Wodonga Council has announced it will hold its Australia Day celebrations at Junction Square in 2024.
Councillor and Australia Day committee chair Kev Poulton was onsite today, describing the move as an exciting one that would activate the city heart.
"A few operational barriers have been ironed out and the council has committed to spending more money this year. We hope the community does come along and support the event," he said.
"We see local retailers and food outlets prepared to open up on Australia Day and hopefully this step by the council will have a greater economic impact on those that do invest in Wodonga.
"We're investing in and continuing this event in the way we have in the past but in an improved location, right here in the centre of the city."
The move in location honours a long-held vision of the late Wodonga councillor John Watson, who passed nearly four months ago. Cr Poulton described the late councillor as one of the original visionaries of removing the train lines and revitalising the city centre.
The celebrations will include a citizenship ceremony for over 40 new Australians alongside the 2024 Australia Day Awards, where our community will recognise those who have gone above and beyond for those around them.
Cr Poulton encouraged people to get out on the 26th and engage with what is certain to be a bumper event.
"The Events team, as we've seen recently, are nailing events right around our city - they'll bring it on Australia Day as well," he said.
"This event is open to everyone, not just Wodonga residents. If you particularly want to see the pride on people's faces when they're conferred as a new Australian citizen, you'll be able to see that here on the 26th of January."
