Building success

Alpine Truss is a remarkable local success story. In just under three years it has grown from a pipedream to become Victoria's fifth largest fabricator of wall frames, roof and floor trusses.

The business was founded in 2002 by George Prothero, a larger than life individual who identified an opportunity to supply the Melbourne housing market from Wangaratta. George's initial research and planning was worth the effort - Alpine Truss now employs 60 people, the company has contracts with Victoria's four largest housing firms, and is the state's fifth largest supplier in its field. All this in just a few years.

According to George, it comes as a surprise to some people that the factory is based in Wangaratta to supply the Melbourne market. "Believe it or not, we actually get our products into Melbourne more efficiently and cost-effectively than many of our competitors. Being near the Hume Freeway means we get a clear run into Melbourne and have our products on-site by 7am."

George is also passionate about the contribution of staff and suppliers. In fact, some even keep items in stock just for us. We use two local freight companies, Walker Transport and Wells Transport. Their flexible approach means we can achieve delivery efficiencies and maintain delivery schedules that are the envy of the industry. Establishing the business here in Wangaratta has turned out better than I expected."

Lifestyle and Business

Michelle Armstrong and James Clark and their two young children settled in Wangaratta nearly three years ago. The move astonished neighbours and friends on inner-city Mosman, until they started visiting, and re-visiting.

As Michelle explains it, "Our friends suddenly realised why the move made so much sense. There's an energy about the place that is infectious, and a sense of space that we enjoy. We love skiing so being so close to the snowfields is a real plus, and there's lots of other things to do. Cycling, bushwalking, the cinema, theatre, wineries - they're all here."

Michelle has found that her PR talents and event management skills, developed from working in Europe for seven years, have been in strong demand since arriving. "The Ned Kelly era and the exploits of the region, created an opening in new activities and events. I have been fortunate enough to be involved with a number of these, which have been great fun, but I never imagined that living in Wangaratta would result in working on projects involving the Kelly era."

James, originally from Enniskillen in Northern Ireland, works in the textile industry, importing Irish linen for the fashion trade in Melbourne and Sydney. "Wangaratta is well placed to catch-up with clients in both Melbourne and Sydney. Being on the main Melbourne-Sydney train line, I simply walk to the station and catch the overnight XPT train.The sleeper service means I arrive ready for a full day's work. I much prefer travelling this way than by car or plane."

Wangaratta's facilities for children have been a standout for this busy working couple. "We had a choice of six primary schools for Finlay, as well as playgroups, child care and pre-school options for Freya. The aquatic centre has a creche and holiday programs, and there's an excellent toy library."