The weirdest thing he has sold was a latex version of genitalia and camouflage condoms sold-out in a flash, but he’s also developed serious clients from across the world.

“I sold to a person in Saudi Arabia a pair of binoculars,” Mr Toole said.

The High Street shop front of Tooles Disposals closed in 2011 and instead of folding, Mr Toole turned to the internet and his business is an example of what Albury and Wodonga councils are encouraging traders to do.

The Border is considered one of the “frontline” regional places in the rolling-out of the National Broadband Network and Albury Council economic development director Tracey Squire said it was vital businesses embraced the digital age.

“Our economies are becoming increasingly digitalised,” Ms Squire said.

“More people are browsing and buying goods and services online and the pressure is on organisations to respond accordingly.

“If we don’t embrace and we don’t use it to our advantage as a region we will struggle.”

Wodonga Council economic development manager Matt Taylor said it wasn’t about taking business away from local shops but about tapping into a wider customer base.

“It’s about increasing the opportunity,” Mr Taylor said.

It’s all part of the councils’ digital economy strategy for the region that promises to deliver a two-year timetable of initiatives to help businesses and the community to take advantage of online.

A preliminary consultation process begins on Monday and traders and residents are urged to participate in workshops.

An online survey has also been released.

Mr Toole stood in his Bandiana warehouse chock-a-block with military memorabilia, Ansett gear, model aeroplanes and antique furniture that all appear on his eBay site.

He said business was “cruising”.

“It’ll grow as far as you push it,” he said.

“I think there’s an opportunity for everybody.”