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!”

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.

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.

Alpine Shire Council will formulate an urban design strategy for Mt Beauty with the help of Victorian Government funding of $25,000 Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes announced today.
Dr Sykes said the Mt Beauty Urban Design Strategy would revitalize the Alpine town and help ensure the provision of appropriate well-planned public and community assets well into the future.
“I am impressed by Mt Beauty’s renewed sense of community, driven by community services such as the Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre and local residents and other community groups.
“I was pleased to be able to attend the Mt Beauty Playscape Twilight Festival held in February which was a fantastic community event and a great example of the local spirit.
“This planning will complement the town’s growing sense of community.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said, “Originally planned and built as a company town for the Victorian Alps Hydro Scheme, Mount Beauty has evolved into a unique lifestyle village and tourist destination.”
“As a result, the layout of the township requires change to support contemporary and sustainable living.
“The Mount Beauty Urban Design Strategy will identify key opportunities for improving pedestrian connectivity between the town centre and other activity areas including the recreation precinct, education precinct as well as Tawonga South.
“The strategy will consider the function and location of community facilities and also focus on ways to improve access, awareness and investment attraction in the town’s commercial precinct.”
Mr Ryan said the Mount Beauty Urban Design Strategy would give Alpine Shire Council and the local community clarity on the achievable options for delivering improved connectivity and sense of place for the town.
“The Strategy will build on current and past initiatives including the 2002 Mount Beauty Masterplan and Mount Beauty Community Facilities Strategy by providing greater detail of the achievable options for improving access and town character,” Mr Ryan said.
“While earlier studies have made general recommendations, further assessment and detailed design will help the council plan the financial and human resource required to deliver the improvements.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government funding for the Mt Beauty Urban Design Strategy would be provided to Alpine Shire Council through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First Program.
“Putting Locals First is a $100 million initiative to enable regional communities to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses which reflect local priorities,” Mr Ryan said.
Media enquiries Bill Sykes MP 0427 624 989

Small businesses in the Mount Beauty area will be able to access relevant, reliable and affordable information on marketing their businesses online thanks to a forthcoming workshop announced today by Member for Benalla Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes said the Your Business Online workshop, supported by the Coalition Government, would be held at Mount Beauty Sports Cluster at 6pm on Wednesday 14 March.

Dr Sykes said, “As one of the major tourist destinations in north east Victoria Mount Beauty has a large number of accommodation, food and wine, retail and service businesses in the area that rely on good visitor numbers.

“This workshop provides a good opportunity to get information on how to increase business profiles through marketing online.”

Last year more than 3,000 businesses throughout the state participated in Small Business Victoria’s workshops and seminars. Through the program, businesses and prospective business owners are provided with the facts and advice needed to make informed decisions and create a platform for ongoing success.

Popular topics in the program include starting up, financial management, employing people and marketing.

All workshops and seminars are delivered by private sector business specialists who are well-qualified and experienced in small business.

Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher said the Coalition Government recognised the vital role Victoria’s 495,000 small businesses played in the economy of the state.

“We are committed to encouraging small business and individual initiative, and to creating an environment that rewards those who work hard, save, invest and create employment,” Ms Asher said.

For more information about other workshops and seminars that are available please go to: www.business.vic.gov.au/businessevents

Media enquiries Bill Sykes MP 0427 624 989

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes today formally launched new boardwalk signage on behalf of Water Minister Peter Walsh as part of the 5th annual Nagambie on Water (NOW) Festival.
The six signs include the history of the Nagambie River and lakes area, information about local wildlife and ways to keep the Goulburn catchment and waterways healthy.
They were installed at Nagambie, about halfway down the Goulburn River, as part of a partnership project between the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) and the Nagambie Community Action Group.
“This project is a prime example of Catchment Management Authorities working with their local communities to share information and increase awareness and action to protect our environment,” Dr Sykes said.

“The Goulburn River is an iconic river from a local, regional and interstate perspective.

“I have no doubt that these signs will help educate our communities and visitors to our region about the importance of our river systems and waterways, such as the Goulburn River.”

The signs have been jointly funded by the Goulburn Broken CMA through the Victorian Government’s Large Scale River Restoration Project, the Taungurung Traditional Ecological Knowledge Project and the Nagambie Community Action Group.

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management chief executive officer Chris Norman said the river was the lifeblood of the region.

“It not only provides the water that drives the economic production of the downstream irrigation areas, but provides outstanding recreational and tourism facilities like those at Lake Nagambie,” Mr Norman said.

“Most importantly, it supports enormous environmental values such as Murray cod within the river and River Red Gum Forests and wetlands on the floodplain.”

The NOW Festival is a community run event held on the first Saturday in March each year and celebrates a region that is famous for its waterways, wine and horse industries.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed funding from the Victorian Government of $25,000 to improve the skills of Goulburn River Valley tourism businesses.
Dr Sykes said Goulburn River Valley Tourism’s Business Development and Training Program would improve coordination and promotion of tourism attractions across the Strathbogie, Murrindindi and Mitchell Shires and the City of Greater Shepparton.
He said, “This initiative is a proactive way to promote and strengthen tourism opportunities and events in the Strathbogie and Murrindindi Shires, both of which offer some fantastic natural attractions including Lakes Eildon and Nagambie and many rivers, rail trails and National Parks. The region also has excellent local festivals, markets and events, wineries and restaurants.
“The region will benefit from this project by offering training in packaging and promotion and event management as well as the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) Summit to train volunteers and staff about the product and attractions of the Goulburn River Valley region.”
Member for Seymour, Cindy McLeish said, “The Goulburn River and the valley is one of the truly gorgeous parts of Victoria.

“I’m pleased the Coalition Government can provide this opportunity for local tourism businesses which will be of benefit to the towns and the many Goulburn communities.”
Jeanette Powell, Member for Shepparton said, “This is great news for Goulburn River Valley Tourism as it will enable it to further develop its cooperative approach to tourism across the region.”
The project follows a survey by Goulburn River Valley Tourism of its stakeholders to determine industry training and development needs, which identified event development and packing and promotion as the two key training needs.
The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) Summit is expected to attract more than 100 participants and provides volunteers the opportunity to better understand the region’s tourism offerings and to share information and network.
The project will build the capacity of tourism operators to meet tourist needs and grow the local economy and to improve business connectivity to create a more robust and diverse tourism sector in the region.
The Victorian Government funding for the Business Development and Training Program is provided to Goulburn River Valley Tourism through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First program.

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes today opened a $3.5 million project that will pave the way for future growth in tourism and private sector development in Nagambie.
Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Dr Sykes said the Nagambie Revitalisation Project had redeveloped public open space around Nagambie Lakes and linked major new private sector development with the town.
“The upgrade, involving ‘on land’ and ‘over water’ infrastructure has connected Nagambie’s main commercial precinct with the new multi-million dollar lakeside residential precinct currently under construction,” Dr Sykes said.
“A key element of the project was directing lakeside residents, holidaymakers, as well as park and lake users to Nagambie’s commercial centre through the use of a convenient and attractive pathway.
“The works covered Jacobsons Outlook, Blaney Reserve, Buckley Park and jetty and the Lakeside connectivity path.”
Minister Ryan said that by linking the town to its major tourism asset, the project would attract tourists and private sector development.
“The Nagambie Revitalisation Project was identified as a high priority in the Nagambie Growth Management Plan, which aims to create an environment that acts a catalyst for new investment in the region,” Mr Ryan said.
“The adjacent Elloura development currently underway at a cost of a $175 million over five years is likely to create 50 to 60 jobs during the construction phase as well as providing flow-on employment in the hospitality, accommodation and commercial services sectors.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government, through Regional Development Victoria, provided Strathbogie Council with $2.385 million towards the Nagambie Revitalisation Project, and council contributed $100,000.
Other funding partners included Elloura developer the Lockland Group, which contributed $1 million towards public access infrastructure, and Marine Victoria ($30,000).

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed Victorian Coalition Government funding of $50,000 to promote the High Country Harvest program held from 18 to 27 May, 2012.
The High Country Harvest will include more than a dozen food and wine events like the popular Myrtleford Italian-heritage La Fiera event.
The program also includes hands-on cooking classes from Bright to the King Valley, behind-the-scenes tastings and tours from Mansfield to Rutherglen and the popular Harvest Celebration in Beechworth.
Dr Sykes said, “La Fiera is a wonderful weekend celebrating Italian culture, food and wine and recognised as a major event for the north east region.
“The High Country Brewery Trail will also be a feature which includes the award winning Jamieson Brewery, Bright Brewery and Boyntons Brewing in Porepunkah.
“With the backing of a major marketing campaign this event and other events included in the High Country Harvest program will create enormous benefits for local communities and businesses.
“I encourage everyone to make the most of the wonderful events being held as part of the High Country Harvest program and to get out there and enjoy our beautiful countryside, food and wine.
“We have some great wineries and restaurants in the Ovens and King Valley and throughout the Mansfield district, which are well worth visiting at any time as this is a great way to spend a few hours or days.”
Tourism and Major Events Minister, Louise Asher said the initiative was a great example of a regional event growing to its full potential.
“Our support for the High Country Harvest demonstrates the Coalition Government’s proactive approach to promoting the region as a premier food and wine destination,” Ms Asher said.
“Victorian’s High Country has some of the best food and wine growing regions in Australia, with a unique and charismatic brand of hospitality which was recently featured on the national television series No Leave No Life.”
The marketing strategy will also include promotion at the 2012 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in a bid to grow visitation to the region and create jobs.