Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga in the 1970s as part of the decentralisation of industry. The Sanyo Australia Pty. Ltd. factory in Wodonga was officially opened on 25 October 1974 with 35 staff and production peaked in 1976-1977 when it employed 360 people. In the first 10 years, 350,000 televisions were assembled from Japanese parts. The official plaque was uncovered by Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer. In October 1977 there were 79 workers retrenched, followed by 30 in November and 45 in February 1978. In 1978 workers staged a sit-in which lasted over a week, to protest multiple mass retrenchments of staff. The factory stayed open for almost another decade. In 1982 the General Manager of Sanyo was quoted as saying the productivity in the Wodonga factory was 10% higher than in Japan. However by 1984 the number of staff had reduced to 112 and the factory closed in 1987. The premises were taken over by Parker Hannifin and the administration building is now the home of 3D Lanes Bowling Alley. The street in which it is located is now called Sanyo Drive.These images are significant because they document and industry which employed many people in Wodonga in the 1970s and 1980s.A set of black and white photographs of the Sanyo Australia Pty Ltd premises in Wodonga.sanyo, sanyo-guthrie wodonga, decentralised industry wodonga

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High Street in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Road later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.A gold-plated bracelet from the Sarah Coventry range. Bracelet has a small triangular piece attached which bears the Sarah Coventry logo. The bracelet features alternating ellipses and knots with a clip fastener.On tag: ©SARAHCOV CANADAsarah coventry, sargem pty. ltd, sarah coventry wodonga, decentralised industry wodonga

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High Street in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Road later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Necklace with three strands of faux pearls and a large faux green stone at the silver toned metal clasp on the front, and a large faux pearl at the clasp on the back. includes box featuring Sarah Coventry brandingOn outside of box : "Sarah Coventry® /PTY. LTD. /WODONGA, VICTORIA On inside of lid: "Sarah Coventry" On internal cardboard mounting: "Made in Canada / Sarah Coventry Pty., Ltd. / WODONGA (SC) VICTORIAsarah coventry, costume jewellery, industry wodonga

The Sanyo VHF colour television is thought to have been assembled in Wodonga, as Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga in the 1970s as part of the de-centralisation of industry and continued operation into the 1980s. The Sanyo Australia Pty. Ltd. factory in Wodonga opened in 1974 with 35 staff and production peaked in 1976-1977 when it employed 360 people. In the first ten years 350,000 televisions were assembled from Japanese parts, however by 1984 the number of staff had reduced to 112 and the factory closed in 1987. All Sanyo televisions were then imported from Japan. The Sanyo VHF colour television has local, state and national significance as it is thought to have been assembled in Sanyo Australia's factory in Wodonga. Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga as part of the decentralisation of industry in Australia in the 1970s-1980s.Cream and black plastic Sanyo VHF colour televison, with the Sanyo logo and one large circular VHF control knob for the different channels on the proper left black plastic panel, and one small off-on volume knob at the bottom of the black plastic panel. The diagonal screen measurement is 30 cm or 11 inches."VHF" / SANYO / Telecolor / AFT / OFF-ON/ VOLUME" on the proper left black plastic panel on the front of the television. "75Ω- 300Ω" on the black part of the cable attached to the two antennas. "FOR YOUR SAFETY / Install any external / aerial to AS1417.1" on the back of the television. "SERIAL NO / 30207332" on the back of the television. "SANYO / MODEL CTP 2600 / CHASSIS NO. 79P-B5ZH 01 / AC 240V~, 50Hz, 85 WATTS / SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. MADE IN JAPAN / WARNING / DANGEROUS VOLTAGE INSIDE / CHASSIS LIVE / CONTACT IS DANGEROUS / 3401901 B5ZH-B" on the back of the television. "SBS TELEVISION" stickers on both sides of the television. "WODONGA ASSEMBLED TELEVISION. (underlined) / This SANYO VHF COLOUR TELEVISION / Serial number AS1417.A (AS = Australia) / Model CTP 2600 was assembled / at the Sanyo Drive, Wodonga, factory Circa 1980, from Japanese parts." printed on a paper label attached to the upper back part of the television. sanyo, sanyo colour televisions, sanyo t.v.s, vhf t.v.s, sbs, wodonga, sanyo australia pty. ltd.

The Sanyo ‘Sensor Touch’ television was assembled in Wodonga. Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga in the 1970s as part of the decentralisation of industry. It continued operation into the 1980s. The Sanyo Australia Pty. Ltd. factory in Wodonga opened in 1974 with 35 staff and production peaked in 1976-1977 when it employed 360 people. In the first ten years 350,000 televisions were assembled from Japanese parts, however by 1984 the number of staff had reduced to 112 and the factory closed in 1987. All Sanyo televisions were then imported from Japan.The Sanyo ‘Sensor Touch’ television has local, state and national significance as it is thought to have been assembled in Sanyo Australia's factory in Wodonga. Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga as part of the decentralisation of industry in Australia in the 1970s-1980s.Large Sanyo 'Sensor Touch' colour television with a faux wooden veneer frame and exterior. 53 cm or 20 inch screen (diagonal measurement)."SANYO / Sensor Touch / Telecolor" on the proper left side panel. "9 / 2 / 7 /28 /10 / 3 / 1 / 0 / AV" for the channels on the proper left panel. "COLOUR / BRIGHT / ONE / BUTTON / COLOUR / PULL-ON / VOLUME" under various buttons on the proper left panel. sanyo, colour televisions, televisions, sensor touch television, wodonga, sanyo australia pty. ltd.

The framed certificate proclaiming the Shire of Wodonga as a City in 1973 documents the development of Wodonga as an important rural city in the north east of Victoria. The decentralisation of industry and the establishment of international companies in Wodonga in the second half of the 20th century contributed to the growth of Wodonga as a major regional centre.The certificate proclaiming the Shire of Wodonga as a City in 1973 has local significance as it documents the history and development of Wodonga. It also has state significance as part of the history of the regional development of Victoria from the mid-20th century onwards.Thin wooden frame with gold trim around a certificate with the text in black proclaiming the Shire of Wodonga as a City dated to 1973. Embossed gold seal of the State of Victoria on the left side of the text in the lower part of the certificate. Signed by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe and the Victorian Minister for Local Government.wodonga shire, wodonga, rural cities in victoria, victorian state government certificates

A small booklet of 18 pages printed in black and white, including photos and promotional material about Wodonga and District.This publication was produced to promote the benefits of Wodonga for lifestyle and decentralised industry. In 1973 the Commonwealth, New South Wales and Victorian Governments agreed to the Albury-Wodonga Development Scheme, for a decentralised growth area. Before then the Wodonga Development Committee and the Shire Council promoted the town’s industrialisation. This booklet was published to encourage new investment in the Wodonga area prior to the convening of the Albury-Wodonga Development Scheme.wodonga promotions, albury wodonga, wodonga development committee

This photo is from a collection donated by Elaine Mann. Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community. Sanyo was one of the international companies that set up business in Wodonga in the 1970s as part of the decentralisation of industry. The Sanyo Australia Pty. Ltd. factory in Wodonga was officially opened on 25 October 1974 with 35 staff and production peaked in 1976-1977 when it employed 360 people. In the first ten years, 350,000 televisions were assembled from Japanese parts. The official plaque was uncovered by Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer. In October 1977 there were 79 workers retrenched, followed by 30 in November and 45 in February 1978. In 1978 workers staged a sit-in which lasted over a week, to protest multiple mass retrenchments of staff. The factory stayed open for almost another decade. In 1982 the General Manager of Sanyo was quoted as saying the productivity in the Wodonga factory was 10% higher than in Japan. However by 1984 the number of staff had reduced to 112 and the factory closed in 1987. The premises were taken over by Parker Hannifin. The administration building is now the home of 3D Lanes Bowling Alley. The street in which it is located is now called Sanyo Drive.This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th century.Sanyo Factory construction. A $1 million factory built in Wodonga to assemble 300,000 colour-television sets in readiness for the introduction of colour TV in Australia on March 1, 1975. The building is now occupied by Parker Hannifin and also Wodonga Ten Pin Bowls.wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, sanyo

H.D. Lee (Aust) was established in 1973 as a joint venture between Yakka Pty Ltd and Vanity Fair. In 1973 it decided to move to Albury-Wodonga, encouraged by government decentralisation assistance, lower overheads and the central location of the region. H.D. Lee opened a temporary pilot factory with 12 staff in Kiewa Street, Albury, in January 1974 while a new 50,000 sq. ft. factory for 400 staff was built on council land in West Wodonga. This was erected by local builders Zauner Construction, completed in late 1974 and began operations in April 1975. The factory became Australia’s second largest jeans manufacturer and employment in Wodonga at times exceeded 400 staff. In 1991 Yakka, which already owned 50 per cent of the H.D. Lee shares, bought out the rest. It quickly moved to reduce staff and transferred the administration to Broadmeadows. By 1997, the workforce had fallen to 110, and production of Lee and Faberge jeans, jackets and shorts gave way mostly to industrial wear.These coasters represent an industry which was a major employer in Wodonga. The establishment of H. D. Lee (Aust) was a direct result of Australian government's policy of decentralisation in the 1970s. A blue box containing 6 coasters to commemorate 10 years of H.D. Lee operations in Australia. Coasters are gold and include the Lee company logo. The box also includes information regarding the background of the manufacturer, Paul-Stephen Daly.On top half of coaster "H.D. LEE (AUST) PTY LTD /10 YEARS/ 1973-1983" Between lines of stars "Lee the ultimate jean"h.d. lee, wodonga, decentralisation, paul-stephen daly

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High Street in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Road later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Bracelet of interlocking circles. Alternate circles have a broad line across the centre embossed with a floral design.sarah coventry, costume jewellery, industry wodonga

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High Street in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Road later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.A small leaflet printed on blue paper in blue ink explaining instructions for caring for items from the Sarah Coventry rangeOn Front cover: CARING FOR YOUR SARAH COVENTRY AND AFFINITY JEWELLERY On back cover: Sargem Pty. Ltd. / Hume Highway/ WODONGA VIC, 3690 / Copyright 1979 Inside: detailed cleaning instructionsarah coventry, costume jewellery, industry wodonga

Dr Henry Nowik played a critical role in the development of industry in Wodonga, through his management and leadership of Uncle Bens Wodonga from 1965 until 1979. Born in Poznan, Poland in 1917, Henry was studying medicine in Paris when World War II broke out and he enlisted in the Royal Air Force, serving with distinction as a Bomber Pilot. He was imprisoned in Russia when his plane ditched, escaped through Kazakhstan and was eventually evacuated to London where he was appointed RAF Aide-de-Camp to General Charles de Gaulle. He was later awarded the French Croix de Guerre. After the war Dr Nowik received a PhD in Political Science and Law from American Beirut University before moving to London to teach at the London School of Economics. He then moved into industry occupying a number of senior positions in marketing and market research. In 1964, Dr Nowik, then Market Research Manager for Pedigree Petfoods, the British arm of Mars Inc., came to Australia to research the prospects for establishing a petfood business. Dr Nowik was a passionate believer in the need for decentralisation of Australian industry. In 1965 Uncle Bens of Australia began building their first Australian factory in Wodonga, Victoria, from humble beginnings in a small house in Hovell Street. It became fully operational in 1967. Dr Nowik became the Marketing and Sales Director and in 1970 the Managing Director. Dr Nowik's work as a member of the Albury-Wodonga Consultative Committee was recognized in 1975 with the Order of the British Empire and in 1977 he was appointed Chairman of the Commonwealth Government's Decentralisation Advisory Board. He participated in a number of trade missions to Malaysia, China and Japan and was a Member of the Executive Committee of the Trade Development Council and the Victorian Promotion Committee. These contributions were recognised in 1982 when he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. In 1979, Dr Nowik left Wodonga and moved to the United States to become Vice-President, Marketing for Mars, becoming Global Product Group President in 1980. Following his retirement in 1985 he continued to act as Senior Advisor to a number of Mars' businesses. Albury-Wodonga retained a special place in Dr Nowik's heart and he kept a close interest in Charles Sturt University, sharing his time, experience and expertise with staff and students. The University made him an honorary Doctor of Letters in 1993 when the Henry Nowik Lecture Theatre officially opened at the University's Albury campus. Later the City of Wodonga named a park in his honour. Dr Nowik and his wife returned to Australia in 2004, first living in Brisbane then moving to Maleny in Queensland. Henry Nowik died on 12th March 2015 aged 98. These items are significant because they demonstrate the contribution made to the Wodonga community and the Australian economy by Dr Henry Nowik AO OBE.A collection of items briefly documenting the contribution of Dr Henry Nowik to Wodonga, Victoria. Included are photos of Dr Nowik, newspaper items, a photo of the first office of Uncle Bens in Wodonga and a farewell card from Dr Nowik.dr henry nowik, uncle bens wodonga

A small booklet of 4 pages stabled along the centre fold. The cover is printed on glossy light-weight card. It is printed in dark blue ink.This program from the ceremony proclaiming the Shire of Wodonga as a Rural City in 1973 documents the development of Wodonga as an important centre in North East Victoria. The decentralisation of industry and the establishment of international companies in Wodonga in the second half of the 20th century contributed to the growth of Wodonga as a major regional centre today.rural city of wodonga, wodonga council, proclamation wodonga

H.D. Lee (Aust) was established in 1973 as a joint venture between Yakka Pty Ltd and Vanity Fair. In 1973 it decided to move to Albury-Wodonga, encouraged by government decentralisation assistance, lower overheads and the central location of the region. H.D. Lee opened a temporary pilot factory with 12 staff in Kiewa Street, Albury, in January 1974 while a new 50,000 sq. ft. factory for 400 staff was built on council land in West Wodonga. This was erected by local builders Zauner Construction, completed in late 1974 and began operations in April 1975. The factory became Australia’s second largest jeans manufacturer and employment in Wodonga at times exceeded 400 staff. In 1991 Yakka, which already owned 50 per cent of the H.D. Lee shares, bought out the rest. It quickly moved to reduce staff and transferred the administration to Broadmeadows. By 1997, the workforce had fallen to 110, and production of Lee and Faberge jeans, jackets and shorts gave way mostly to industrial wear.This item is significant because it documents an important industry and employer in Wodonga in the 1970s.A newspaper article explaining the H. D. Lee business in Wodonga.h. d. lee, decentralisation victoria

A publication of 38 pages including coloured photographs, illustrations and text. non-fictionThe world-wide Mars Group built its first Australian manufacturing plant, Uncle Bens of Australia in Wodonga. From humble beginnings in a small house in Hovell Street Wodonga construction began in 1965 with production starting in March 1967. It was led by the vision of Dr Henry Nowik, a passionate believer in the need for decentralisation of Australian industry. The plant launched with a production run of 1,000 cans of pet food daily and an initial workforce of approximately 200 employees. By 1991, the site was producing 2 million cans of pet food daily. By its 30th anniversary in 1997, annual sales reached $700 million, with 30% consisting of exports. When the company celebrated its 30th year of production in 1997, it employed 530 people in manufacturing and 230 in support services and the national office. Now know as Mars Petcare Australia, the Wodonga plant has undergone a major expansion in 2025 to implement new production lines and advances in technology. This will enable it to become the first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution for its operation. uncle bens wodonga, manufacturing industries wodonga

The world-wide Mars Group built its first Australian manufacturing plant, Uncle Bens of Australia in Wodonga. From humble beginnings in a small house in Hovell Street Wodonga construction began in 1965 with production starting in March 1967. It was led by the vision of Dr Henry Nowik, a passionate believer in the need for decentralisation of Australian industry. The plant launched with a production run of 1,000 cans of pet food daily and an initial workforce of approximately 200 employees. By 1991, the site was producing 2 million cans of pet food daily. By its 30th anniversary in 1997, annual sales reached $700 million, with 30% consisting of exports. When the company celebrated its 30th year of production in 1997, it employed 530 people in manufacturing and 230 in support services and the national office. This DVD was created in 2007 to celebrate 40 years of the company it Wodonga. It looks back at people instrumental in the company's development over that period. 2007 was also a time of celebration with the opening of a new, more extensive manufacturing plant officially opened on 6th February 2007 by The Honourable John Brumby, Treasurer of Victoria and Linda Mars.This item is significant because it was to produce to record and celebrate 40 years of a major manufacturing industry in Wodonga.A DVD containing two short videos 1. "Reflections - 40 Years of Leadership and 2. "Celebrations - 40 Years of Success". It was produced to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mars Petcare in Wodonga in 2007. The DVD is accompanied by a letter from David Ansell, Vice President - Petcare at Wodonga.MARS PETCARE AUSTRALIA 40 Years 2007 Enhancing the MAGIC of pet ownershipmars petcare wodonga, uncle bens wodonga, manufacturing industries wodonga

A spiral bound publication of 110 pages investigating potential plans and developments of education in Baranduda, Victoria. Cover features 3 photographs and diagrams are included.This book is the result of research commissioned by the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation in 1976 to investigate future educational needs for the Baranduda community, Baranduda was established as a pastoral run around 1846. It developed as a rural community in the late 19th century—with a school opening in 1880. In 1974 The Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation was established to transform the twin-town border region into a major inland city, aiming for a population of 300,000 by 2000. It was created by federal and state governments to decentralise population from capital cities, manage regional land development, and boost local industry. As part of its recommendations Baranduda was designated for development as a modern satellite township. This report was commissioned as part of the planning for the future development of the Baranduda community.baranduda, albury-wodonga development corporation, education north east victoria

The world-wide Mars Group built its first Australian manufacturing plant, Uncle Bens of Australia in Wodonga. From humble beginnings in a small house in Hovell Street Wodonga construction began in 1965 with production starting in March 1967. It was led by the vision of Dr Henry Nowik, a passionate believer in the need for decentralisation of Australian industry. The plant launched with a production run of 1,000 cans of pet food daily and an initial workforce of approximately 200 employees. By 1991, the site was producing 2 million cans of pet food daily. By its 30th anniversary in 1997, annual sales reached $700 million, with 30% consisting of exports. When the company celebrated its 30th year of production in 1997, it employed 530 people in manufacturing and 230 in support services and the national office. Now know as Mars Petcare Australia, the Wodonga plant has undergone a major expansion in 2025 to implement new production lines and advances in technology. This will enable it to become the first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution for its operation.This photo is signifivant because it captures the early stages of the development of Uncle Bens Wodonga, a major manufacturer in Wodonga from the late 1960s until the present.A large coloured aerial photograph of the Uncle Bens of Australia site in Wodonga. The photograph has a wooden frame and is behind glass.uncle bens wodonga, wodonga industries