Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today announced the Victorian Coalition Government would provide funding of $3,000 for the Glenrowan Winemakers’ Weekend and $4,500 for the La Dolce Vita festival.
Dr Sykes said the funding was part of the Coalition Government’s ongoing commitment to regional Victoria and to developing tourism throughout north east Victoria.
Speaking in Parliament this week, Dr Sykes said north east Victoria is a great place to live, work and raise a family and that events such as these are what helps to make the region so liveable and attractive to tourists.
The Glenrowan Winemakers’ Weekend in early October showcases the finest local, seasonal produce and wines and includes dinner on Saturday evening, wine tastings at participating wineries, a delicious gourmet Sunday breakfast and guided walks in the Ovens Warby National Park.
Dr Sykes said, “This is a fantastic weekend highlighting the best food and wine on offer in the Glenrowan region.”
The La Dolce Vita Festival is a springtime celebration where people can enjoy a wonderful weekend of Mediterranean al fresco indulgence in the spectacular King Valley.
“Spring is a great time of year to visit the King Valley and sample its diverse wines and gourmet food,” Dr Sykes said.
Funding to support these two events is provided through the State Government’s Victoria Events Program which assists with tourism marketing and event delivery and development.
Dr Sykes said, “I have discussed the importance of promoting north east Victoria as a tourist destination with the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher and I am very pleased that she continues to be committed to developing our regional tourism industry.
“This week in Parliament I also requested the Minister confirm funding for the popular Kangaroo Hoppet at Falls Creek in August and I am delighted that the Minister has provided $10,000 for the event.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “The latest National Visitor Survey results found tourism in regional Victoria continues to grow. In the year ending December 2011 domestic overnight expenditure in regional Victoria increased 6.5 per cent to $4.2 billion.
“The continued support by the Coalition Government for events throughout the Benalla Electorate will have ongoing benefits for our local communities and businesses.”

The Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes this week highlighted the many attractions and events being held throughout north east Victoria in the lead up to and including the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Dr Sykes said, “There are many exciting events coming up in north-eastern Victoria, and I encourage all Victorians to come and enjoy them.
“This weekend Myrtleford will host La Fiera, a festival which celebrates the area's rich local Italian heritage.
“On the Queen's Birthday weekend we will celebrate snow season openings at Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain, Mount Buller, Mount Stirling and Lake Mountain.
“We also have many enjoyable activities in the low country, with wine and food events galore. These include a winery walkabout in the alpine valleys which will involve visits to Michelini Wines, Boynton's Feathertop Winery and Bogong Estate, while the Glenrowan wine region will feature local wines and foods and Ned Kelly history.
“Participating wineries include Morrisons, the Auldstone Cellars, Silent Range Estate and Booth's Taminick Cellars.
“The Winton Motor Raceway will host round 2 of the Victorian motor championships.
“Goorambat will be home to an art show featuring the works of local artists including Louise Carlisle, Julie Stevens and Aaron Scotts.
“For those wanting to enjoy some physical exercise, we have a magnificent rail trail in the Ovens Valley and the new, 134-kilometre Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail.
“Alexandra will host a fantastic truck, ute and rod show. Other wineries worth visiting include Kinloch Wines and the Delatite Winery in the upper Goulburn region and many more in the Strathbogie and Nagambie wine regions, including the Fowles, Maygars Hill, Mitchelton and Tahbilk wineries.
Last but not least, the King Valley is open, featuring wineries such as King River Estate, Dal Zotto, Boggy Creek Vineyards, Pizzini, Gracebrook Vineyards and King Valley Cucina, which also hosts the King Valley Art Show.
Dr Sykes concluded, “North-eastern Victoria is a truly great place to live, work and raise a family - see you there!”

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes and Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish today announced that construction of the new Rubicon River bridge on the Taggerty-Thornton Road has been completed.
Dr Sykes said, “The original bridge, built in 1946 and located approximately 3km south of Thornton, was damaged beyond repair in the September 2010 floods which required it to be replaced.
“The new 25 metre single span bridge is 11 metres wide, three metres wider than the original bridge. It includes two lanes and has been built to current safety standards, allowing a safer crossing for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.
“The old bridge had two spans and the pier was severely damaged in the floods. The new bridge is a single span bridge, which means that this problem will not re-occur in the case of a future flood event.”
Cindy McLeish said, “The improved motoring experience provided by the new bridge construction will be welcomed by locals and tourists alike.
“Built to current standards it is expected that this structure will have a service life of 100 years,” she added.
The road on either side of the new bridge required a minor realignment of approximately 400 metres to straighten the slight curve that had led to the old bridge. This has increased sight distance for motorists using the bridge.
To initially address the bridge damage, VicRoads installed a temporary single lane Bailey bridge over the old bridge deck. This temporary structure has been in place throughout the reconstruction works to enable local and tourist traffic to use the road.
“The Taggerty-Thornton Road is a popular tourist route from Melbourne to Lake Eildon and also a vital school bus route,” Ms McLeish said.
Dr Sykes said, “The bridge was completed well ahead of schedule and we would like to thank VicRoads and the contractors for their efforts in finishing this project early.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to maintaining and improving the arterial road network to ensure a safe driving environment for motorists,” Dr Sykes concluded.

The Bonnie Doon Community Group will benefit from $4,035 through the State Government’s Local History Grants to present an information board that chronicles the history of Bonnie Doon.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said the Coalition Victorian Government was committed to the preservation of local history, and acknowledged the hours contributed by historical societies in achieving that goal.
Dr Sykes today met with members of the Bonnie Doon Community Group to present them with a certificate from the Premier and Minister for the Arts in recognition of the grant.
Dr Sykes said, “Bonnie Doon has a fascinating history, particularly the relocation of parts of the old township buildings from what is now part of Lake Eildon.
“Interest in the town’s history has been reignited since water returned to the lake after more than 10 years of drought which has seen an increase in visitor numbers to the region. The soon to be opened Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail, which runs through Bonnie Doon, will also attract further tourists.”
President of the Bonnie Doon Community Group, Nola Evans said, “The Bonnie Doon Community Group are very pleased to receive funding from the State Government Local History grant to help us preserve and showcase our local history.
“In response to many requests for information a board with photographs and map telling the story of the now submerged original Bonnie Doon township will be displayed near the site. It will also indicate remaining parts of the old township such as the three churches, recreation reserve and cemetery.”
Premier of Victoria and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu said 58 Victorian community groups would undertake important local history projects this year thanks to more than $340,000 in grants through the Victorian Government’s Local History Grants program.
The projects include writing and publishing books, developing displays and exhibitions, oral histories, heritage trails and multimedia projects.
“The Victoria of today has been shaped by the aspirations and actions of millions of people and groups with a range of backgrounds – all with a fascinating story to share,” Mr Baillieu said.
“These community-based projects are driven by volunteers, whether through historical societies, community museums, cultural centres or primary schools. These groups work hard to gather and preserve historical materials and memories, and are passionate about telling their local stories.”
A full list of grant recipients is available on Public Record Office Victoria’s website www.prov.vic.gov.au

Strathbogie Shire Council will develop a strategy to identify how Nagambie and its economy can prosper after the completion of the Goulburn Valley Highway bypass, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said today.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes welcomed the funding with the Victorian Government providing funding of $75,000 for the After the Bypass – Positioning Nagambie as a Destination of Choice project.
Dr Sykes said, “In February I opened the $3.5 million Nagambie Revitalisation Project, a project that was identified as a high priority in the Nagambie Growth Management Plan. I also launched the new boardwalk signage at Nagambie. Both projects are important components of making Nagambie an attractive place to live and visit and this additional funding will enable the shire to build on this."
The project will identify the needs, opportunities and recommended options to reposition Nagambie as a destination of choice.
“The impending construction of the Nagambie by-pass as part of the upgrade of the Goulburn Valley Highway will have implications for the local Nagambie community and economy,” Dr Sykes said.
“Strathbogie Shire Council is keen to ensure that all aspects of the local economy are further developed to ensure Nagambie’s ongoing prosperity.
“Nagambie, which must become a destination of choice in its own right so that visitors to the region can engage in local tourism and economic opportunities, is well positioned within the Strathbogie Shire to offer significant tourism/economic opportunities.
“The project will look at maximising and complementing new and existing opportunities such as the Nagambie Regatta Centre, Nagambie Lake activities, sports events and local growth industries including viticulture, micro agri-businesses and the equine industry.
“The project, which includes engaging consultants, will inform council processes and decision making and will result in a plan for Nagambie to move forward.”
“I am really excited with this project. Our partnership with the State Government and community will ensure Nagambie has a great future as a destination of Choice” Cr Swan said.
CEO of the Strathbogie Shire, Steve Crawcour said, “This Government has shown time and time again that it is supporting rural and regional initiatives. As a small rural Shire we cannot do it alone and our partnership with the State, businesses and community shows that real outcomes can be achieved when working together. The aim of this project is to cement Nagambie’s name and reputation as a Village by the Lake and position it Post By Pass.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government funding for the After the Bypass – Positioning Nagambie as a Destination of Choice project would be provided to Strathbogie Shire Council, which would contribute $25,000.
He said the funding would be provided through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First Program.
“Putting Locals First is a $100 million initiative that enables regional communities to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses that reflect local priorities,” Mr Ryan said.
“It is supporting stronger and more sustainable regional communities by building their capacity to drive development in their region.”
The After the Bypass – Positioning Nagambie as a Destination of Choice project is expected to be completed in June 2013.

Local MP, Bill Sykes has announced that the Victorian Coalition Government is offering a new service to residents in the Mansfield Shire to safely dispose of old cleaning products, left over paint, dead batteries and weedkiller stores around their home.
The Detox Your Home program provides a free service in partnership with the Mansfield Shire to collect potentially dangerous and unwanted household chemical products.
Residents in the Mansfield Shire can dispose of their unwanted household chemicals on:
Date: Saturday 16 June 2012
Time: 8.00am to 11.00am
Location: Council Operations Depot, Lakins Road
Dr Sykes said, “This is an important service funded by the Victorian Government through the Victorian landfill levy, which ensures collected material are treated and recycled, or disposed of safely by a specialist team.
“It provides families with the opportunity to get rid of potentially dangerous products which may be harmful to people, especially young children.”
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith said the Government was committed to protecting Victoria’s environment and ensuring communities are free from harmful chemicals.
“Over time we all develop a collection of old paints and chemicals that are no longer needed,” Mr Smith said.
“However it is important that these items are disposed of correctly to avoid contaminating the environment which we all share and enjoy.
“Detox Your Home recognises the value of a combined effort between government, households and local councils to act responsibly in disposing of potentially harmful and dangerous waste,” he said
Dr Sykes said he encourages residents to make the most of this opportunity and to participate in this collection.
For more information about the Detox Your Home program or how to safely dispose of chemical waste, residents can call 1800 35 32 33 (toll free) or visit www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au. 

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has today welcomed grants from the Victorian Coalition Government to support the redevelopment of existing men’s sheds throughout the Benalla Electorate.
Grants of up to $30,000 are now available to support the redevelopment of men’s sheds and was part of a $4 million package over four years to help men’s sheds increase their capacity to attract new members, operate sustainably.
Dr Sykes said, “My Electorate has many active men’s sheds that make significant contributions to their local communities. This includes men’s sheds in Mansfield, Euroa, Moyhu, Benalla, Myrtleford and Bright.
“These grants will help sheds throughout north east Victoria to continue to make valuable contributions to their communities, whether that is through engagement with schools, farmers, retirees, the unemployed and people with disabilities for example.”
Dr Sykes said that the grants can be used to help sheds meet occupational health and safety and disability standards or to meet increased demand for established shed activities.
“Men’s sheds have continued to increase in popularity and there are many communities considering establishing a men’s shed. I look forward to a future announcement of funding for new builds, which I understand may occur next year.”
Applications through the Strengthening Men’s Sheds Program close on Friday 10 August 2012. More information is available at: www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-business-and-community/community-involvement/men-in-the-community/strenthening-mens-sheds.

Australia’s premier long distance cross-country ski race will benefit from $10,000 funding from the Victorian Coalition Government through Tourism Victoria’s Events Program.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said the Kangaroo Hoppet continued to generate significant overnight visitation to Falls Creek.
“An impressive 1,000 competitors from more than 20 countries participated in last year’s race which is an outstanding result and demonstrates the widespread appeal of Victoria’s High Country,” Ms Asher said.
The 42 kilometre race is a part of the Worldloppet, a union of the most significant cross country ski races in the world, and is complemented by the shorter 21 kilometre Australian Birkebeiner and seven kilometre Joey Hoppet race.
“As the only southern hemisphere event in the 15 nation Worldloppet cross country ski series, this event is a terrific branding opportunity to position Victoria as the premier alpine destination in Australia,” Ms Asher said.
Member for Benalla Bill Sykes said Falls Creek was one of the most popular winter playgrounds in the country, offering a mountain village experience in a uniquely Australian setting.
“As the opening event of the 2012/13 Worldloppet series, the Kangaroo Hoppet showcases the picturesque High Country and with the three race options, encourages participation from all ages and levels of ability,” Dr Sykes said.
“With visitors from Europe and North America attending last year’s event, the wide variety of activities on offer prior to the main race will entice our international and interstate visitors to spend more time in the High Country, which is good news for local businesses.”
The Victorian Coalition Government, through Tourism Victoria, is partner of the 2012 Ski Winter Co-operative Marketing Program through the Board for Alpine Resorts Tourism (BART).
Comprising the five Victorian Alpine Resort Management Boards and Tourism Victoria, BART promotes Victoria’s snowfields as an integral part of Victoria’s tourism offering.
With a range of related sport and social events in Falls Creek and Mount Beauty in the lead-up to the event, the Kangaroo Hoppet aligns with BART’s strategy to broaden the appeal of Victoria’s snowfields beyond the action on the slopes.
Mountain villages such as Falls Creek offer a range of activities including hiking, cross-country and downhill mountain biking, horse riding, day spas and high quality restaurants and accommodation.
The 2012 Kangaroo Hoppet will be held in Falls Creek on 25 August 2012.

Students from Benalla, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga and Cobram attended a healthy weight forum hosted by the Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes and the Member for Murray Valley, Tim McCurdy at Parliament House on Thursday 17 May.
Dr Sykes said, “Students from FCJ College in Benalla used the forum to highlight a range of issues associated with obesity and weight issues in general amongst young people.
“Students had the opportunity to discuss issues relating to healthy weight and the best ways to encourage young people to make healthier food choices when eating out with friends.”
The forum commenced in the Parliamentary dining room with a discussion on body image issues. Students heard from Dr Sally Cockburn, also known as Dr Feelgood, on healthy weight and body sculpting issues.
Mick Wilson, a coach with the BlueEarth Foundation, spoke on the mission to improve health and prevent the issues created by sedentary living by helping to increase participation in physical activity for local communities and individuals.
The forum then moved into the legislative assembly chamber where students from the participating schools each had 10 minutes to speak on their assigned topic. This was followed by group discussion and interaction and concluded with a tour of Parliament House.
FCJ College student Lucy James said of the experience, “The forum was to get student’s perspectives of how obesity is affecting Victoria and whether it is a real problem. It was really interesting to see Parliament House and to be part of the forum in such a great location.
“We met the woman who writes for Girlfriend magazine and she gave an interesting presentation at the beginning of the forum.”
The forum was coordinated by parliamentary intern, Siobhan Mahoney, who is conducting a public policy study into the issue of childhood obesity in north east Victoria.
Dr Sykes, “The forum provided students with an opportunity to contribute to this study.”
He concluded, “Achieving healthy weight involves both ensuring a balanced diet, appropriate level of exercise and a general healthy lifestyle.
“The prime responsibility rests with the individual but clearly families, the broader community and government should also provide appropriate information and support.”

The world game in Myrtleford is ready to grow in leaps and bounds with the opening of the upgraded Savoy Park today by the Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.
Representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty, Mr Sykes said the $100,000 in funding was part of the Victorian Government’s Strengthening the World Game program.
“The upgrade of the facility will accommodate further growth in the club’s membership base so that more people can get involved in soccer.”
“It also boosts the local economy by creating jobs in the construction phase and other ongoing opportunities.”
“By improving the quality of local sport and recreation facilities, the Victorian Government is helping grassroots clubs expand their memberships, bring more people together and getting them involved in sport and other community events.” he said.
The Savoy Park redevelopment project has included:
• renovation of two soccer pitches
• installation of new light towers to increase training opportunities
• installation of an irrigation system for both pitches
• construction of perimeter fences

The Project will directly benefit the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club with its growing number of junior and senior participants. The club also boasts a strong female contingent with over 40 participants.
Mr Sykes commended the club’s contribution of over $37,000 to the project and the contribution that Alpine Shire Council has provided of $15,000.
“That’s why the recent State Budget included $1.45 million in additional funding to extend support to soccer facilities over the coming year.
“This new funding and projects like the upgrade to Savoy Park will ensure that soccer is vibrant and growing at all levels and abilities, not just in the A-league,” he said.