Rachael Voogt - Candidate for Barnawartha North Ward

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Wodonga Community, and in particular, Barnawartha North Ward.

While I didn't secure the numbers needed this time around, the experience has been invaluable. I've gained so much along the way and will be better prepared in four years' time!

To everyone who has supported me, assisted in my campaign, or shared their thoughts—I can't thank you enough. Through this journey, I've learned more than I ever expected, made lasting friendships, and developed a deep appreciation for those who step forward to serve in any governing role.

As I’ve said throughout my campaign: I LOVE WODONGA and I am passionate about seeing our town and community progress in a positive direction.

I’d like to extend my congratulations to all the elected candidates. I truly hope you will remain connected with our community, seeking out our feedback and ensuring that you represent everyone in Wodonga.

A big thank you to all the other candidates who put themselves forward—we have all made an important contribution to our community.

Finally, I encourage all members of our community to stay informed about local council decisions by watching council meetings on the Wodonga Council website and reading through the minutes. Our involvement is key to the positive progress of our town.

Thank you again, Wodonga. I’m looking forward to the future!

Photo below is of our beloved "Hunchy" in Barnawartha North Ward, taken from our garden.

Good afternoon, Wodonga! What a beautiful day it is.

I had a wonderful morning taking my mum to the Farmers Market and then visiting the beautiful exhibitions currently running at Hyphen. If you haven’t seen them yet, do yourselves a favour and check them out!

After four weeks of campaigning, I finally had some time to relax and reflect on this experience. Firstly, I’m proud of myself for putting my hand up to represent our community. I’m proud of my positive campaign; I feel it truly reflected who I am and what I believe in. I think I made some of the other candidates work harder and realise that people want authenticity and real connections.

I’ve learned a lot along the way and made great friendships with people I might never have met otherwise. This, in itself, is enough and worth the effort.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey; your support is greatly appreciated. Whatever the outcome, I will be happy. As Matt Burke said, it’s important that we get behind whoever Wodonga votes for. In return, it’s crucial that these elected candidates support our community and represent our wants and needs.

Tonight, I’m planning to go to the Food and Wine Festival at Junction Square. Please come up and say hello!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL YEAR 12 STUDENTS ACROSS WODONGA TODAY.

For many families across our Wodonga Secondary Schools today it is a big one. A time to be proud, sad and excited as our Yr 12 students are attending their last day of school.

The first exam is English next Tuesday, so enjoy the celebrations Yr 12's but study hard, not long to go.

For myself, I am especially proud of our eldest child today and very grateful to all of his teachers he has had from Stanley St Pre-school, Wodonga Primary and CCW.

HAVE YOU VOTED YET? ENVELOPS ARE TO BE POSTED BY THIS FRIDAY.

I would love to represent you.

Authorised by R Voogt, 1A, 111 Hume St, Wodonga.

Vibrancy | Sustainability | Support Local

Fresh flowers brighten my day!

Yesterday, I had a wonderful morning at Andrea’s farewell breakfast in Wodonga. I managed to catch up with Carla from “Thistle & Fern Flowers.” Last Christmas, I participated in a wreath-making workshop with Carla and fell in love with the craft. This year, our staff Christmas presents will be a wreath-making course together.
Thistle & Fern primarily sources flowers from local producers.

Afterward, I visited the Farmers Market on the causeway, where I met the wonderful couple from “Cookinburra Peonies” in Barnawartha North Ward. They had a stunning display of Coral Peonies, grown just five minutes up the road. Sue even invited me for a cup of tea and a tour of her flower farm, which I’m definitely planning to take up in the coming weeks. Cookinburra Peonies will have different colours available as the season progresses at the Farmers Market.

My last stop was “Luisa’s Divine Blossoms,” where I admired beautiful Waratahs in vibrant reds, pinks, and whites, all grown in Porpunkah.

I encourage everyone to support these fantastic local flower businesses—there are many more in Wodonga!

I’ve attached an article below about where cheap flowers come from, which might surprise you.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-22/the-true-cost-of-rose-foreign-correspondent/104236124

Authorised by R Voogt, 1A, 111 Hume St, Wodonga.

CONNECTEDNESS

My heart is singing with gratitude to everyone who has reached out to help. From hosting corflutes and delivering flyers to offering mentoring advice and volunteering time to help make videos, your support means the world to me. I also received a generous $100 donation from a neighbour, which I’ll use to celebrate the end of the campaign next Friday with friends.

The love and support I’ve received from friends, sporting clubs, fellow candidates, total strangers, and my family reinforce my passion for representing our community and driving positive change. Thank you, Wodonga—my heart is full!

Election campaigns can be expensive:
• $250 – Nomination fee
• $700 – Flyers
• $650 – Corflutes

PS If enough of you vote for me I get my $250 nomination fee back.

PLEASE SHARE

Authorised by R Voogt, 1A, 111 Hume St, Wodonga.

Happy Friday WODONGA!!!

Finally the Border Mail run an article on some different candidates (be it a little one). This photo still makes me giggle.

Authorised by R Voogt, 1A, 111 Hume St, Wodonga.

Some portraits are fit for a king but vandalism is the work of court jester INSIDE MAIL: A lighter look at some of the news of the week.

Good Morning, Wodonga!

Today, I want to highlight the incredible works of artists that truly deserve airtime and make Wodonga a better place. You don’t have to walk far to be surrounded by amazing art in the heart of our town.

Thank you, Wodonga Council, for these installations! They make my heart sing every time I walk past them.

Authorised by R Voogt, 1A, 111 Hume St, Wodonga.

Sustainability: Fiscally Responsible Use of Rates

The Role of Local Council:

Local councils are responsible for addressing the everyday needs of our community, including childcare and maternal health services, road maintenance, waste management, and local planning.

As a small business owner, I possess the skills necessary to develop a budget that is both fiscally responsible and effective. I am committed to delivering efficient services that provide tangible benefits to our community, ensuring we prioritise outcomes that truly matter to our residents.

Authorised by R Voogt, 1A, 111 Hume St, Wodonga.

Fantastic post from fellow candidate in the Wodonga Council Elections.