Wodonga(pronounced/wəˈdɒŋɡə/;[2]Pallanganmiddang:Wordonga)[3]is a city on theVictorianside of the border withNew South Wales,324 kilometres (201 mi) north-east ofMelbourne,Australia. It is part of the twin city of Albury-Wodonga and is located wholly within the boundaries of theCity of WodongaLGAand is separated from its twin city in New South Wales,Albury,by theMurray River.As of 2021 Wodonga and its suburbs have a population of 38,949[4]and combined with Albury, the two cities form the urban areaAlbury-Wodongawith a population of 97,793.[5]There are multiple suburbs of Wodonga includingBandiana,Baranduda,Barnawartha,Bonegilla, Ebden, Huon Creek, Killara, Leneva and Staghorn.
| Wodonga Victoria | |||||||||||||||
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 Looking down High Street in the CBD of Wodonga | |||||||||||||||
  Wodonga Location in Victoria | |||||||||||||||
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| Coordinates | 36°07′17″S146°53′17″E/ 36.12139°S 146.88806°E | ||||||||||||||
| Population | 38,949 (2021 census)[1] | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 1,049.8/km2(2,719/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Established | 1852 | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 3690 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 152 m (499 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 37.1 km2(14.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST(UTC+10) | ||||||||||||||
| • Summer (DST) | AEDT(UTC+11) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | City of Wodonga | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Hume | ||||||||||||||
| County | Bogong | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Benambra | ||||||||||||||
| Federal division(s) | Indi | ||||||||||||||
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Wodonga produces a gross domestic product of $2.5 billion per year on average.
History
editFounded as a customs post with its twin cityAlburyon the other side of theMurray River,the town grew subsequent to the opening of the first bridge across theMurray Riverin 1860. Originally named Wodonga, its name was changed to Belvoir then later back to Wodonga.
The Post Office opened 1 June 1856 although known as Belvoir until 26 July 1869.[6] It had previously been regarded as the smaller, less prosperous cousin of the two. Whilst still somewhat smaller than Albury, economic growth in both areas has ameliorated such distinctions.
The local IndigenousWaywurruname for the area, "Wordonga", refers to an edible plant or nut found in lagoons.[3]
Government and politics
edit
Wodonga is in thefederalDivision of Indi.Independent MPHelen Haineshas represented Indi since the2019 Australian federal election.Indi was held by theLiberal-National Coalitionfrom 1931 until2013when it was won by independentCathy McGowan.When Helen Haines won the seat in 2019, succeeding Cathy McGowan, it was the first time in Australian history that one independent had succeeded another.
Wodonga is in the VictorianElectoral district of Benambra.Bill Tilleyof theLiberal Partyhas represented theelectoral district of Benambrasince the2006 Victorian state election.Benambra has been held by the Liberal-National Coalition since the 1932 Benambra by-election, and has never been held by theLabor Party.In the2018and2022 Victorian elections,the seat became a close race between Bill Tilley and independent candidate Jacqui Hawkins, with Tilley narrowly retaining the seat.
Wodonga is the largest population centre in both Indi and Benambra.
The local government area covering Wodonga isCity of Wodonga,and as of 2023 the current mayor is Ron Mildren (independent).
Culture
editMuch of the arts and theatrical activity in the region is conducted in a cross-border fashion; for instanceHotHouse Theatreis located almost equidistant from the Wodonga and Albury city centres.[7]
Wodonga is served by theApex Clubof Wodonga, the WodongaLions Cluband twoRotary Clubs– Belvoir Wodonga and Wodonga. Community Service is important to the Wodonga Community and activities such as the cities Australia Day Celebrations, Christmas Carols and the display of Santa's throughout the City over the festive season would not be possible without community service clubs. Recently Apexian Dean Freeman was awarded National Apexian of the Year for community service efforts throughout the area and overseas.
Popular culture
editLeonard Hubbard recorded the songWodongain 1924.[8]
The World's Biggest Rolling Pin (listed in theGuinness Book of World Records) is located in Wodonga, atop "Henri's Bakery".[9]
Sport
editLike much of country Victoria, Wodonga has a large and valued sporting culture. There are many sporting grounds in, and around, the area, and they are often frequented by the public in a social manner, when not being used for organised sport.
There are threeAustralian rules footballclubs in Wodonga, theWodonga Football Club,theWodonga Raiders Football Cluband theWodonga Saints Football Club.Wodonga and Wodonga Raiders compete in theOvens & Murray Football League,while the Wodonga Saints compete in theTallangatta & District Football League.There are many other sporting clubs in the region.Brisbane Lionsdual-premiership playerDaniel Bradshawand St Kilda forwardFraser Gehrigare originally from Wodonga.
Wodonga is also home to a number of cricket clubs which compete in the Cricket Albury Wodonga (CAW) competition. These include the Belvoir Eagles, Wodonga Bulldogs and Wodonga Raiders.
Cyclists are catered for by the Albury Wodonga Cycling Club.[10]The Albury Wodonga Cycling Club holds club races most weekends, is part of the Riverina Interclub and hosts the annualJohn Woodman MemorialWagga to Albury Cycling Classic.
Golfers play the course at SS&A Wodonga on Parkers Road.[11]
Wodonga has tworugby leagueclubs called the Wodonga Wombats and Bonegilla Gorillas that play in theMurray Cup.Former clubs include the Wodonga Storm and Wodonga Bears, both of whom were involved inVictorian Rugby Leaguecompetitions.
Australian SocceroosArchie ThompsonandJoshua Kennedyplayed for soccer team Twin City Wanderers as children. Wodonga Diamonds Football Club and Wodonga Heart Football Club are two other soccer clubs based in Wodonga. All three clubs compete in theAlbury Wodonga Football Association,in which Wodonga Diamonds helped establish and is historically the most dominant club. In early 2014, a new club representing the region and playing its games in Wodonga was founded asMurray United F.C.Murray United's senior structure has since ceased to exists, and now the club only fields junior teams throughout various tiers of Junior NPL.
Wodonga's Tennis Centre is the largest inland tennis complex in Australia and incorporates not only tennis but also croquet and lawn bowls. The centre has 32 natural grass courts, 8 synthetic grass courts with lights for night use, and 10 plexicushion courts with lights for night use.
Wodonga has ahorse racing club,the Wodonga & District Turf Club, which schedules around seven race meetings a year including the Wodonga Cup meeting in November.[12]
The Albury-Wodonga Motorcycle Club are located at Diamond Park on the southern part ofGateway Island,on the north side of the Murray River and organise motor cycle events.[13]Themotorcycle speedwaytrack has hosted important events including the final of the2024 Australian Speedway Championship.[14]
Wodonga also has a BMX club, which is situated in a complex near the home ground of local AFL team, Wodonga Raiders.
Wodonga has a radio-controlled car site with both on-road and off-road tracks on the Lincoln Causeway, next to the speedway track.
Climate
editThe city gets around 125.1 clear days annually, largely in the summer and early autumn. Winters are rainy and cloudy, however, with breaks of sunny days during periods of high pressure systems.
| Climate data for Wodonga (1954–1968, rainfall 1898–2023); 156 m AMSL; 36.12° S, 146.91° E | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 44.1 (111.4) |
45.4 (113.7) |
38.8 (101.8) |
31.6 (88.9) |
25.4 (77.7) |
22.9 (73.2) |
22.1 (71.8) |
21.9 (71.4) |
28.3 (82.9) |
32.8 (91.0) |
39.4 (102.9) |
41.1 (106.0) |
45.4 (113.7) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 31.8 (89.2) |
31.2 (88.2) |
28.1 (82.6) |
22.9 (73.2) |
16.8 (62.2) |
14.1 (57.4) |
12.6 (54.7) |
14.7 (58.5) |
18.0 (64.4) |
21.5 (70.7) |
25.5 (77.9) |
28.6 (83.5) |
22.2 (72.0) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 15.2 (59.4) |
15.3 (59.5) |
12.7 (54.9) |
9.0 (48.2) |
5.6 (42.1) |
4.1 (39.4) |
3.1 (37.6) |
4.2 (39.6) |
5.7 (42.3) |
8.5 (47.3) |
10.4 (50.7) |
13.2 (55.8) |
8.9 (48.0) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 7.6 (45.7) |
6.6 (43.9) |
3.5 (38.3) |
1.9 (35.4) |
−1.8 (28.8) |
−3.2 (26.2) |
−3.9 (25.0) |
−2.4 (27.7) |
−1.8 (28.8) |
0.6 (33.1) |
1.6 (34.9) |
5.3 (41.5) |
−3.9 (25.0) |
| Averageprecipitationmm (inches) | 43.4 (1.71) |
39.3 (1.55) |
51.1 (2.01) |
50.3 (1.98) |
64.9 (2.56) |
78.5 (3.09) |
81.7 (3.22) |
77.8 (3.06) |
62.3 (2.45) |
68.4 (2.69) |
49.0 (1.93) |
48.3 (1.90) |
714.6 (28.13) |
| Average precipitation days | 4.7 | 4.2 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 9.1 | 11.5 | 12.8 | 12.3 | 9.7 | 8.9 | 6.4 | 5.6 | 97.3 |
| Average afternoonrelative humidity(%) | 30 | 32 | 37 | 44 | 58 | 64 | 65 | 59 | 51 | 48 | 39 | 34 | 47 |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 313.1 | 282.5 | 272.8 | 228.0 | 161.2 | 120.0 | 127.1 | 173.6 | 207.0 | 260.4 | 276.0 | 288.3 | 2,710 |
| Source 1: Wodonga (temperature, rainfall and humidity)[15] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Rutherglen Research (sunshine hours)[16] | |||||||||||||
Economy and infrastructure
editIndustry
editMajor secondary industries based in Wodonga include a logistics distributions hub (LOGIC), a large cattle market, a pet food factory (Mars Petcare), a can factory (Visy), a cardboard box factory (Opal) and (Visy Board), a hydraulic hose manufacturer (Parker Hannifin), an abattoir, a foundry (Bradken), a polypropylene film manufacturer (Taghleef Industries (formerly Shorko) a concrete pipe & pole manufacturer (Rocla) and a transformer manufacturer (Wilson Transformer Company) as well as a variety of other smaller enterprises. It also serves as a central point for the delivery of government services to the surrounding region. Albury Wodonga is a major transport hub between Melbourne and Sydney, with over 20 transport companies in the area, (HumeTransport), (Dawsons Haulage), (Border Express) and (Obrian Transport Services) to name a few. All of which are responsible for the success and prosperity of the country.
It houses the Australian corporate headquarters forMars.Wodonga is the site of anAustralian Armylogistics base and a training centre for Army technical apprentices, theArmy Logistic Training Centre,which is based atLatchford BarracksandGaza Ridge Barracks.[17]It is also the home of a campus ofLa Trobe Universityand Wodonga Institute of TAFE.
v2foodis set to open a manufacturing plant, that will use locally-grown ingredients, in Wodonga in the second quarter of 2020.[18]However, the plant was closed in 2023.[19]
Media
editA daily tabloid owned byAustralian Community Media,theBorder Mail,is printed in Wodonga. The Border Mail has offices in both Albury and Wodonga.
Television
editWodonga is part of the Albury-Wodonga/Murray/North-East Victoria television market and has access to all major TV networks. Channels available includeChannel 7(formerlyPrime7and part of theSeven Network),WIN Television(part of theNine Network),Southern Cross 10(part ofNetwork 10), as well as theAustralian Broadcasting Corporation(ABC) and theSpecial Broadcasting Service,more commonly known as SBS. Several of these networks also offer additional digital-only channels, includingABC Family,ABC Entertains,ABC News,SBS Viceland,7two,7mate,7bravo,7flix,10 Bold Drama,10 Peach Comedy,Nickelodeon,Sky News Regional,9Gem,9Go!and9Life.
Two television news bulletins featuring local content are offered in Albury–Wodonga and the surrounding region. The Seven Network broadcasts its bulletin live at 6.00pm from studios inCanberra.WIN Television's bulletin is produced inBallaratbut features Albury–Wodonga region based content, and airs on delay at 6.30pm.Southern Cross Austereoalso provides short local news updates which are produced inHobart,Tasmania,however, these do not feature significant local content from the Albury–Wodonga region.
Radio
editThere are three commercial radio stations broadcasting into Wodonga that are based over the border in Albury, namely2AY,Triple M The BorderandHit104.9 The Border.Notably, Hit FM south eastern network is programmed out of the Albury/Wodonga Hub, going to centres aroundNew South Wales,Victoria,Tasmaniaand intoSouth Australia.Broadcast out of the same building as Triple M The Border, which is also networked to local stations around New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
Albury/Wodonga is one radio market, thus advertisements are directed to both sides of the border. The Albury/Wodonga market underwent significant change in 2005 whenMacquarie Southern Cross Mediabought 105.7 The River fromRG Capital,and 2AY and Star FM from theDMG Radio Australia.Due to cross-media ownership laws preventing the ownership of more than two stations in one market, Macquarie was required to sell one of these stations and in September 2005 sold 2AY to theAce Radionetwork. 2AY takes its night time programming fromNine Radio.Commercial radio stations from Wangaratta (3NE, Edge FM) can also be received in most parts of Wodonga.
TheAustralian Broadcasting Corporationproduces breakfast and morning radio programs through its local radio network, from the studios ofABC Goulburn Murraylocated in Wodonga on 106.5FM. The rest of its content is delivered fromMelbourne.The ABC also deliverRadio Nationalon 990 AM,ABC Classicon 104.1 FM,ABC NewsRadioon 100.9 FM andTriple Jon 103.3 FM.
There is also a community radio station known as 2REM 107.3 FM. The Albury-Wodonga Community Radio station plays a large number of speciality programs including those for the retiree, ethnic and aboriginal communities throughout the day and a range of musical styles including underground and independent artists from 8:00pm onwards.
In addition, the area is serviced by aRadio for the Print Handicappedstation, 2APH, on 101.7 FM. Other stations include the Albury–Wodonga Christian Broadcasters' 98.5 The Light,[20]and the dance formatted narrowcaster RawFM on 87.6 FM.
Transport
edit
Wodonga railway stationlies on theNorth East railway line.A new line was opened in late 2010 bypassing the Wodonga CBD, for which the town held a celebratory day for the last commercial passenger train to pass through the town centre.[21]This line took the rail line out of the centre of town (and removed all of the level crossings), and a new station was built and the line was diverted north of the town toAlbury.[22]
Wodonga is on the junction of theHume Highway(the main route from Melbourne to Sydney) and theMurray Valley Highway(which follows the southern bank of theMurray River).
Local public transport is provided byDysons(which took over Mylon Motorways) who run buses on a number of routes both within Wodonga and to Albury.[23]Bus services are generally quite infrequent and public transport use in Wodonga is very low. There are also long-distance bus services to the capitals.
There is a comprehensive network of bicycle paths in Wodonga, including one across the Lincoln Causeway to Albury.
Albury Airport,which provides scheduled commuter flights to Melbourne and Sydney, is a short drive from Wodonga.
Education
editFrom 2006, the three government high schools have merged to form a senior college for Years 10, 11 and 12, known asWodonga Senior Secondary College,and a school for Years 7, 8 and 9, known asWodonga Middle Years College,on two campuses; Felltimber and Huon Campus.[24]The former 3 public high schools in Wodonga wereWodonga High School,Mitchell Secondary Collegeand Wodonga West Secondary College. Wodonga High School celebrated its 50th birthday in 2005.
Private schools in Wodonga include:Catholic College Wodonga,Trinity Anglican College, Victory Lutheran College, Mount Carmel Christian School, St Augustines Primary School, St Monicas Primary School[citation needed]and St Francis of Assisi Primary School (formerly Frayne College).[25]
Higher education is locally served by the Wodonga Institute of TAFE andLa Trobe University.The regionalAlbury–Wodongacampus of La Trobe University was established in 1991 and provides courses in education, health sciences, biology, and business. The Albury-based campuses ofCharles Stuart University,TAFE NSWand theUniversity of New South WalesRural Clinical School of Medicine are also closely located to Wodonga.
Wodonga is also home to theFlying Fruit Fly Circus School,the educational arm ofThe Flying Fruit Fly Circus,that provides educational services with an emphasis on theperforming artsand contemporarycircustraining. In 2003 a devastating fire destroyed the school's facilities at, thenWodonga High School,[26]and the school relocated to Wodonga West Secondary College (nowWodonga Middle Years CollegeFelltimber Campus).[27]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^Australian Bureau of Statistics(28 June 2022)."Wodonga".2021 Census QuickStats.Retrieved14 September2023.
- ^Macquarie Dictionary, Fourth Edition(2005). Melbourne, CTFxCYoutubeWikis Pty Ltd ©.ISBN1-876429-14-3
- ^abClark, Ian D. (2002).Dictionary of Aboriginal placenames of Victoria.Heydon, Toby, 1972-, Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages. Melbourne: Victorian Aboriginal Corp. for Languages.ISBN0-9579360-2-8.OCLC54913331.
- ^"2021 Wodonga, Census All persons QuickStats | Australian Bureau of Statistics".www.abs.gov.au.Retrieved19 September2023.
- ^"2021 Albury - Wodonga, Census All persons QuickStats".Australian Bureau of Statistics.Retrieved19 September2023.
- ^Phoenix Auctions History."Post Office List".Retrieved25 January2021.
- ^"HotHouse Theatre".Hothousetheatre.com.au.Retrieved22 June2008.
- ^Does your town have its own song?National Film & Sound Archive
- ^"Biggest Rolling Pin – Wodonga, Victoria".Australian Broadcasting Corporation.Archived fromthe originalon 17 October 2007.Retrieved7 October2007.
- ^Albury Wodonga Cycling Club."Albury Wodonga Cycling Club".Retrieved11 February2013.
- ^The SS&A Club."SS&A Wodonga".Retrieved13 November2009.
- ^Country Racing Victoria."Wodonga & District Turf Club".Archived fromthe originalon 7 January 2009.Retrieved7 May2009.
- ^"Albury Wodonga Motorcycle Enthusiasts Club Inc".AWMEC.Retrieved18 February2024.
- ^"Jack Holder set for Aussie title defence in January".FIM Speedway.Retrieved18 February2024.
- ^"Climate statistics for".Bureau of Meteorology.Retrieved1 June2016.
- ^"Rutherglen Research sun hours".Bureau of Meteorology.Retrieved24 August2023.
- ^"Welcome to Albury Wodonga"(PDF).Defence Community Organisation (Australian Government). 2011.Retrieved10 September2013.
- ^Staff Writers (4 December 2019)."v2food Confirms $20m Wodonga Factory Investment".Which-50.Retrieved4 December2019.
- ^"Plant-based meat manufacturer that supplies fast-food giant and major supermarkets set to close $20m factory".ABC News.16 February 2023.Retrieved21 May2024.
- ^"The Light".Thelight.org.au.Retrieved8 January2014.
- ^"North East Rail Upgrade – Project overview".Victoria Department of Transport.Archived fromthe originalon 30 May 2009.Retrieved22 June2008.
- ^"Roads, ports and freight - Wodonga Rail Bypass".2 June 2009. Archived fromthe originalon 2 June 2009.Retrieved10 April2024.
- ^"Mylon Motorways – Temporary Timetable List".Buslines.com.au.Retrieved22 June2008.
- ^"WODONGA SENIOR SCHOOLS SET TO IMPROVE".Media Release: MINISTER FOR EDUCATION.3 October 2005.Retrieved22 June2008.
- ^JOHNSTON, DAVID (10 September 2015)."Frayne name gets the chop".The Border Mail.Retrieved14 December2021.
- ^"Flying Fruit Fly Circus's school destroyed".The Age.3 February 2003.Retrieved22 June2008.
- ^"FRUIT FLIES TO FLOCK AT WODONGA WEST".Media Release: MINISTER FOR EDUCATION.28 April 2004.Retrieved22 June2008.
External links
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