THE Victorian government has given its tick of approval for the Wodonga Gold Cup public holiday for the next three years.
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Small Business Minister Russell Northe yesterday confirmed the first alternative public holiday arrangement for Wodonga in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day would be made official with its gazettal next Thursday.
The arrangements are in place for the race meetings on Friday, November 28, this year and November 27 and November 25 for the next two years.
The three-year deal is in line with the Racing Victoria calendar cycle.
But Wodonga Council can apply for the public holiday to be reverted at any time if the arrangements are not suitable in future years.
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Mr Northe said the public holiday arrangement would allow Wodonga residents to enjoy their local race meeting.
“As well as showcasing Wodonga, local produce, skills, enterprise and providing networking opportunities for local residents and businesses, the gazetted arrangements also mean local business owners can benefit from visitors coming to the city,” he said.
“The Victorian Coalition government is committed to supporting local councils to make decisions in the best interests of their local economy and local community.”
In 2011, the government amended the Public Holidays Act 1993 so regional councils could nominate a full-day public holiday or two half-day public holidays in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day.
“This enables regional areas to observe local agricultural and pastoral shows or regional race days,” Mr Northe said.
He said the public holiday amendments made in 2011 did not change the overall number of public holidays across the state.
“Whether you live in regional Victoria or metropolitan Melbourne, you will still be entitled to the same number of public holidays each year,” he said.
“However, the new arrangements give communities the chance to mark significant local events.”
Wodonga and District Turf Club general manager Tom O’Connor said the state government approval had been the missing piece of the puzzle.
“It is full steam ahead,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The club is very excited and plans are already in place to ensure we deliver a successful event for the community.”
The club is hoping to double last year’s cup day crowd of 2500 people with a public holiday.