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.”

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.

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.

Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre Inc is one of 60 Learn Local organisations across Victoria to receive grants totalling $2.3 million, provided through Round 3 of the State Government's Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board Capacity and Innovation Fund.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has welcomed funding of $25,000 for Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre Inc to help them better serve the needs of learners in the region.
The grants help Adult Community Education Learn Local organisations such as Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre Inc to expand their services, improve efficiency, offer new courses and increase the participation and attainment of learners.
Dr Sykes said the funding will help to develop the capacity of the centre to best meet demand in the competitive training environment of the local snow sports industry.
He said, “The project will consult with local businesses to determine training requirements and traineeships.”
Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre’s CEO, Yvonne Evans said, “The funds will be utilised to develop a new strategic direction for the centre. There have been a number of challenges facing the centre this past two years due to government policy and we are hoping that this funding will enable us to undertake a critical examination of where we can go in the future and how we can get there.
“Sustainability is the key factor for us. Without a sustainable and viable future the centre will not survive and the community will be the ones to lose out. It takes an enormous effort to get a Neighbourhood Centre established in a community and once it is lost there may be no going back.
“We aim to prevent that if we can by being professional and adopting a business outlook towards our planning and development.”
Dr Sykes said that the ACFE Capacity and Innovation Grants have been designed to help Learn Local organisations to develop new programs to boost participation and learning.
"The Capacity and Innovation Fund is an initiative that will encourage innovation within adult education and support a sector of the Victorian education system that already does vital work in supporting adult learners.
"As a knowledge-driven economy, Victoria will increasingly need a workforce with higher levels of qualifications and skills. Through these funds, the Learn Local organisations in our region are further enhanced to help supply this education and training. Congratulations to all successful applicants from this round."
Each year the state's 310 Learn Local organisations provide education and training to more than 95,000 people, offering vocational, language, literacy and numeracy and work-skill courses.
Dr Sykes concluded, “In the 20 years that the community-based adult education sector has been recognised in Victoria by legislation, these organisations have helped countless thousands of people to an education and employment pathway.”

Mansfield and Merton race clubs will share in a joint Baillieu Coalition Government and racing industry investment of $42,000 to improve safety and other infrastructure at country Victorian picnic racecourses.
The Mansfield Race Club will receive $1,500 and Merton $1,200 to undertake an underground service audit. Mansfield will also make improvements to the track access gate.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes and Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said picnic racing played an important role in local racing, providing more relaxed experience, being able to unpack the esky, kick back and enjoy racing in a bush setting.
Dr Sykes said, “I have enjoyed many picnic race meets at both Mansfield and Merton and it is always great to see the local community get together to share a day at the races.
“Importantly this also brings economic benefits to the local community particularly the local hospitality sector and helps attract visitors to these areas,” Dr Sykes said.
“While picnic racing experiences enormous popularity, there is a need to make sure racecourse infrastructure is kept up to high standard and meets safety requirements and this funding will help to achieve that.”
Of the total investment around the state, the Coalition Government will provide $21,000, Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria will jointly contribute $12,500 and picnic racing clubs will provide $8,500.
Country Racing Victoria CEO Scott Whiteman said CRV and picnic racing clubs were grateful to the Victorian Government once again for its support of picnic racing.
“We are delighted that the Victorian Government understands the important role that picnic racing plays in its local communities with many groups benefitting from people attending the races and visiting the local area,” Mr Whiteman said.
“These occupational health and safety projects will seek to ensure that Victorian picnic racing continues to set the standard for all picnic racing in Australia with massive crowds and community involvement outstanding in recent years,” he said.
Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government is committed to picnic racing and the tourism and other economic benefits it brings to many local communities.
“Already picnic racing clubs have benefitted from more than $50,000 granted by the Baillieu Coalition Government for projects to improve racetracks and public facilities,” Dr Napthine said.
“The Coalition Government is pleased to be partnering with the racing industry and local racing clubs to provide this funding and help build on the social and economic benefits of picnic racing to local communities,” he said.

Bill Sykes, Member for Benalla today announced that Euroa Secondary College will receive funding for students to volunteer in the community thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s $4.5 million Advance program.
National Volunteer Week will be held from 14-20 May 2012.
Dr Sykes said, “Our volunteers do a fantastic job in protecting communities and lives during fire, storm and flood. They also provide important support in the areas of health, education, social justice, sports, heritage and culture and the environment and conservation.
“I applaud Euroa Secondary for participating in the Advance program in 2012 and I am sure that the students will greatly benefit from their contribution and experiences.
“The Advance program also provides a fantastic opportunity to partner local schools with local community groups.”
Acting Principal of Euroa Secondary College, Scott Watson said, “Euroa Secondary College has a very well run Advance program at year 9 level which constantly relies upon the volunteer workforce associated with a variety of surrounding country fire brigades.
“Both CFA members and equipment is utilised on a weekly basis in order to meet the educational outcomes of the Advance program.
“Young people at Euroa Secondary College are able to complete Junior Wildfire Firefighter qualifications as part of their course of work and the volunteer nature of people with the expertise in our community who assist with this outcome is greatly appreciated indeed – without this assistance the program would struggle to engage the young people involved and certainly would decrease the quality of achievement able to be obtained.”
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith announced that more than 420 schools and 17,000 young people will be participating in the Advance program in 2012.
“Advance is a fantastic program that encourages young people to get involved in their local community and strengthens local partnerships between schools and local community organisations and services.
“The program also provides young people with practical opportunities for mentoring and gaining new skills and training whilst learning more about their local community.
“Supporting young people to volunteer has a positive and lasting effect, not only on the individual, but the whole community,” Mr Smith said.
Advance is a $4.5 million flexible school-based program offered annually in Victorian Government secondary schools. It engages and provides opportunities for young people between the ages of 14-18 to actively participate in their community through volunteering, while learning valuable transferable skills.
Dr Sykes also thanked the countless volunteers throughout north east Victoria who make such valuable contributions to their local communities.
For more information on the Advance program go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/advance

Bright Adult Community Education Centre is one of 60 Learn Local organisations across Victoria to receive grants totalling $2.3 million, provided through Round 3 of the State Government's Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board Capacity and Innovation Fund.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has welcomed funding of $19,800 for the Bright Adult Education Centre to help them better serve the needs of learners in the region.
The grants help Adult Community Education Learn Local organisations such as Bright Adult Community Education Centre to expand their services, improve efficiency, offer new courses and increase the participation and attainment of learners.
Dr Sykes said the money would be used to provide opportunities to Learn Local organisations to develop programs and products aimed at building capacity and increasing the participation and attainment of learners.
He said, “This funding will greatly benefit the communities of Bright and Myrtleford and provide learning opportunities in the areas of aged care and the ski industry in particular.
Marg McCallum, Bright Adult Education Centre committee member and Jill Graham, coordinator of the Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre welcomed the funding.
In a joint statement they said that Bright Adult Education and Myrtleford Neighbourhood Centre have partnered together in a joint project named Alpine Futures.
The project will focus on developing complementary strategic plans for the next three years clear clearly outlines both organisation’s visions for the future.
The development of financial and business plans will also help to improve the viability of each organisation and assist in making both sustainable and relevant within the Alpine Shire and the local community.
Dr Sykes said that the ACFE Capacity and Innovation Grants have been designed to help Learn Local organisations to develop new programs to boost participation and learning.
"The Capacity and Innovation Fund is an initiative that will encourage innovation within adult education and support a sector of the Victorian education system that already does vital work in supporting adult learners.
"As a knowledge-driven economy, Victoria will increasingly need a workforce with higher levels of qualifications and skills. Through these funds, the Learn Local organisations in our region are further enhanced to help supply this education and training. Congratulations to all successful applicants from this round."
Each year the state's 310 Learn Local organisations provide education and training to more than 95,000 people, offering vocational, language, literacy and numeracy and work-skill courses.
Dr Sykes concluded, “In the 20 years that the community-based adult education sector has been recognised in Victoria by legislation, these organisations have helped countless thousands of people to an education and employment pathway.”

MACE is one of 60 Learn Local organisations across Victoria to receive grants totalling $2.3 million, provided through Round 3 of the State Government's Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board Capacity and Innovation Fund.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has welcomed funding of $50,000 for Mansfield Adult Community Education Centre to help them better serve the needs of learners in the region.
The grants help Adult Community Education Learn Local organisations such as MACE to expand their services, improve efficiency, offer new courses and increase the participation and attainment of learners.
Dr Sykes said the funding, in partnership with Swinburne University, will be used to develop a Facilitated Online Regional Learning Model to provide learners in the Hume Region with access to a three tiered degree program.
He said, “This is a fantastic initiative which will have many benefits for people in the Benalla Electorate, particularly our young people who wish to commence further education without having to initially relocate to a Melbourne or a larger regional centre.”
MACE CEO, Paul Sladdin said, “Learn Local organisations such as MACE are committed to providing access to learning opportunities for people in the Hume Region.
“This additional funding is welcome in that it will enable MACE to engage with Learn Local organisations to ensure the roll out of the Uni4U project which is aimed at increasing the participation rate in higher education for people in the Hume region.”
Dr Sykes said that the ACFE Capacity and Innovation Grants have been designed to help Learn Local organisations to develop new programs to boost participation and learning.
"The Capacity and Innovation Fund is an initiative that will encourage innovation within adult education and support a sector of the Victorian education system that already does vital work in supporting adult learners.
"As a knowledge-driven economy, Victoria will increasingly need a workforce with higher levels of qualifications and skills. Through these funds, the Learn Local organisations in our region are further enhanced to help supply this education and training. Congratulations to all successful applicants from this round."
Each year the state's 310 Learn Local organisations provide education and training to more than 95,000 people, offering vocational, language, literacy and numeracy and work-skill courses.
Dr Sykes concluded, “In the 20 years that the community-based adult education sector has been recognised in Victoria by legislation, these organisations have helped countless thousands of people to an education and employment pathway.”

Waminda is one of 60 Learn Local organisations across Victoria to receive grants totalling $2.3 million, provided through Round 3 of the State Government's Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board Capacity and Innovation Fund.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has welcomed funding of $36,020 for Benalla’s Waminda Community House to help them better serve the needs of learners in the region.
The grants help Adult Community Education Learn Local organisations such as Waminda to expand their services, improve efficiency, offer new courses and increase the participation and attainment of learners.
Dr Sykes said the money would be used to provide opportunities to Learn Local organisations to develop programs and products aimed at building capacity and increasing the participation and attainment of learners.
He said, “The funding for Waminda will help the organisation to position itself as a preferred provider for the socio economically disadvantaged neighbourhood of West Benalla.
“Waminda will undertake research and community consultation, develop volunteers and develop sound learning pathways.”
Waminda Coordinator, Bobbie Titcher said, “The project will also work toward building the capacity of Waminda to serve the local community by strengthening the organisation’s governance and operating systems and establish stronger partnerships with other community organizations.
“A partnership has also been developed with The Centre to assist in the development of educational programs in the local community.”
Dr Sykes said that the ACFE Capacity and Innovation Grants have been designed to help Learn Local organisations to develop new programs to boost participation and learning.
"The Capacity and Innovation Fund is an initiative that will encourage innovation within adult education and support a sector of the Victorian education system that already does vital work in supporting adult learners.
"As a knowledge-driven economy, Victoria will increasingly need a workforce with higher levels of qualifications and skills. Through these funds, the Learn Local organisations in our region are further enhanced to help supply this education and training. Congratulations to all successful applicants from this round."
Each year the state's 310 Learn Local organisations provide education and training to more than 95,000 people, offering vocational, language, literacy and numeracy and work-skill courses.
Dr Sykes concluded, “In the 20 years that the community-based adult education sector has been recognised in Victoria by legislation, these organisations have helped countless thousands of people to an education and employment pathway.”

The Victorian Government is supporting economic development in Benalla Rural City with funding of $75,000 announced today by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes requested funding support for the appointment of a business development officer in Parliament this week.
Dr Sykes said Benalla Rural City Council would use the funding to employ a Business Development Officer to work within the council’s Economic Development unit over the next two years to help develop and strengthen local businesses.
“Benalla’s Economic Development Unit is not fully equipped to deal with the range of issues and opportunities and its budget does not currently allow for the appointment of an additional full-time resource,” Dr Sykes said.
“As a result, the council cannot fully capitalize and deliver on a range of initiatives that could drive economic development activity.”
Dr Sykes said, “I am pleased that the Minister has provided this funding so that Benalla has the resources to encourage existing businesses to grow and create more jobs and also to attract new businesses to the area.”
He said, “The Business Development Officer is a great acquisition. They could support the existing efforts of people such as CEO Tony McIIroy, Jeanie Hall, Justin Finlayson, Veronica Schilling and all of the staff at Benalla Rural City Council and the broader community.
“I should make the point that our community is not just sitting back and asking for help. This month we have a program in place called 31 Jobs in 31 Days. That is about encouraging local businesses to create 31 jobs in our area, and it also about encouraging young people and job seekers to enhance their skills through such means as conducting mock interviews and developing their CV’s.”
Mr Ryan said, “Engaging a Business Development Officer will enhance the capability of the council to deliver better economic development outcomes.
“The officer will enable Benalla Rural City to attract investment, retain existing business and undertake promotional activities to grow the municipality.
“Tourism is a major sector that this project could capitalise on, with the Winton Wetlands project gathering momentum.”
Mr Ryan said employing the officer would also help the council conduct a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Program and implement the findings to assist local business operators.
“The officer will help develop closer relationships with education providers to support business training and skills development,” Mr Ryan said.
“They will also deliver support to the Benalla Business Network and represent the Council in regional workforce development initiatives.”
He said the two-year appointment of the officer was expected to take effect from May 2012.