Residents and local councillors in Wodonga are voicing their frustrations over the lack of New Year’s Eve options in the city. Many feel that this situation represents a missed opportunity to create inclusive and family-friendly celebrations for the community. Councillor Cassie Aldridge highlighted the recurring questions from residents regarding New Year’s Eve activities, noting that the answers have remained disappointingly limited year after year.
Current options, such as the Albury harness racing and travelling to nearby towns for fireworks, do not cater to everyone. Families, individuals seeking alcohol-free events, and those preferring not to travel late at night are often left without suitable choices. Aldridge, who has consistently raised the issue during her council tenure, pointed to the strong public response to her recent social media post, which called for change. “The message from the community is loud and clear,” she stated. “People want something to do in Wodonga on New Year’s Eve.”
Community members are advocating for a range of activities, including live music, food trucks, children’s activities, early family countdowns, and innovative alternatives like light or drone shows. Aldridge remarked on the overwhelming support she has received online, emphasizing that public demand for engaging events is significant.
Calls for Change and Community Engagement
Concerns have been raised in council meetings about the costs to ratepayers and potential staffing shortages for any proposed New Year’s Eve activities. The council has expressed a preference for partnering with community groups to develop events, akin to past initiatives at locations like Birallee Park. Aldridge described the ongoing discussions as frustrating, as progress seems stagnant.
Resident Shane McDowall called for a fresh approach, suggesting that the New Year’s festival be relocated to the river foreshore redevelopment area. After residing in the region for over eleven years, he noted that he now leaves Wodonga to celebrate the holiday due to the lack of local options. Belinda Mead echoed this sentiment, indicating a desire for events that cater to families and children before transitioning into adult-focused activities.
Councillor Michelle Cowan expressed her support for developing more vibrant and contemporary events in Wodonga, particularly those that involve collaboration with the council. “There’s no shortage of creativity in our community, and I know there are some terrific ideas just waiting to be brought to life,” she remarked. Cowan acknowledged Aldridge’s advocacy as crucial in highlighting the need for a New Year’s Eve event and in building momentum for change.
Councillor Josh Knight also weighed in, recognizing that while running events incurs costs, the council has successfully managed similar expenses in other areas. He advocated for at least one family-oriented New Year’s Eve event in Wodonga, expressing concern that the community is losing its celebratory spirit surrounding Christmas and New Year. Knight suggested that next year should include more festive decorations throughout the city and proposed a family-friendly event at Baranduda Fields featuring food vendors, rides, and entertainment reminiscent of Carols by Candlelight.
Looking ahead, Knight emphasized the need to explore options such as drone displays, laser light shows, and fireworks, assessing their respective advantages and disadvantages. He firmly believes that an early evening event aimed at children and families would be well-received. “I am reading all the ideas coming through, and I definitely think we as a community need this to happen,” he concluded.
As Wodonga residents continue to advocate for change, the council faces mounting pressure to consider new options for New Year’s Eve celebrations that reflect the community’s desires and enhance the local festive atmosphere.
