A new initiative designed to tackle increasing social isolation, loneliness and disconnection - and the resulting impacts these can have on community members - was launched at Greensborough Plaza in November 2018 as the Community Connector Program.News article 1 page, black text.social isolation, greensborough plaza, community connector program

Federation University Australia showcased its students and research at a luncheon for His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, at the Mt Helen Campus on Sunday, 8 April. The University’s student leaders and academics joined other dignitaries and business representatives for the special event. “The University is deeply honoured to host HRH The Earl of Wessex and share his passion for volunteerism and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award,” Professor Helen Bartlett, Vice-Chancellor, said. Prior to the luncheon HRH The Earl of Wessex experienced a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at the University. The program included showing HRH The Earl of Wessex concept plans for a refurbished Sports Science facility at the Mt Helen Campus.  Guests were treated to a performance by the Arts Academy’s renowned vocal ensemble Word of Mouth. At the conclusion of the luncheon, HRH The Earl of Wessex planted a tree at the Student Commons Courtyard. The visit to the University by HRH The Earl of Wessex was the first by a member of the Royal Family since Prince Charles visited in 1974. HRH The Earl of Wessex was in Australia to attend the Commonwealth Games and undertake additional engagements to recognise and promote The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Australia. HRH The Earl of Wessex, who is the Chair of The Board of Trustees of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, attended 32 engagements across Melbourne, Ballarat, Hobart, Brisbane, and Adelaide, from formal receptions, Award presentations, meetings with government officials and the community sector, to meeting Award Participants and their families at community centres.  The events enabled HRH The Earl of Wessex to engage with over 1,000 young people undertaking the Award, and over 3,400 Award volunteers and supporters who will have the opportunity to discuss their activities and showcase the work being done to help young Australians dream big, challenge themselves and find their purpose, passion and place in the world. HRH The Earl of Wessex’s visit celebrates significant milestones and growth in the diversity of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program in Australia.  “The Award’s relevance to all young Australians is as important today as it was when it started over 60 years ago,” Mr Peter Kaye AM, Chief Executive Officer of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia, said. “Employers in particular are recognising the ‘soft skills’ that are so necessary for a well prepared future employee.”Photograph of the Royal Standard Flying on the Federation University Mt Helen Campus flagpoles during the visit of HRH the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, KG GCVO. Prince Edward visited the Mount Helen campus as the Chair of the trustees of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation. The award is the world's leading youth achievement award. It has helped inspired, empower, connect and recognise the achievements of more than 8 million young people in more than 140 countries. The Award presents a balanced, non-competititive program of voluntary activites that encourage personal discovery, growth, resilience, perseverance, responsibility and community service. It is about individual challenge and encouraging young people to become mature and active citizens who positively contribute to society, through activities that inspire them.prince edward, earl of wessex, royal visitor, duke of edinburgh's international award foundation, federation university, royalty

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Walker rail motors were a type of diesel railcar operated by the Victorian Railways. After World War 11, the Victorian Railways undertook a major rebuilding program known as Operation Phoenix. One of the first tasks was the upgrading of passenger services on country branch lines. An initial order of twelve 102 HP railcars, six 153 HP railcars with trailers, and twelve 280 HP railcars was placed with Walker Brothers, England. The power units were manufactured in England, but the units were assembled in Victoria. The first rail motors were delivered in 1948, with additions to the fleet running through to 1955. According to a Victoria Railways Memorandum issued on 24 May 1949, regarding the allocation of the new 102 HP Walker Diesel Motor Rail Vehicles, No 10 was to be allocated to the Wodonga to Tallangatta line as soon as it was available. No 10 entered service on 22 November 1949. The passenger rail motors had room for 18 First class and 22 Second class seated passengers. The last passenger service from Wodonga to Tallangatta ran on 30 September 1961 with a 102hp Walker Rail Motor.railways wodonga, fred rochow, walker rail motor vehicles, wodonga to tallangatta rail service