WODONGA - ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES
FEBRUARY, 2016
wodonga.vic.gov.au
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INSIDE YOUR CITYLIFE VIP AT PARK FEBRUARY, CELEBRATION 3 2016 ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES
WHATS ON TOP PICK
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COURSE GUIDE INSIDE 5-8
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ACOUSTIC GIG AT SQUARE 10
CLASS CLOWNS RETURN 11 CITYLIFE
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YOUR COUNCIL
FEBRUARY, 2016
2016 Australia Day award recipients
Approximately 16,000 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 US 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
A rare glimpse into the afterlife inspired Marie Elliot to devote 21 years to helping the sick and dying. Mrs Elliot was last month recognised for her extensive volunteer work with the Wodonga Citizen of the Year Award 2016. It comes after she served 12 years with the Border Cancer Support Group and 14 years as a volunteer palliative carer.
Between 2003 and 2012, Mrs Elliot also helped raise huge sums of money for Motor Neurone Disease by collecting used corks. Mrs Elliot, 71, said she was inspired to take up volunteer work after her dad, Don Pollard’s passing in 1990. She sat by his bedside and he began talking to friends and family who had died. When she woke him, he was surprised to see he was still alive. “It was like he was
Wodonga Brass Band, as well as a participant in Healthy Together Wodonga’s Voices4Health initiative. Jacob was school captain at Wodonga Senior Secondary College and also sat on the school council, education committee and was co-chair and treasurer of the leadership council. “Being part of the community is an important thing I feel that anyone can do,” he said. “If you don’t have
volunteers and people willing to chip in and help out, you don’t have a community that’s what I feel.” Jacob took out the Youth Ambassador Award in the RED Carpet Youth Awards 2015. He was also nominated for the individual community service category. Jacob represented Wodonga at the National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra in March 2015.
COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Albury, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Beechworth and Mt Beauty. Established in 1959, the not-for-profit organisation is overseen by a committee of management consisting of up to 10 community members. It also operates a very successful bingo fundraiser, which has been held weekly by volunteers for more than 40 years. Funds raised over this
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
CityLife is Wodonga Council’s monthly publication and is delivered around Wodonga.
YOUNG CITIZEN WODONGA’S 2016 Young Citizen of the Year juggled volunteer work with the demands of Year 12 last year. Jacob Mildren, 18, was recognised on Australia Day for his commitment to helping others and extensive involvement with the Wodonga community. In 2015, he was a committee member of REDfest, Wodonga Carols by Candlelight and the
CONNECT WITH US
A facility assisting people with disabilities for almost 60 years has been named Wodonga’s 2016 Community Organisation of the Year. Murray Valley Centre provides day training and support services to about 65 people per day, five days a week, with clients coming from Wodonga,
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between here and another place and that really inspired me,” she said. “His particular passing took away my fear of death, which meant I was able to pass that onto people who were sick and facing death.” Mrs Elliot is also member of the Wodonga Historical Society and Wodonga Family History Society, publishing Our Brave Bonegilla Boys. “If you can make someone smile, it makes your day,” she said.
period are estimated to be more than $2 million and have enabled the purchase of buses, as well as extensions and improvements to centre facilities. Murray Valley Centre has developed a niche in the community for providing services to people with disabilities and also allowing for respite of the parents, carers and families of disabled persons.
CR ANNA SPEEDIE
CR MARK BYATT
CR MICHAEL FRASER
CR ERIC KERR
0417 138 938 aspeedie@wodonga.vic.gov.au
0408 285 930 mbyatt@wodonga.vic.gov.au
0428 321 764 mfraser@wodonga.vic.gov.au
0428 438 129 ekerr@wodonga.vic.gov.au
CR LISA MAHOOD
CR RODNEY WANGMAN
CR JOHN WATSON
0409 562 903 lmahood@wodonga.vic.gov.au
0400 956 253 rwangman@wodonga.vic.gov.au
0428 325 377 jwatson@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Council meetings are open to the public and are usually held on the third Monday of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for February 15. Meetings are held in the council chambers, level two, city offices, 104 Hovell St, Wodonga and commence at 6pm. Agendas can be downloaded from the council’s website the Friday prior to the meeting.
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CITYLIFE WODONGA
YOUR COUNCIL
FEBRUARY, 2016
David and Elizabeth Winterbottom with resident Brian Trebilcock, who was a driving force behind volunteer efforts to beautify David Winterbottom Park.
SUMMER is here and so are the mosquitoes. They aren’t just annoying but they can transmit serious diseases so it is important to protect yourself and your family. Follow these simple tips to beat the bite!
Planner returns to park named in his honour THIRTY-FIVE years after leaving Wodonga, David Winterbottom recently returned to celebrate the beautification of the park named in his honour. Mr Winterbottom was chief planner of the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation until it ceased in 1980. He then moved and was appointed city planner at Wollongong Council.
Now retired, Mr Winterbottom and his wife Elizabeth travelled from Wollongong to mark the end of a 12-month project to upgrade David Winterbottom Park in Yarralumla Rise. The project, spearheaded by a group of local residents with the support of the Wodonga Urban Landcare Network, Wodonga Council and the Victorian Government, involved the
removal of noxious weeds and planting of more than 1000 native trees. It also restored flood damage caused to the Huon Creek bridge, provided for the installation of new seating and introduced solar lighting along the bike and footpath. Mr Winterbottom, 82, said he was “absolutely staggered” to learn only about six months ago that he had a park named after him.
“Those sorts of things are usually named after mayors or politicians, not bureaucrats,” he said. “But they’ve done a marvellous job there planting trees and getting rid of weeds. I was really impressed.” He was so impressed by what the volunteers had achieved he passed on information to his local council about the works.
CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE New pedestrian bridge
To be constructed over an open drain on Yarralumla Drive, near Castle Creek Rd.
$40,719
Completion scheduled for May, 2016.
Cycle and footpath renewals
Upgrades to various footpaths and cycle paths across the city.
$318,000
Work is under way and expected to be completed by March, 2016.
Pedestrian crossing upgrade
Works to improve safety of the existing pedestrian crossing in Pearce St, near Willow Park.
$7500
Contract has been awarded and works are expected to start in the near future.
Pathways solar lighting
Installation of solar lighting along selected footpaths in Wodonga.
$40,000
Finalising location of the lights, with tenders to go out shortly.
New pedestrian crossing
Construction of a new pedestrian crossing on Chapple St, near the Anzac Parade roundabout.
$21,000
Contract has been awarded with works expected to be completed in the coming months.
Baranduda Wetlands Nature Trail
Partnership with St Francis Primary School to construct about 500m of gravel path, 40m of boardwalk and interpretative signs through WREN reserve next to school.
$60,000
Works being finalised with the trail expected to open by the end of February.
New car park
Car park with 12 spaces plus one disability space to be constructed at Belgrade Ave Community Centre and preschool.
$60,000
Works have gone out to tender and should be finished by the end of February.
New school crossing
New school crossing in Pearce St, near Hungry Jacks, to cater for increasing demand.
$3000
Completed.
Floodlighting
New floodlighting for Gayview Park will allow the baseball/softball club to train at their homeground throughout the entire year, and will provide opportunities to accommodate the training needs of other sports during winter.
$84,000
Works have commenced and are due to be completed by April.
ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES
Protect yourself • Wear light-coloured, loose fitting clothing outdoors • Use effective mosquito repellents on your skin such as those containing DEET or picardin • Limit outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active which is dusk and dawn but some types of mosquitoes are also active during the day Protect babies and young children • Rub or spray onto clothing rather than skin • Use insect nets over prams or cots Protect your home • Keep mosquitoes out by having flywire screens • Remove stagnant water • Change your pets’ drinking water weekly While on holiday • Check accommodation has properly fitting screens or nets • Take mosquito coils or citronella candles for small outdoor areas Remove stagnant water • Empty or dispose of containers outside • Keep swimming pools chlorinated, salted or empty • Keep fishponds stocked because the fish eat the mosquito larvae • Put sand around pot bases • Check your rainwater tank or water storage devices • Make sure that any lids, tops, covers and inlet pipes are close-fitting • Fit removable screen mesh to the outlet end of the overflow pipes and to all inlets
FOR MORE INFORMATION betterhealth.vic.gov.au
CITYLIFE
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Y UR SAY
FEBRUARY, 2016
I’ve run out of liners for my kitchen caddy. Where can I get more?
ring hbour. Du ig e n y is o o I have a n are they allowed t s e what tim e? make nois
Residents can’t make prohibited noise before 7am on weekdays and before 9am on weekends. The prohibited time starts from 8pm to 11pm, depending on what night of the week it is. See page 11 of the Annoyed By Noise? information booklet available at wodonga.vic.gov.au
There are several things you can do to ensure your roll of liners last longer. •C onsider lining your kitchen caddy with newspaper. •A t meal times, all scraps can be placed in newspaper, wrapped up then placed directly in the greenlidded organics bin. •S craps can be gathered in a bowl and dropped directly into the green-lidded organics bin.
My stre e materi t tree is drop p al, can I get it ing a lot of remove d?
Who do I contact if I find a snake?
Snakes are protected and removal is not a council role. Local contractors are available to remove snakes. Try phoning Tristan Hamilton on 0431 530 057 or Noel Crossman from Pest Control on 0412 576 541. Charges may apply when using these contractors. If the snake is on council land, please phone Wildlife Victoria on 1300 094 535.
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Street trees are maintained by the council and are on a regular maintenance program. If you are concerned about the health or safety of your street tree you can contact customer focus to report it and an assessment on the tree will be carried out. The council does not remove healthy trees.
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Pre-sunset shot
The Wodonga Plaza Christmas wish trees
Christmas in Wodonga
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Have your say at makewodongayours.com.au PLANNING SCHEME UPDATE WODONGA Council is in the process of updating its planning scheme to make it simpler and easier to read. The council recently reviewed the scheme as required by Section 12B of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. It is now undertaking a rewrite of the local content of the scheme, known as the Local Planning Policy Framework, to implement the findings of the review.
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•A dditional rolls of 25 lime green kitchen caddy bin liners can be collected from your local council. •E nsure you do not purchase bags labelled as ‘biodegradable’, these do not meet the strict requirements of being compostable for the organics collections service. •A new roll of compostable bin liners will be delivered to your home every 12 months.
It aims to streamline, simplify and update the local content and ensure it aligns with the structure of contemporary planning schemes as well as implement strategies adopted by the council, such as the Wodonga Integrated Transport Strategy and the Wodonga CBA Revitalisation Plan. The draft framework will go on public exhibition as part of Planning Scheme Amendment C123 from February 4 until March 18.
The amendment is available for public inspection, free of charge, during office hours at: l Wodonga Council offices, 104 Hovell Street, Wodonga; and, l Online at makewodongayours.com.au or at delwp.vic.gov.au/public-inspection Any person who may be affected by the amendment may make a submission to the council. Submissions must be received by March 18, 2016. A submission must be sent to the council offices.
CITYLIFE WODONGA
What’s on at your local community centre ’S ON T A H W ICK TOP P Felltimber Community Centre will again be holding the popular Hook, Line and Sinker program aimed at teaching school-aged children the art of fishing. A Saturday morning FISH-A-THON event will then be held where participants can put into practice what they have learnt and share their skills with family and friends. The five-week program will cover rigs and baiting, casting and boat safety, and will include a guest speaker. An information trailer will also be visiting the centre. The course will be run in partnership with Vietnam Veterans. DATES: Wednesday, March 9 to March 30 and Saturday, April 9 TIMES: Wednesdays, 5pm to 6pm and Saturday, 10am to 1pm COST: Free
2016 Felltimber Community Centre annual general meeting Felltimber Advisory Committee’s annual general meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday, March 21 at the Felltimber Community Centre. The committee is looking for new members to join the team and represent the needs of the community and be a part of creating exciting opportunities. All interested parties are invited to attend. A light supper will follow. If interested in joining the committee, please phone (02) 6043 4550 for a nomination form.
How to contact your local community centre and find it ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES
Baranduda Community Centre Address: 3 Sage Crt, Baranduda Opening hours: Office open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Please note the centre is undergoing renovations. Phone: (02) 6020 8643 Email: cbaranduda@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Belgrade Community Centre Address: 12 Belgrade Ave, Wodonga The office is unattended and all enquiries should be directed to Felltimber Community Centre on (02) 6043 4550 or cfelltimber@wodonga.vic.gov.au
Felltimber Community Centre Address: 189 Melrose Dve (cnr Melrose Dve and Felltimber Creek Rd), Wodonga Opening hours: Office open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday Phone: (02) 6043 4550 Email: cfelltimber@wodonga.vic.gov.au CITYLIFE
What’s on at Felltimber Community Centre
COMMUNITY COOKING SUPPORTED BY FOODSHARE Community Cooking is designed to support individuals and families with the cost of weekly food bills. Pop into the centre to create your own dinner in a relaxed and fun environment. Share cooking skills with others and learn how to create a simple yet satisfying meal while meeting new people. Food will be provided by FoodShare Wodonga and meals will be based on what is available at the time. Participants will need to bring their own containers to take any extras home. Closed shoes are to be worn. DATES AND TIMES: Wednesday evenings commencing January 27 from 5pm to 7pm, and Friday afternoons commencing January 29 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. COST: Free.
READING BUDDIES – BOOK CLUB
SCRABBLE CLUB
The centre now has a mini library! To make the most of this, the centre will have reading mentors, or ‘reading buddies’, at the centre on Tuesdays after school. All ages are welcome to attend, and parents can grab a cuppa and relax while their children get lost in adventures and the magic of reading. Books will be available for loan or enjoyed at the centre.
Come and challenge your word skills and stimulate your mind in a fun game of Scrabble. All skill levels are welcome so if you dare to Scrabble, come and dabble! DATES: First and third Thursdays of the month, commencing Thursday, February 4 TIME: 6pm to 9pm COST: Free CONTACT: Ruth Grogan on 0448 989 833
DATES: Weekly commencing Tuesday, February 2 to March 22 TIME: 3.40pm to 4.30pm COST: Free
RELAXATION MEDITATION WITH LYNETTE MCAULIFFE Come join in and learn the mindfulness meditation technique. It will not only help you health wise, but you will gain a sense of equilibrium, which will help to enhance a positive attitude towards life and others while giving you inner peace and tranquility. This class is held in a welcoming and relaxed environment. DATES: Eight Thursdays from February 4 to March 24 TIME: 7pm for newcomers, 7.30pm to 8.30pm for meditation COST: Free CONTACT: Lynette McAuliffe on 0427 594 708
LAUGHTER YOGA – WITH COLLEEN TEMPLEMAN
ECHO This program allows children to learn basic dance, singing and music skills in a relaxed and fun environment. This is a great opportunity to develop and expand new talents and build self-confidence. Suitable for school-aged children. Come join the fun and get your groove on.
Come and join in the fun with the laughter yoga group each Thursday. A great opportunity to de-stress and laugh with others. A daily chuckle is known to relieve stress. Unconditional laughter is something people do not get enough of, so come along and learn how. You will feel so much lighter for the experience.
DATES: First and third Fridays of the month, February 5, 19 and March 4, 18 TIME: 4pm to 5pm COST: $5 per child
DATES: Eight Thursdays from February 4 to March 24 TIME: 9.30am to 10.30am COST: Gold coin donation
Hall hirers at Felltimber Community Centre
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Albury Wodonga Mind, Body, Spirit Town Club Muslim Community
Family History Muslim Community
Starlings Dance Bandiana Neighbourhood House (Teens into fitness) Muslim Community
Brickz4Kidz Muslim Community
Wodonga Activity Club Muslim Community
CRAFT ‘n’ CUPPA
GRANDPARENTS KNOW HOW
Pop into the centre for a casual catch-up with others while sharing craft skills and enjoying a cuppa. Explore new ideas or bring your own crafty projects. This is set in a casual environment and all ages welcome.
Are you an older person who would like to share your skills with others? Students from Catholic College Wodonga currently attend the centre to learn to knit, cook and assist in the garden as part of their school program. More of the older generations are encouraged to attend to teach the students new skills which will be incorporated into supporting the centre and community.
DATES: Weekly commencing Friday, February 12 to March 18 TIME: 12.30pm to 2.30pm COST: Gold coin donation
DATES: Mondays and Fridays alternating, starting Monday, February 15 COST: Free CONTACT: (02) 6043 4550
CLOSING THE GAP ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) Are you an older person who struggles to understand new technology? Bring along your mobile phone and/ or iPad and learn some tips from Year 11 students from Catholic College Wodonga. This program allows students to give you one-on-one tutoring in the areas that you need help with. DATES: Mondays and Fridays alternating, starting Monday, February 15 COST: $5 per session CONTACT: (02) 6043 4550
Robotics and 3D Printing Day
FUSION AT FELLTIMBER
Are you interested in making robots, see how they work and what they can do? What about having a go at 3D printing? Come in and see what amazing technology there is available these days. Bring your family!
If you find that Friday afternoons are boring and there’s a lack of things to do, then head to FUSION being held at the centre once a month. Come hang out and get involved in a range of activities that will be on offer designed for 13 to 18-year-olds. This is a casual session that will provide a friendly place with activities such as drumming/bongos, hip hop, movies, board games, DJ workshops and street art projects. Barbecue provided. Contact the centre more information.
DATES: Saturday, February 20 TIME: 2pm to 4pm COST: Free entry VENUE: Felltimber Community Centre
DATES: Every third Friday of the month, February 19 and March 18 TIME: 5.30pm to 7.30pm COST: Gold coin
RESILIENCE AND ANTI-BULLYING PARENTS SEMINAR In conjunction with Gateway Health, the centre will be holding an information session for parents to assist them in understanding the effects of bullying and providing them with the necessary tools to assist their children in dealing with these and similar issues. DATE: Monday, February 29 and Wednesday, March 2 TIME: 1pm to 3pm COST: $5
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICES The Felltimber Community Centre is now a Wodonga Justice of the Peace signing centre. Document witnessing and signing will be available for documents such as: • Power of attorneys; • Wills; • Statutory declarations; • Affidavits; and, • Certified copies. DATES: Mondays weekly from January 18 to March 21 (daylight savings times), excluding public holidays TIME: 4pm to 5pm CONTACT: (02) 6043 4550 Bookings not essential. Please note that birth, death and marriage documents cannot be witnessed at this location. This is available at Wodonga Police Station only.
DEB DRESSES AND SUITS NEEDED Do you have an old debutante/wedding dress or suit that’s just hanging in the cupboard? Felltimber Community Centre is seeking loans or donations of dresses and/or suits to enable students to attend their debutante who may otherwise not have the opportunity to do so. If you would like to get involved in supporting disadvantaged youth through a simple act of kindness, then please contact the centre on (02) 6043 4550.
WALKING GROUPS AT FELLTIMBER Walking groups are held for people of various levels of fitness. Ask at the centre for more information on dates and times.
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What’s on at Baranduda Community Centre (currently running at other venues due to renovations)
FEBRUARY, 2016
BYG NIGHTS! Baranduda Youth Group BYG Nights is all about hanging out and having fun with friends. Once a month, the group gets together and does some pretty awesome activities like exploding watermelons and making lava lamps. Come hang out and learn some new games, science experiments and crafty activities. A light snack is provided. Ages eight to 14-year-olds. DATE: Fridays, February 5, March 4 and April 1 TIME: 6pm to 8pm COST: $10 VENUE: Belgrade Community Centre
RESILIENCE AND ANTI-BULLYING INFORMATION SESSION
In conjunction with Gateway Health, the centre will be holding an information session for parents to assist them in understanding the effects of bullying and providing them with the necessary tools to assist their children in dealing with these and similar issues. Date: Tuesday, March 15 Time: 6pm to 8pm Cost: $5 Venue: Belgrade Community Centre
SELF DEFENCE FOR CHILDREN
FIRST AID FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
This is a six-week course consisting of oneand-a-half hourly classes each week that will teach you some great skills and self-defence techniques. Terry has many years of experience teaching self-defence and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and teaching these skills to others. These classes are tailored for children teaching them self-awareness and to be more vigilant with their surroundings. Bookings are essential.
Baranduda Community Centre in conjunction with Vic First Aid is holding a short first aid course for parents, grandparents, guardians and teenagers (anyone who needs to care for small children). This four-hour course covers all areas required to care for your little one in an emergency. Bookings are essential. Enrolment forms and payment must be made prior to the date. Minimum of eight required.
DATE: Wednesdays, starting February 10 to March 16 TIME: 6pm to 7.30pm COST: $60 VENUE: Belgrade Community Centre
DATES: Friday, February 26 or Saturday, March 19 TIMES: 10am to 2pm COST: $35 VENUE: Belgrade Community Centre
MINDFULNESS FOR YOUTH WORKSHOPS
BIKE ED
These one-hour workshops are for youth to learn the precious tools to deal with everyday life challenges. Lynette offers her vast experience and skills to the community on a voluntary basis as she believes she has witnessed many people benefit from learning the art of meditation and mindfulness throughout her career.
Baranduda Community Centre is currently taking expressions of interest for a five-week course to be held in 2016 for children to learn the basics of maintaining their pushbikes. If you think your child could benefit from this course, be quick to get their name down!
DATES: Wednesday, February 17 and Wednesday, March 16 TIME: 4pm to 5pm COST: $2 per session VENUE: Felltimber Community Centre
Monday Hall hirers at Belgrade Community Centre
Tuesday
Wednesday
Line Dancing
Thursday
Friday
Yoga
Playgroups at your community centres smalltalk playgroup smalltalk playgroups are free and are for families with children aged one to three years. Younger and older brothers and sisters are welcome to attend. smalltalk playgroups are funded by the Victorian Government and co-ordinated by the Parenting Research Centre. The playgroups involve weekly group sessions with a facilitator and will run during school terms. smalltalk is a program designed to enhance children’s language and communication skills through parenting strategies and play. DATES: Tuesdays during school terms TIME: 9.30am to 11.30am COST: Free CONTACT: 0411 989 205
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
smalltalk Multiple birth playgroup 9.30am playgroup to 11.30am 10am to noon
Felltimber Community Centre Baranduda Community Centre
Monday playgroup 9.30am to 11.30am
Belgrade Avenue Community Centre
smalltalk playgroup 9.30am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 3.30pm
Friday Friday playgroup 9.30am to 11.30am
(currently running at other venues due to renovations)
Tuesday playgroup 9.30am to 11.30am
PLAYGROUPS AT FELLTIMBER Come along to playgroup where you and your children can make new friends, develop children’s social skills and, of course, have fun! A great opportunity for parents and carers to have a cuppa and meet others in an informal setting.
Grandparent playgroup 9.30am to 11.30am
Thursday playgroup 9.30am to 11.30am
Friday playgroup 9.30am to 11.30
ALBURY-WODONGA MULTIPLE BIRTH ASSOCIATION (AWMBA) The group offers an environment to openly share the special experiences, joys and challenges associated with being part of a multiple birth family.
NEWS
FEBRUARY, 2016
IN BRIEF ROOMING HOUSES Wodonga Council will hold a rooming house education session on February 25.
Register your site and join the nationwide clean-up
Any balcony can fail if not maintained. The legal and financial consequences are serious.
The event is aimed at rooming house operators, those thinking about setting one up or those that think they may be operating a rooming house and need to know how to register it.
There are many different things that can affect the safety of your balcony over time. These can include termites, wet rot, corrosion and loading.
Real estate agents managing these properties are also invited to find out more. The education session will be held at Wodonga Council, Hovell Street, Wodonga, at 4 pm in the Council Chambers. RATES INSTALMENTS The third instalment notice reminder was issued in late January and is due on February 29, 2016. The notice includes any unpaid arrears that may be applicable to the property. DO YOU USE BPAY VIEW? Wodonga Council is able to issue rate notices via BPay View directly to your personal internet banking portal. Register through your internet banking site. If you register before the notices go out then you will receive the notice directly into your internet banking site and will receive a notification either via SMS or email to say it is available for viewing. RATES NOTICES EMAILED The facility is available for the council to issue rate notices as a PDF document to a nominated email address. If you wish to use this method and not have your notice posted, please contact the customer focus team on (02) 6022 9300 to provide the email address.
As a safety measure, home and commercial property owners of a balcony should introduce a maintenance program. Charlie Wilkinson, 4, and his sister Emma, 7, will be picking up rubbish at Jack Perry Reserve, Wodonga on Clean Up Australia Day. WODONGA residents are urged to register their own site for Clean Up Australia Day again this year. Residents can choose a road, park, bushland or waterway and register as a group or individual for the nationwide clean up on Sunday, March 6. Wodonga Council will support the clean up by collecting rubbish and providing registered sites with free fresh fruit. The council has organised a clean-up at Jack Perry Reserve in Axford Boulevard,
off Victoria Cross Parade, in Whitebox Rise. The site will be open for volunteers wishing to register and help to clean up the reserve from 9am to 11am. In 2015, more than 535,000 volunteers removed an estimated 14,000 tonnes of rubbish from 6890 sites across Australia. This year will be Wodonga Council’s 10th year of participation and support of the event. “Clean Up Australia Day has
Don’t throw it, repair it What do the following have in common: a bicycle, a torch, a pair of pants and a kitchen drawer?
If you have a household item or two that need fixing, including clothing, batteryoperated appliances, furniture or bikes, consider bringing them along to one of the 2016 sessions.
It’s to save you money, care
become more than just an event, it’s a movement of people,” Wodonga Council Events Co-ordinator Kellie Miller said. Register your own cleanup site on the website and once registered, you will received a clean-up kit. Contact the council on (02) 6022 9300 to organise rubbish collection, and then promote your clean up among family, colleagues and friends.
for the environment and upskill the community. When: Saturday, February 20, 10am to 1pm, Friday, March 18, 1pm to 4pm, Saturday, April 30, 10am to 1pm. Where: Wodonga Senior Citizens’ Centre, Havelock St Visit: ecoportal.net.au/ groups/repair-cafe-alburywodonga or facebook.com/ repaircafeaw or phone (02) 6059 4185.
If there is any doubt or a problem is detected it is advised that you restrict access to the balcony and contact a structural engineer or other suitably qualified building practitioner for advice. Further information can be downloaded from the Building Commission at buildingcommission.com.au under publications and fact sheets, publications A-C, Maintenance of Balconies.
FOR MORE INFORMATION cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/ register/
Pedal the paths for fun and good health Wodonga has more than 80km of bike and walking paths, providing the perfect opportunity to get fit and healthy for the new year.
They all were fixed at Albury-Wodonga’s November 2015 Repair Cafe where 33 items were brought in and 76 per cent were fixed.
This free service, supported by HalveWaste, is being offered in an attempt to keep items in circulation and out of landfill.
ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES
MAINTENANCE OF BALCONIES
They can improve your health, conserve resources and provide close-tohome recreation, as well as giving residents an environmentally friendly transport option. The Wodonga Pathways booklet is pocket-size and provides details on key loops within the city. Copies of the booklet are available on the council’s website or from Wodonga Council’s offices in Hovell
St, the Wodonga Visitor Information Centre, by emailing recreation@ wodonga.vic.gov.au. Try the High Country Rail Trail. To find out more visit highcountryrailtrail.org.au Or if you are wanting to try something new, head to Hunchback Hill and participate in the social mountain bike riding group every Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ HunchbackMTBpark or give them a call on (02) 6056 5656.
CITYLIFE
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WHAT’S ON
FEBRUARY, 2016
ACOUSTIC THE SQUARE
@ THE LIBRARY
YOUNG people of Wodonga are invited to an afternoon of live acoustic music at Junction Square on Sunday, March 6 from 1pm to 3pm. Acoustic at the Square, organised by FReeZA, will feature free performances by local bands Simple Design, Pilot Lights and Jesters for Kings. Sausages in bread will also be available for purchase at the canteen provided by the FReeZA committee, along with drinks and snack food. The event will cap off a successful year for Wodonga Senior Secondary College band, Simple Design, which formed at the beginning of 2015 and performed its first gig at Battle of the Bands in Indigo Shire in July. The four-piece ensemble also featured as part of the Kool Skools Recording Project, which launched its CD in August. Guitarist Eden Manley, who is also on the FReeZA committee, said the band is
THE SUMMER READ AND LIBRARY LOVERS’ DAY MORNING TEA Library Lovers’ Day is the day to share your love of your library. Enjoy a morning tea at the library and celebrate the end of The Summer Read program.
Simple Design will perform at a free acoustic event at Junction Square. focused on writing original music, as well as bringing its own style to cover songs. Acoustic at the Square will be will be fully supervised. FReeZA is a Victorian Government initiative that
supports young Victorians to get involved in their community by planning and running drug, smoke and alcohol-free music and cultural events for other young people.
MANGA AND ANIME
This event will also mark the beginning of another successful year for the library.
Meet with other fans to watch, draw and discuss different shows and volumes. Bring your sketch book, drawing materials and favourite manga.
When: Monday, February 15 from 10.30am to 11.30am Age: All ages Cost: Free
When: Thursday, February 18 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm Age: High school Cost: $4 for pizza
FOR MORE INFORMATION wodongalibrary.com.au
FRIDAYS ON MY MIND
SESSIONS FOR NEW FITNESS EQUIPMENT
FREE training sessions will introduce residents to Wodonga’s new outdoor fitness equipment this month. The equipment, being installed at Belvoir Park and Felltimber Community Centre, aims to engage people in physical activity.
Free how-to-use training sessions will be conducted by trainers from the YMCA to show residents how to correctly use each piece of equipment and ask questions. Water and light refreshments will be provided.
HOW-TO SESSIONS l Belvoir Park: 7am to 8am, Monday, February 15 and from 5pm to 6pm on Wednesday, February 17. l Felltimber Community Centre: 7am to 8am, Monday, February 22 and 5pm to 6pm on Wednesday, February 24.
Try a twirl at square dancing JACQUES Garnier has been square dancing for years, even gracing dance floors in Hawaii, Canada and New Zealand. Now the 78-year-old is bringing the global pastime to Wodonga, running square dance meetings at the Wodonga Senior Citizens’ Centre every week. Square dancing involves four couples arranged in a square, and who are prompted through a sequence of moves by a caller. Mr Garnier said it was a fun way to keep healthy and fit. “The main thing is it is fun dancing, not serious, and if you make a wrong move, what the heck?” he said. “Even the most experienced dancers can go wrong – but we just have a laugh and move on.” Square dance meetings are held at the senior
The Wodonga Library will be transformed into an exotic tiki bar serving Tropicana cocktails among palm trees, for the first Fridays on My Mind event of the year. Returning on February 5, Fridays on My Mind will see the library adopt a Hawaiian luau theme with limbo and island-style mini golf. Outside in The Cube Wodonga Courtyard, crowds will be treated to the warm and expressive voice of Sal Kimber and her band The Rollin’ Wheel. The performance comes just days after the group releases its third album, Southern Light.
Jacques Garnier (right) puts the square dancers through their paces. citizens’ centre from 7.30pm to 9.30pm every Wednesday. Cost is $5, which includes a hot beverage. Beginners are welcome to come along, with more men in particular being sought to partner with the women. Further information is
available by contacting Mr Garnier on 0400 934 334. Wodonga’s new square dance meeting also coincides with the Victorian Square Dancing Association state convention and annual general meeting to be held in the city from March 11 to 14.
The alt-country outfit will be supported by Melbournebased Americana singer songwriter, Brooke Russell. Also in The Cube Wodonga Courtyard, and mixing the fun of the side-show with spooky surrealism, will be Nightmare,
an eight-minute performance inside a horse float. Climbing the ramp, you will discover yourself enclosed in a nightmare world of pop-out puppets, miniature golden skeletons, sensory effects, runaway tongues and an unforgettable climax. Children under 12 are to be accompanied by an adult. At Arts Space Wodonga see the current exhibition, Nexus, an installation of large works on paper. Local artist MariJana Van Zanten will assist visitors to create their own mini works using mixed media. At next month’s event on March 4, former border band The Hounds Homebound will return to rock The Cube Wodonga Courtyard stage. Fridays on My Mind is a free event held from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. March will be the final event of the season.
FOR MORE INFORMATION facebook.com/WodongaFridaysonMyMind
10 CITYLIFE WODONGA
WHAT’S ON
FEBRUARY, 2016
@ ARTS SPACE WODONGA
CATCH A SHOW DON’T MISS
CLASS CLOWNS WODONGA HEAT 2016
NEXUS - MariJana Van Zanten Local artist MariJana Van Zanten presents an installation of large works on paper responding to personal themes of heritage and culture. This impressive body of work reflects connections between the elements and ancestors of many tribes including those of
MariJana’s own mixed European heritage, the communities and the people of the plains in NSW. Exhibition: Thursday, February 4 to Saturday, February 27 Opening: Thursday, February 4 at 5.30pm Artist’s floor talk: Saturday, February 6 at 10am
PAINTING WORKSHOP Acrylic painting with MariJana Van Zanten during her latest exhibition. Come and enjoy working alongside the artist and be inspired to create large works on paper using a variety of techniques, tools and media.
When: Saturday, February 27 from 11am to 4pm Cost: $40 includes a light lunch Bookings essential: From The Cube Wodonga box office on (02) 6022 9311, or thecubewodonga.com.au/ tickets
ART BUZZ WORKSHOPS Creative visual art workshops for little hands, relating to the current exhibition. Enrolments now open. When: Every Friday in school terms, resuming February 26 Cost: Gold coin Age: Three to five years and their parent/guardian Enquiries: Arts Space Wodonga (02) 6022 9600
The search is on for 2016’s funniest teen. Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s one-of-a-kind, national secondary school comedy competition is open to people aged 14 to 18. Hosted by a special guest comedian, you can register your stand-up, sketch, physical or musical act for free, or be part of the audience. The Class Clowns competition encourages teens with a talent for comedy to unleash their comic voice. Acts could be in the running to perform at the national final during the Melbourne
International Comedy Festival in April 2016 and be in the running to win a $2500 prize package. Past participants have gone on to be funny as a career – Josh Thomas, Tom Ballard, and YouTube sensation Neel Kolhatkar to name a few. When: Workshop is on Thursday, March 3 from 4pm to 6pm. Register at classclowns.com.au. Performance is at 7pm. Where: The Cube Wodonga Cost: Free Bookings: The Cube Wodonga box office on (02) 6022 9311 or at thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets
BEYOND HEAVEN’S GATE: A CHARITY EVENT
CAFÉ CULTURE SERIES 2016 CO-CHEÒL
Join renowned Sydney psychic medium Kerry Nelson in a public demonstration of mediumship. With a decade of experience of readings and teachings in this field, Kerry considers her work with spirit her life path and passion. She works from the heart in the delivery of her messages from your loved ones in the spirit world connecting the two worlds as one.
Co-cheòl were the Best Up and Coming Celtic Act for the National Folk Festival 2015 and runners up in the AUS-ACA National A Cappella championships. Co-cheòl means harmony in Scots-Gaelic and with voices from other-worldly places, these are four lasses with some serious harmonising skills who accompany themselves on the harp, flute, piano accordion, ukulele, and body percussion.
This event is a fundraiser for Camp Quality. When: Saturday, February 6 at 7pm Where: The Cube Wodonga Cost: $35 Bookings: The Cube Wodonga box office on (02) 6022 9311 or at thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets
When: Sunday, February 7 at 5pm Where: Arts Space Wodonga Cost: $25 presale, $22 concession, $30 at the door. Season tickets, $80. Bookings: The Cube Wodonga box office on (02) 6022 9311 or at thecubewodonga.com.au/tickets
THE CUBE WODONGA WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR 2016 SEASON SPONSORS
FOR MORE INFORMATION facebook.com/ArtsSpaceWodonga
ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES
CITYLIFE 11
WHAT’S ON
FEBRUARY, 2016
FEBRUARY Sunday
Monday
Co-Cheòl 7 5pm, $25 presale, $22 concession, $30 at door. Bookings via The Cube Wodonga ASW
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Tuesday Wednesday Community cooking 3 Reading buddies 1 2 Wednesday class, 5pm Wednesday class, to 7pm, free FT 3.40pm to 4.30pm, free FT Talk and Tour
Thursday
Friday
Nexus exhibition opening 4 5.30pm, until February 27, ASW free Relaxation meditation 8 Thursdays, 7.30pm to Wednesday to Friday, 8.30pm, free FT by appointment ASW Laughter Yoga 8 Thursdays, 9.30am to 10.30am, gold coin FT
Walking groups at Felltimber Ask at the centre for information, free FT
Reading buddies The Summer Read 8 and Library Lovers’ Day morning tea 10.30am to 11.30am, free, all ages WL
The Summer Read 15 and Library Lovers’ Day morning tea 10.30am to 11.30am WL Grandparents know how Free FT Closing the gap on IT Monday/Friday alternating, Free FT
City2City Run Walk 21 8am, city2cityawh.org.au/
9 Self defence for 10 children 6pm to 7.30pm for 6 weeks, $60 BCC
The Summer Read
22
11 Craft ‘n’ Cuppa 12 12.30pm to 2.30pm, gold coin FT
Robotics and 3D Printing Day 2pm to 4pm, free entry
24 Rooming houses infor25 mation session 4pm, free Wodonga Council
Art Buzz 26 10.30am to 11.30am, $5 per family, age three to five years ASW First aid for parents and carers 10am to 2pm, $35 BCC
Painting workshop 27 11am to 4pm, $40 Bookings via The Cube Wodonga ASW
Fridays on My Mind 4 5.30pm to 8.30pm, free The Cube Wodonga Courtyard Art Buzz 10.30am to 11.30am, $5 per family ASW Return by Fire 3pm, until March 24, free ASW BYG Nights! 6pm to 8pm, $5 BCC
5
1 Resilience and 2 anti-bulllying parents seminar 1pm to 3pm, $5 FT
Class Clowns 3 Workshop 4pm to 6pm, free performance 7pm, bookings essential The Cube
MARCH
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7
8
9
10
11 Drawing workshop
Sankofa
Clean Up Australia
ASW - Arts Space Wodonga Cnr Lawrence and Hovell streets p: (02) 6022 9600 facebook.com/ ArtsSpaceWodonga Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm; Saturday 9am to 12pm. Open for programs as scheduled
14 Resilience and 15 Mindfulness for 16 Manga and Anime 17 Fusion at Felltimber18 anti-bulllying parents youth workshops Club 5.30pm to 7.30pm, 4pm to 5pm, $2 BCC 5.30pm to 7.30pm, seminar gold coin FT 6pm to 8pm, $5 FT $4, age high school WL
WL - Wodonga Library 126 Hovell St, Wodonga p: (02) 6022 9330 wodongalibrary.com.au facebook.com/ WodongaLibrary Open: Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm; Saturday 9am to 12pm. Open for programs as scheduled
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Scrabble club 19 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 6pm to 9pm, free FT Fusion at Felltimber 5.30pm to 7.30pm, gold coin FT
Fridays on My Mind
Acoustic at the Square 6 1pm to 3pm, free Junction Square Clean Up Australia – Wodonga 9am to 11am Jack Perry Reserve off Axford Boulevard
Saturday Artist’s floor talk – 6 Nexus 10am, free ASW Beyond Heaven’s gate: A charity event 7pm, $35 The Cube
16 Mindfulness for 17 Manga and Anime 18 youth workshops Club 4pm to 5pm, $2 BCC 5.30pm to 7.30pm, $4, age high school WL
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28 Resilience and 29 anti-bulllying parents seminar 1pm to 3pm, $5 FT
Nightmare
Community cooking 5FT 12.30pm to 2.30pm, free Echo 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 4pm to 5pm, $5 FT BYG Nights! 6pm to 8pm, $10 BCC Nightmare Noon to 2pm, free Junction Square Fridays on My Mind 5.30pm to 8.30pm, free The Cube Wodonga Courtyard
The Cube - The Cube Wodonga 118 Hovell St, Wodonga p: (02) 6022 9311 w: thecubewodonga.com.au facebook.com/ thecubewodonga Open: Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm; Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
BCC - Baranduda Community Centre 3 Sage Crt, Baranduda p: (02) 6020 8643 facebook.com/BarandudaCC FT - Felltimber Community Centre 189 Melrose Drive p: (02) 6043 4550 facebook.com/FelltimberCC
20 FT
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11.30am to 1.30pm, $30 per person ASW Sankofa 7.30pm, $28, $25 members The Cube Drumming workshop 10am, free The Cube Chryslers on the Murray 19 9am to 5pm, $5 Gateway Lakes North East Food and Wine Festival 10am to 4pm, free Junction Square First aid for parents and carers 10am to 2pm, $35 BCC
BME - Bonegilla Migrant Experience 82 Bonegilla Rd, Bonegilla p: (02) 6020 6912 bonegilla.org.au Open: 10am to 4pm daily
FULL LISTING OF EVENTS wodonga.vic.gov.au/whatson
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