The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience could become “Wodonga’s Sovereign Hill” if a push to have the tourist attraction in the city permanently is successful.
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The Wodonga Chamber of Commerce is preparing a pitch to the Federal Government for the exhibition to return to where it was first launched, after its two-year tour of the country is complete.
Business manager Bernie Squire said the SACE would fill a void in the city’s place in the North East tourism market.
“When people come to Wodonga, you’re always encouraging them to go and see things out of Wodonga,” he said.
“It would be great if the exhibition could be permanently housed and available to visitors to Wodonga.
“If successful, this major attraction would be an employer, especially for some of our local unemployed youth, thus assisting to tackle this critical issue.”
The idea came out of a Wodonga Chamber of Commerce members’ meeting in August, featuring former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer as a guest speaker.
Having grown up in Ballarat, Mr Squire said he understands what a quality tourism attraction like Sovereign Hill can do for a city.
He said between 15,000 and 20,000 people went through SACE during its Wodonga run from September 4 to 10.
“That’s a really significant number, which shows some interest,” he said.
“I’d encourage the Wodonga business community to get behind this proposal.
“We have two years before the exhibition finishes the current tour and this gives us time to put together a solid case.”
The exhibition opens in Launceston next week, so the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce has pounced with its idea before another group has a similar thought.
Cathy McGowan has put her support behind having the SACE in Wodonga permanently and raised the idea with Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson.
“Having SACE permanently featured in Wodonga would attract more tourists to the area, create employment and help with economic development for the North East,” she said.
“I think the proposal has much merit, particularly given Wodonga was the official launch of SACE and the start of a national tour.
“I will be lobbying and working with government to see this idea become a reality.”
Ms McGowan said the Defence Force has played a long and important role in the North East.
“SACE being permanently set up in Wodonga would be due recognition for the important contributions soldiers from the North East made in the WWI effort,” Ms McGowan said.