Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said today that north east Victoria is open for business with a smorgasbord of fantastic activities over the coming Easter long weekend.
Dr Sykes took the opportunity to highlight some of the popular events scheduled over the Easter break in Parliament last week.
He said, “The Ovens Valley rail trail provides gentle exercise with the beautiful backdrop of Mount Buffalo.
“Bright will be staging its 50th annual autumn art exhibition as well as a Saturday market.
“Harrietville will also have a bush market, and Dinner Plain is staging its Easter Festival, which includes live music, country food and Easter egg hunts.
“The Mount Beauty speedway will be in action, and there will be a Gliding Club of Victoria Easter fly-in.”
He highlighted the Australian carriage driving championships in Longwood, the popular Avenel and Nagambie markets as well as the Tahbilk Winery’s Easter fiesta on the following weekend.
“Winton Motor Raceway will stage the Easternats, and nearby Molyullah will stage the 112th Easter sports.
“The Farmers Arms Hotel in Benalla will again stage its annual Good Friday appeal, as will the Thoona and Tatong communities. Tatong will also stage its popular market on Easter Saturday morning.”
Dr Sykes said, “Mansfield has a great bush market on Easter Saturday and the Goulburn River high country rail trail, between Mansfield and Bonnie Doon, is a must and includes crossing a 385 metre long bridge over a nearly full Lake Eildon.
“The Lions Club of Eildon will be holding an Easter market, and there will be plenty of fish to catch in Lake Eildon and nearby waters.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “All in all you can be guaranteed a great Easter break in north east Victoria.”

The Baillieu-Ryan Government has delivered on its commitment to secure Victoria’s participation in this year’s Rock Eisteddfod Challenge.
Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said that the Victorian Government was providing sponsorship of $200,000 for the dance, drama and design spectacular.
Dr Sykes said the funding was part of an $800,000 commitment over four years which was promised prior to the election in 2010.
“I am delighted that students, teachers and parents throughout the Benalla Electorate would again have the opportunity to take part in this long running event.
“The Rock Eisteddfod Challenge provides fantastic opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills in music, dance, drama and teamwork and provides a positive framework for young people,” Dr Sykes said.
“Organisers were forced to cancel the event in Victoria last year because the Brumby Government dramatically reduced the funding which was needed for it to go ahead.
“Through sponsoring the Victorian Rock Eisteddfod Challenge the Baillieu-Ryan Government is providing an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents through performing arts and music and throw the spotlight on some of the important issues in their lives.”
Dr Sykes said Mansfield Primary School, Benalla Youth Group Performers and Benalla West Primary School have all been participants in past years.
Victorian participants will join 300 Australian secondary schools and 25,000 students to compete across Australia. School team sizes range from 20 to 140 students. Teams will deliver an eight-minute performance based on a theme of their choice set to contemporary music.
For more information about the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge for 2011 go to www.rockchallenge.com.au.

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said that the 2010 Victorian Seniors Festival in October was a great opportunity for seniors throughout the Benalla Electorate to enjoy a range of activities and performances in their local area and in Melbourne.
Dr Sykes said that a drawcard for many senior Victorians to attend festival events was the offer of free public transport on regional town bus services, metropolitan transport and V/Line travel during the 2010 Seniors Festival from 3 to 10 October.
As part of the festival there are eight days of free regional town bus services including Benalla. Seniors do not need a ticket for these free services and only need to show their Victorian Seniors Card.
Travel on long-distance V/line rail services and some coach services must be booked before travel. Free travel on V/Line rail and coach services is available on 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 October.
Dr Sykes said that in previous years he had been contacted by local seniors upset that they had missed out on reserving V/Line tickets because there had not been sufficient pre-publicity in relation to when reservations for free travel were open.
“My office has this year been successful in sourcing this information so that it can be provided to seniors in a timely manner.”
Dr Sykes said that reservations for the Seniors Festival free economy class travel open on Tuesday 7 September at 10am.
“I would recommend any one wanting to benefit from the free travel on V/Line services to start phoning early as it is my understanding that there are limited seats available.
“It is regrettable that this system of reserving a V/Line seat to enjoy some of the Melbourne events as part of Seniors Festival has caused upset amongst seniors in my electorate.
“I would encourage the State Government to look at this issue and consider a fairer system for future festivals.”
Tickets for free travel as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival can be booked at the nearest staffed V/Line station, V/Line ticket agent or by calling 136 196. Bookings can be made for one return journey for up to four Victorian Seniors Card holders and tickets must be collected no later than 48 hours after booking.
Large parties of 12 or more must call V/Line to ensure seats will be available. Call 9619 2338 after 10am on Tuesday 7 September to book.
Information is now available on the Seniors Festival and free public transport for seniors who have access to the internet at http://www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au/web19/osv/dvcosv.nsf.

 Applications for Round 2 of the Multicultural Festivals and Events Grants for 2010-2011 have now opened and Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes encourages community groups to submit their projects for consideration.
“The Benalla Electorate is made up of a very broad multicultural mix and these grants give us the opportunity to celebrate the diverse nature of our community,” Dr Sykes said.
The funding will support major festivals, conferences and special ethnic community events.
“Events that are eligible for funding include special ethnic celebrations that encourage closer relationships with the broader community and National Day festivities,” Dr Sykes said.
“The funding will provide an opportunity for organisations and community groups to promote and celebrate the culture of the diverse communities throughout north-east Victoria.”
Schools are also encouraged to apply for funding for activities held during Cultural Diversity Week (20-27 March 2011).
Applications for annual dinner dances and community luncheons that have been funded in previous years will no longer receive priority funding due to increasing competition for funding.
Applications close on Friday, August 6 2010 and can be done online at http://vmc.smartygrants.com.au/festivalandevents.
For further information call the Grants Information Hotline on 1300 366 356.
Media enquiries Bill Sykes MP 0427 624 989