Dear petition supporter,

We have an important update regarding the proposed poker machine application at Wodonga’s Huon Hill Hotel.

A hearing has been scheduled for the revised application, with the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) set to consider the case over three days, from October 20–22, 2025, in Melbourne. The hearing will take place at the Fair Work Commission building on Exhibition Street, starting at 10:00 AM on October 20.

The Huon Hill Hotel, owned by Sydney-based operator JDA Hotels, is seeking approval to install 70 electronic gaming machines, down from the original 75 machines proposed earlier this year. If approved, the venue will be rebranded as Club Wodonga.

At the August 25 Wodonga Council meeting, council members voted not to provide a submission regarding the application. This follows an earlier council submission opposing the initial 75-machine proposal in June.

Our petition, launched by Gateway Health on August 16, has now reached 326 signatures, calling on the VGCCC to reject this expansion of gambling in our community. This will form part of Gateway Health and Upper Murray Family Care’s submission.

You can still make your voice heard. Submissions against the application can also be sent directly to the VGCCC by emailing secretariat@vgccc.vic.gov.au with the applicant’s name as the subject line, before September 19, 2025.

Your support is crucial in ensuring the community’s concerns about gambling are heard.

Thank you for standing with us.

Regards,

The Gateway Health and Upper Murray Family Care teams.