A proposal for a permanent skate park in Eildon has the strong support of the Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.
Dr Sykes and Naomi McNamara from Murrindindi Shire met with Pinky Dice on 8 May 2012 to discuss the project.
Dr Sykes said, “I am most impressed with the work done by Pinky to identify local support for a skate park. He has several hundred signatures on a petition and many offers of support to help raise funds and make it happen.”
Dr Sykes continued, “My advice to Pinky is that State Government grants are available for high priority community projects, hence the need to confirm strong community support.
“Pinky has also spoken with Eildon Action and intends to join the group to further gather broader community support.”
Naomi McNamara indicated Murrindindi Council’s keenness to support the project. While the Council does not currently have the funds to assist financially they will be able to provide support with grant applications and other administrative aspects of the project as it progresses.
Dr Sykes concluded, “Pinky’s efforts deserve broad community support. He has identified a need and is prepared to do something about making it happen.
“I will support the project as it will be good for both local young people and visitors alike.”

The Coalition Government has awarded $42,700 to Benalla Rural City to improve lighting at the Benalla Skate Park to help address local crime prevention measures, as part of the Government’s Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants.
In welcoming the grant local Member of Parliament, Bill Sykes said, “It is fantastic to have this grant of $42,700 in addition to the $200,000 which I promised prior to the 2010 election.
“The upgrade of the Benalla Skate Park project is near to my heart because I have been impressed by the continuing efforts to get the upgrade of Benalla youth, led by Zac Connell and well supported by Scott McGill and Cam Pianta.
“I am also impressed by the efforts of Benalla Secondary College students who conduct the annual Skate and Jam sessions.
“The Skate Park is used by a wide range of young people and there is an encouraging culture of self-regulation and support for each other.”
Dr Sykes said that the upgrade and installation of lighting around the reserve will improve safety and assist in measures to deter anti-social behaviour.
“Improved lighting will also increase community confidence in using the public facilities later into the day and evening.”
Tenders are about to be let for the $400,000 project which will be funded by $200,000 from the State Government’s Regional Growth Fund, $42,700 from the Public Safety Infrastructure Fund, $150,000 from Benalla Rural City and $6,000 from local fundraising.
The Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grant program was highly competitive, with over 100 applications received from councils across Victoria.
Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh said the successful applications covered a number of different types of projects.
"Several councils have received funding support for the installation of CCTV systems. CCTV camera footage can be used by police to assist in identifying and prosecuting offenders, and provides a strong deterrent to those who commit crimes and engage in anti-social behaviour in our streets,” he said.
“Grant funding was also awarded to projects involving installation of public safety and security assets such as lighting systems, and urban design initiatives which help reduce the opportunity to commit crime.”
Mr McIntosh said action on community safety and crime prevention is a high priority for the Coalition Government and these grants will help to make communities safer across Victoria.
The Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants are part of the Coalition Government’s $39 million Community Crime Prevention Program. This sum includes funding for community safety measures and graffiti removal programs across Victoria.
Information on the Community Crime Prevention Program, including details of all the successful Public Safety Infrastructure Fund projects, can be found at www.justice.vic.gov.au/communitycrimeprevention

Twelve local You’ve Got What It Takes (YGWIT) student award winners and their families enjoyed the Brisbane Lions versus Melbourne match last weekend at the MCG with Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.
The Benalla Electorate students were some of last year’s recipients of Dr Sykes’ ‘Weary’ Dunlop ‘You’ve Got What It Takes’ Award.
Initiated nine years ago by Dr Sykes the award recognises students who have demonstrated persistence and resilience in overcoming challenges to achieve either personally, socially, academically, on the sporting arena or in some other field of endeavour.
“It was great to see the Lions win and to see local Benalla boy, Tom Rockcliff play so well.
“This fantastic opportunity was made possible through the generosity of the AFL and this year the students each received caps courtesy of the Brisbane Lions,” Dr Sykes said.
Local students who attended with their families were:
Riley McCloskey (Benalla); Luke Birch (Euroa), Rebecca Jennings (Violet Town), Nathan Malesa (Eildon), Jacob Traczyk (formerly Benalla), Zoe Cavedon (Bright); Abbie Hunter (Benalla); Brody Brown (Porepunkah); John Guppy (Broken Creek); Sophie Davies (Devenish); Gorgia Spinks (Broken Creek); Katie King (Nagambie).
Last week seven other YGWIT award recipients travelled to Parliament House and enjoyed a morning tea and tour of the historic building with Dr Sykes.
“I look forward to following the progress of each of these resilient young people in years to come and I will continue to offer the award to schools in my electorate on an annual basis,” Dr Sykes concluded.
Nomination packs for 2012 will be sent to schools in term three this year.

This week in Parliament, Member for Benalla Bill Sykes highlighted the important work done by the nationally recognised Beacon program and the involvement of Euroa Secondary College and local business people in the initiative.
Dr Sykes said, “Last week I joined local business people and community leaders at Euroa Secondary College to learn more about the Beacon program courtesy of student ambassadors Sierra Weston, Lewis Meeny, Emily Wallace and Byron Craven.”
Beacon’s programs support young people to develop a positive attitude to education, employment, themselves and the wider community. The not for profit organisation currently works with 120 schools Australia wide.
Dr Sykes told Parliament that during the Community Connections Event at Euroa Secondary College on Wednesday 21 March 2012 student ambassadors spoke about the Beacon program and what it meant to them.
Euroa Secondary College student Sierra Weston said, “The Beacon program helps students gain many valuable skills such as public speaking skills, networking skills and a knowledge of how to present yourself. I am very proud of the leadership skills I have developed through my involvement with Beacon.”
Lewis Meeny said, “The Beacon program presents students with a great opportunity to connect with local businesses and the community.”
He also said it had helped him gain more of an understanding of careers and pathways. Most of all, he said he has really enjoyed speaking to successful and interesting people in the community.
Emily Wallace said Beacon had helped her explore many different careers and industries, some of which she did not even know existed. She said being a Beacon ambassador at Euroa Secondary College has definitely helped develop her confidence. She now finds speaking to a roomful of people exciting rather than scary.
Byron Craven said, “The Beacon program benefits not only students and schools but also local businesses and the community by raising interest and giving students the opportunity to talk to business people and find out potential pathways into the careers they want to be involved in after secondary school.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “I encourage all Euroa and district businesses and community leaders to get on board and support the Beacon program in its work in encouraging young people to achieve to the max.
“Remember, it takes a village to raise a child.”

On Wednesday 28 March Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes hosted a special morning tea at Parliament House in Melbourne for seven student award winners and their families from the Benalla Electorate.
The students were recipients in 2011 of the Dr Sykes Weary Dunlop You’ve Got What It Takes Award.
The award was initiated by Dr Sykes in 2003 to recognise students who have demonstrated persistence and resilience in overcoming challenges to achieve either personally, socially, academically, on the sporting arena or in some other field of endeavour.
“It is always a great pleasure to welcome students and their families to Parliament House, which is a magnificent and historical building.
“The students learn a little of the building’s history, tour the corridors and outside surrounds and sometimes recognise some of the faces of the politicians as they hurry from office to chamber,” Dr Sykes said.
“Of course they all enjoy the morning tea which is always impressive, particularly the scones and cream!”
Students attending were;
• Tim Arendt, Benalla East PS
• Jack Hyatt, Thornton PS
• Michael Oats-Hamblin, Mansfield PS
• Lea O’Donohue, Myrtleford P-12
• Joey Robinson, Benalla College
• Laura Sommers, St Joseph’s Nagambie
• Emily Wheeler-Cocks, Eildon PS (2010)

“The students had a great day and I look forward to following their positive steps in the years ahead,” Dr Sykes said.
Other award recipients will travel to Melbourne on Saturday 31 March to attend an AFL match with Dr Sykes at the MCG. The award is generously co-sponsored by the Brisbane Lions Football Club and the AFL.
“I look forward to continuing to offer the award to schools in my Electorate again in 2012.”
Nomination packs will be sent to schools in Term 3.

Thursday 22 March 2012 For immediate release
FCJ College receives grant to ‘beat the blues’
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today announced $2,000 to FCJ College to enable the school to put on an event as part of National Youth Week.
Dr Sykes joined FCJ College Principal David Leslie, students and teacher Vince Branigan and Benalla Rural City mayor Peter Dunn in welcoming the funding.
Dr Sykes said, “The grant will be used by the college to highlight some of the issues relating to young people and mental health.”
National Youth Week grants are a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.
“The grants provide young people in Benalla an opportunity to become involved in a community event which addresses a very important issue in country Victoria.
“It is also a great opportunity for students to put their talents on display and to be recognised by their peers and the wider community.”
The concert, Beating the Blues will showcase acting, singing, dancing and music performed by FCJ College students.
Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith said ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire’ is the theme of this year’s National Youth Week.
“I congratulate the young Victorians that have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community, school and local government,” Mr Smith said.
“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in the Benalla Electorate.”
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge said beyondblue’s contribution of $40,000 toward National Youth Week will be targeted towards events raising awareness amongst young people about depression and anxiety.”
For more information on National Youth Week go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nyw/.
For information on depression and anxiety visit www.youthbeyondblue.com or call 1300 224 636.
Beating The Blues will be held at the Benalla Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday 18 April. Tickets cost $5 (including supper) and are available from FCJ College office with limited tickets available at the door. 

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes today announced funding of $2000 to Benalla College to enable the school to put on an event as part of National Youth Week 2012.
Dr Sykes joined with Benalla College teachers Michele Ramage and Pip Rowe in welcoming the funding.
“The grant will be used by the college to stage the Get Out There Youth Awards (GOTYA),” Dr Sykes said.
“This event will involve youth people engaging peers to showcase local talents in a variety of areas such as music, dance, arts and photography.
“Awards will also be presented in the categories of sport, arts, fundraising, volunteering, music, Encouragement Young Employee/Apprentice Group Award and Leadership.
“The National Youth Week grants are a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.
“They provide a great opportunity for young people in Benalla to put their talents on display and to be recognised by the wider community.”
Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith said ‘Imagine. Create. Inspire’ is the theme of this year’s National Youth Week.
“I congratulate the young Victorians that have successfully lodged an application for an event with the help of their community, school and local government,” Mr Smith said.
“Their creativity and passion for celebrating National Youth Week will no doubt result in a fantastic week of events for young people in the Benalla Electorate.”
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge said beyondblue’s contribution of $40,000 toward National Youth Week will be targeted towards events raising awareness amongst young people about depression and anxiety.”
For more information on National Youth Week go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nyw/.
For information on depression and anxiety visit www.youthbeyondblue.com or call 1300 224 636.
GOTYA Awards 2012 will be held on Monday 23 April. To nominate a deserving young person, forms are available from Benalla College (Faithful and Dunlop Campus), FCJ College and Benalla Rural City Council. Nominations close on 29 March.

Media enquiries Bill Sykes MP 0427 624 989

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes and Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish today congratulated UGFM Murrindindi on receiving a $5,000 grant as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Be Heard! program.

Be Heard! aims to increase volunteering opportunities for young people whilst providing them with increased skills and career pathways in radio.

Dr Sykes said, “I congratulate UGFM on their commitment to encouraging increased youth participation in community radio by applying for this grant.”

Cindy McLeish said, “The grant will benefit young people throughout this region including Yea, Flowerdale, Alexandra and Eildon.”

UGFM Station Manager, Peter Weeks said the grant will enable the station to involve students from Yea High School and Alexandra Secondary College to broadcast their music live on the radio.

The station will broadcast regular jam sessions by students from both schools.

Peter Weeks said, “The grant will help to improve students’ music and broadcast skills, encourages them to do better because they are being heard on the radio and to get involved in community radio.”

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the 10 successful community radio stations across Victoria will receive grants to provide training and mentoring for young people to produce live-to-air shows.

“These radio stations have demonstrated a strong commitment to providing training and mentoring opportunities for young people to produce radio programs, as well as improving young people’s skills and career pathways in radio broadcasting.

“Young people who are interested in careers in the media can use these types of pathway opportunities to build their skills and networks with journalists, editors, producers and station managers.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to providing young Victorians with the chance to Be Heard! on community radio, volunteer and have a positive impact in their community,” Mr Smith said.

For more information about Be Heard! go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today said changes to the Youth Allowance independence criteria was a win for students living in ‘inner regional’ areas throughout north east Victoria.
Dr Sykes said, “This week students will receive their VCE results and start the process of contemplating their options for next year.
“Affordability, for the many students who will need to move away from home in order to undertake tertiary study, is a major consideration.
“Legislative changes, which were passed in the Federal Senate on 25 November, are good news for many rural students and means that at long last regional students have certainty when it comes to independent Youth Allowance.”
Check out the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website for more detail on the Student Income Support Reforms 2012 – Questions and Answers: www.deewr.gov.au

Education Minister Martin Dixon with the Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today announced Benalla West Primary School, Bright P-12 College and Euroa Secondary College are among the first in the state to sign up to the Victorian Coalition Government funded $10.5 million eSmart cyberbullying program.
eSmart is a cybersafety program created by Alannah and Madeline Foundation and will be available to every government school across the state and 300 Catholic and independent schools over the next four years.
So far, 290 Victorian government schools and 108 Catholic and independent schools have registered to be part of the program.
Dr Sykes said, “I’d like to congratulate the three schools in the Benalla Electorate, which have joined 398 schools across Victoria in becoming the first to register for eSmart.
“Cyberbullying can have devastating effects on our young people, and even in some tragic cases has resulted in suicide.
“Students today spend a lot of time in the cyber world and it is important they are provided with the tools they need to stay safe in that place.
“It is good to see schools serious about stamping out bullying and creating safe places where students can learn and support each other.”
The Victorian Government will provide schools in the Benalla Electorate with $2000 each to help them implement eSmart.
Schools will establish committees from existing staff to oversee and develop cyberbullying policies and programs with teachers assisted with professional development and training.
Mr Dixon said he was confident eSmart would provide students with practical tips about behaving safely and appropriately online.
eSmart teaches students about protecting themselves from risks including cyberbullying and sexting, and also about the importance of protecting their own privacy.
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation worked with the RMIT School of Education and other education experts over three years to develop the school resource.
eSmart will play a key role in delivering on the Victorian Government’s commitment to stamp out bullying, combat violence in schools and provide students and parents with the support they need.
The Victorian Government has also provided $4 million over four years to review and update bullying policies and programs for Victorian schools.
Other initiatives under the government’s Stamp Out Bullying plan include new legislation to crack down on workplace and other forms of bullying, greater powers to principals to suspend and expel students and search for dangerous weapons and the establishment of a further 150 Primary Welfare Officer positions over the next four years.