GHD Albury-Wodonga celebrates 50 years of partnership, Innovation, and community impact

GHD celebrates a major milestone this month as the Albury-Wodonga office marks its 50th anniversary, recognising five decades of partnership, innovation and contribution to the region’s growth and prosperity.

Established in 1975 to support the Albury-Wodonga Growth Centre, the office is one of GHD’s longest-serving regional locations. From a single employee in Wirlinga, it has grown into a team of 25 professionals delivering major infrastructure, environmental and community projects across northeastern Victoria and southern New South Wales.

Situated on the Victorian side of the Murray River, Wodonga and its twin city Albury together form one of Australia’s fastest growing regional centres, with a combined population of nearly 100,000 people. GHD’s continued presence in the region reflects its deep and enduring commitment to supporting this vibrant and rapidly evolving community.

The 50th anniversary celebration takes place at Miss Amelie, a heritage restaurant set in the restored Wodonga Railway Station that GHD helped revitalise. The event brings together 90 guests including clients, partners, alumni, government representatives and community leaders.

Hosting the milestone event at Miss Amelie held special significance. GHD played a key role in the station’s remediation and restoration, transforming it into a vibrant community space that symbolises the region’s renewal and progress.

“This milestone is a celebration of our shared achievements and the enduring relationships that have shaped Albury-Wodonga’s story,” says Michael Goode, Regional Office Manager. “We are proud of the impact our people have made and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Over the past 50 years, GHD has delivered landmark projects that have helped shape the region’s infrastructure and environmental resilience. These include the Bright River Storage Project, River Murray Salinity Investigation, Riverside Parklands Projects, Wodonga Rail Bypass and Falls Creek Geotechnical Risk Management Program.

These projects highlight GHD’s commitment to technical excellence, sustainability and community development through long-standing partnerships with organisations such as North East Water, Albury City Council and Wodonga City Council.

A highlight of the celebration is the Vision 2050 panel discussion facilitated by Emma Jones (Executive Advisor, GHD) and featuring Cr Kevin Mack (Mayor, AlburyCity), Jo Murdoch (Managing Director, North East Water) and Michael Goode (Regional Office Manager, GHD Albury-Wodonga). The conversation explores the region’s future priorities, focusing on infrastructure investment, workforce development, sustainable growth and leadership for the next generation.

“Over the next 10 to 15 years, there’s over a billion dollars’ worth of water infrastructure that needs to be built across our region,” shared Jo Murdoch. “It’s both a challenge and an opportunity, and we’re leaning into it through collaboration and long-term planning.”

Cr Kevin Mack emphasised the importance of courage in leadership as the region grows.

“When you have growth, it’s a great thing to have, but the challenge is meeting that expectation. As leaders, we need to be courageous and take risks. If we sit and wait to stay popular, nothing will happen.”

Adding perspective on the broader implications of growth, Michael Goode noted:

“A 34% growth in housing means a 34% growth in transport, power and social infrastructure. There are challenges, but also huge opportunities to build the capacity our communities need for the future.”

Together, these insights underscored the shared optimism and responsibility driving Albury-Wodonga’s continued transformation, reinforcing GHD’s long-standing commitment to regional Victoria and southeastern Australia.

The anniversary also recognises GHD’s close ties with the local community through initiatives such as the STEM Pathways Program and the Wodonga Secondary College Careers Program, which support youth engagement and build the region’s future workforce.

Strengthening community connections has also been at the core of our work in the region. In particular, our long-standing partnership with TVN-On Country and their not-for-profit initiative, On-Country Pathways, has been instrumental in supporting employment pathways for First Nations youth. Through this collaboration, we are proud to help foster opportunities that empower young people and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workforce in Albury-Wodonga.

The presence of CEO Jim Giannopoulos, who served as Albury-Wodonga Regional Office Manager from 1997 to 2000, and Ian Fraser, Chair of the Board, highlights GHD’s enduring connection to the region and its people.

“This anniversary is not just about the years behind us,” Jim shares. “It is about the people, partnerships and communities that have made Albury-Wodonga a model of regional growth and collaboration.”

As GHD celebrates this milestone, the event reinforces the organisation’s commitment to creating lasting value for regional communities and shaping a future that is sustainable, inclusive and full of opportunity.

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.