training Awards gala night, which will be held in Sydney on November 15, 2018.

House of Lingerie offers quality and comfortable intimiate apparal for sophisticated women. Staff can cater for both the lingerie and mastectomy industries, with prosthesis fittings also available.

The store has recently moved and is now relocated in Liverpool Lane, Shop 2/4, Stanley Street, Wodonga.

The Solar Design and Installation Awards, held October, Australia's premier solar awards and recognise those who have shown excellence in the design and installation of Australian solar projects.

Local resident Luke Fraser was recognised for his work with Solar Integrity on a Yackandandah micro-grid.

Luke took out the Under 30kw - grid connect PV power system with battery back-up category.

Luke, with his work at Solar Integrity, has been working with the Yackandandah community in their quest for 100 per cent renewable electricity by the year 2022.

Wodonga is quickly becoming a significant regional city and important contributor to Victoria’s economy, liveability and vision for a state of cities.

Wodonga continues to be one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regional cities and has enjoyed sustained population growth rate, as well as ongoing residential, commercial and industrial development.

The city heart of Wodonga provides a vibrant and diverse economy, driven by innovation and sustainable businesses.

There is a vast range of new and upcoming businesses opening or expanding in Wodonga including Butcher on Rise, Sushi Frenzy, Border Wellness Centre, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Bes Nail Salon and At Sushi Wodonga.

The Wodonga Economic Indicators offers an overview of the economic and socio-demographic activity occuring in Wodonga.

The newly updated publication can be viewed here.

August saw the launch of the Invest Albury Wodonga campaign, a key component of the Two Cities One Community Action Plan.

A joint focus of AlburyCity and Wodonga Councils, Invest Albury Wodonga will highlight the maturity and strength of the region to attract investment.

Growth in the Albury Wodonga economy and support for existing businesses will be just two of the benefits expected from the newly launched Invest Albury Wodonga campaign.

The Invest Albury Wodonga website can be viewed here.

The Cube Wodonga is a state-of-the-art entertainment centre located at 118 Hovell Street, Wodonga.

The venue can be tailored to suit almost any event or show. The Cube Wodonga has recently published a new venue guide. Whether it's a formal business conference, meetings or a social get-together, The Cube Wodonga conference and event facilities offer a number of flexible event spaces accommodating 10 to 1000 guests.

For further information in booking your next event, contact The Cube Wodonga on (02) 6022 9311 or head to the website to find out more.

To view the venue guide.

Global Sisters is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enabling women to lift themselves out of poverty. They provide women with the tools, networks and resources to establish or grow a business.

Their approach embraces four essential facets:

• Business coaching program providing business education and development support
• Marketing & Sales support
• Microfinance: affordable and accessible micro-loans.
• Platforms for networking and learning.

Further information can be viewed here.

Victorian households can look to receive a $50 power saving bonus this year, with the Victorian Government funding $48 million Power Saving Bonus in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to encourage Victorians to get a better deal on their energy bills.

To be eligible for the $50 bonus, households will simply have to use the Victorian Energy Compare website until December 31, 2018. People just need to compare deals – they are not required to take up an offer to switch plans.

To search for a better energy deal and register for a $50 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au

The Albury Wodonga Sustainable Living Festival puts the spotlight on sustainability in the month of November across Albury and Wodonga. The festival program features 40 programmed events, three exhibitions, sustainability campaigns and the festival feature event, The Sustainable Living Fair.

Preview the 2018 Sustainable Living Festival Program here.

Do you want your workplace to be the best it can be? Does your workplace want to be inclusive and respectful?

Then this event is for you.

Two Cities One Community initiative (Albury City and Wodonga Council) wish to invite local business leaders and sporting club representatives to attend this evening to learn about the importance of equality and respect.

Guest speaker, former footballer Phil Cleary, is a passionate advocate for change in attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate gender inequality. He will share his insights and thoughts on this important topic, its links to violence against women and the role we can all play.

A Q and A session will follow with panel members including:

• Phil Cleary – gender equality advocate;
• Naomi Bailey - Capacity Building Leaders for gender equity at Women’s Health Goulbourn North East;
• Steve Montgomery – Men’s Behaviour Change Co-ordinator at Gateway Health; and,
• Karyn O’Loughlin – Director of Allied Health at Albury Wodonga Health.

Gaye Pattison will MC the evening.

Date: Friday, November 23, 2018
Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Venue: The Cube Wodonga
Cost: $10 per ticket
Tickets available from The Cube Wodonga Box Office, or online

For further details on this event please contact:
Romina Lougoon, Wodonga Council on (02) 6022 9338 or rlougoon@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Are you a food, health or prescribed accommodation premises who is subject to safety standards and regular inspections?

Wodonga Council's Environmental Health team has recently issued registration renewal notices for businesses licensed under the Food Act 1984 and the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

The renewal application and payment must be received by November 9, 2019. Applications can not be processed until both the signed application form and payment have been received by council.

Should you require further information or assistance, please contact the Environmental Health team on (02) 6022 9300.