Wodonga Historical Society on move from South Street after 20 years

The move has been prompted by the recent sale of the South Street building it partly occupies with the society also losing two long-serving committee members in John Flower and Uta Wiltshire with combined service of almost 40 years.

The South Street building's former owner, Bill Miller, had charged the society a discounted rental fee, which was paid for by Wodonga Council.

A "bigger and better" home has been a discussion point between the society and council since 2008 when moving into the Goods Shed was floated before more recently the possibility of temporary exhibition spaces being created in the soon to open library-gallery.

Mrs Wiltshire, who is resigning from the secretary-treasurer role at the society's annual meeting on August 3, said a move to Bonegilla had come up previously.

"We had resisted it," she said.

"It's really not that far to go, but mentally it's a bit further than going down to South Street if you need something.

"We looked at other commercial premises, but there was nothing that we could afford.

"It's my view Bonegilla is as close to a 'forever home' we are going to get and I can see it working.

"I'm hoping there will be an enthusiastic new committee that comes along and takes it all over."

IN OTHER NEWS

The Bonegilla move was raised at this week's council meeting by Cr John Watson.

But chief executive Mark Dixon confirmed any relocation was still subject to a licence agreement being struck between the two parties and formal approval being granted by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

"Wodonga Council has been working with the Wodonga Historical Society on alternate housing, specifically an opportunity at the Bonegilla Migrant Experience," he said.

"This opportunity is still being developed.

"Any relocation of the Wodonga Historical Society will mean the society will retain its incorporation and independence from the council.

"The council values the role the historical society plays as custodians of Wodonga's heritage."

Mr Flower has been the society president for 20 years and Mrs Wiltshire has been secretary-treasurer role for a slightly shorter period.

But she will stay involved to manage the society's Facebook page which has more than 7750 followers.

"I've been retired 20 years and haven't given up work yet," she said.

Mrs Wiltshire hoped the society's move to Bonegilla can be completed by mid-September with disabled access via a ramp to the refurbished huts to be created.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: