ALBURY, December 20, 2024:
Founding members of Living Ideas met with leaders of Albury and Wodonga councils today
to discuss potential investments and collaborations for urban renewal projects in Australia’s
leading regional growth centre.
The visiting delegation, led by urban renewal advocate and award-winning business leader
Ms Ke, who has delivered some of China’s biggest ecological projects, was greeted by Albury
Mayor Cr Kevin Mack and Wodonga Mayor Cr Michael Gobel.
The two mayors, and their respective council executive management teams, including
Albury council CEO Frank Zaknick and Wodonga Council CEO Matt Hyde, presented the
unique opportunities of the Border district.
Living Ideas co-founders including Ms Ke, Alex Chen, Mark Sutton and Simon Dulhunty,
toured the region. The group heard how the twin city’s population was forecast to grow to
almost 140,000 (from 100,000) over the next 20 years through growth corridors for
residential expansion in both Albury and Wodonga.
The delegation witnessed the council-led initiatives in industrial centres, sustainability and
manufacturing projects.
Ms Ke said: “The natural beauty of Albury-Wodonga as a growing region could not have
been more impressive. Geographically, Albury-Wodonga is ideally and uniquely placed as an
investment hub. It’s diverse economy, geographical location – as a perfect transportation
hub by rail – and strong industrial expansion makes it an obvious region that will boom over
the next 20 years.”
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack, one of Australia’s most prolific promoters of regional investment,
said the one-city concept and the combined offering of the Albury-Wodonga and
surrounding towns, was critical to attract investment partners.
“I think we can see with the dual representation here today that collaboration between
councils and the proactiveness of our leaders to promote investment and partnership
opportunities is a major advantage.
“We want to be a can-do region, and invite investment into projects that can benefit the
growing populations of regions.”
Ms Ke, a Senior Economist with over 20 years of financial leadership experience has recently
acted as Financial Manager and Director at Wuhan Puquan Furniture & Decoration
Design Company. She has been instrumental in driving financial growth and technological
innovation and played a pivotal role in the IPO of Nongshang Environmental, which earned
numerous awards for urban construction. In 2020, Ms Ke was awarded the
“Outstanding CFO Award”.
In her tour of Albury-Wodonga, she said her eyes had been opened to the vast urban
renewal and landscaping needs of regions beyond Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
Mr Chen, based in Sydney, is a strong exponent of cultural engagement. He has
deep insights into the needs of global communities, having worked closely with both
Chinese and Australian real estate sectors. As Vice President of the NSW Chinese
Debating Association, Mr Chen fosters cultural exchange and community impact. His work
champions sustainable housing solutions and urban development.
“The significance of our visit cannot be underestimated, and the understanding of local
economies in regions, especially such as Albury-Wodonga, where a beating heart of the
Murray River provides such a life blood, and is supported by vital transport and logistics
hubs, was enhanced by the professionalism of the leaders from council,” Mr Chen said.
Ms Ke said: “We look forward to further establishing this relationship to explore
opportunities of how we can work together.”
About Living Ideas Awards:
Mission: To showcase innovations that improve our living spaces, making homes more
sustainable and energy efficient.
Focus: Celebrating excellence in fields that shape human habitation and sustainable living.
Goal: Inspiring individuals and organisations to push the boundaries of creativity and
innovation in sustainable living.
