The concept of the card was an initiative of Wodonga Council, but two years ago it was expanded to take in Albury businesses and the city’s young people.

“Having a project that goes across the border is great because young people don’t see the river as a barrier,” Wodonga councillor Eric Kerr said.

While the pocket card offers discounts at Border businesses, its main aim is to connect the young to various organisations.

Albury youth council mayor James Mitchelhill said the card helped empower the young.

“With this card they know who to go to,” he said.

“Whether they need sexual or mental health information or something else, this gives them somebody they can immediately talk to.”

Albury mayor Kevin Mack said not only did the card provide contacts for the young, it also linked them to business.

“It’s great to see the amount of support for the card from the community,” he said.

“Money is short these days and the discounts will provide businesses with an opportunity to leverage off it.”

Cr Kerr said the launch of this year’s card had coincided with last week’s Youth Week.

“We want to highlight the services that are available,” he said.

“They might not think they need it but one day they might realise they do and they’ll have it right there.

“It’s a worthwhile tool in the arsenal to deal with all the issues confronting them.”