WODONGA Wodonga is the other town that makes up the growth centre of Albury Wodonga. Like Albury, Wodonga is an independent and proud Victorian town. Wodonga is growing at a more rapid rate than Albury, primarily because of a lower cost of living in Victoria. Originally founded as a customs post with its twin city Albury on the other side of the Murray River the town grew subsequent to the opening of the first bridge across the Murray in 1860. The population of Wodonga in the late 60’s was only 7,000 people; Wodonga now has a population approaching 40k. So, Wodonga is new town with little history. Although there has always been a strong association with the Army, and just after WW2 was the near the centre that housed many thousands of European Refugees at nearby Bonegilla. The Army Museum that is on the actual military camp is well worth a visit when visiting the area. Wodongo’s prime commercial industry is Uncle Bens that is a division of the giant Mars Corporation. Uncle Bens is the most significant employer in Wodonga. Wodonga’s most prominent church is the St Augustine’s Catholic Church. O'Maille's Hotel is an ‘old’ hotel that was pre by-pass a very busy establishment and the new hotel reflects the new and rapid growth of Wodonga. The Wodonga War Memorial is located in the centre of the town and reflects the fact that at War times that Wodonga was a small centre. Wodonga is a part of the Albury Wodonga centre and is a must visit.