Mid 2010 will see the City of Greater Bendigo launch their first Inventor of the Year Award.

$20,000 in prizes is the substantial incentive for the inventive and although Bendigo is not necessarily world renowned as a hotbed of innovation and invention, it should be pointed out that some great Aussie innovations were born here, such as Gillies Pies, Fernwood Ladies Health Clubs and the iconic Chiko Roll. Let us not forget the removable shirt cuff, the self-firing rifle and of course, the recent breast feeding sling!

Further information is available from City of Greater Bendigo Business Development Manager, Peter Jeffery (03) 5434 6241 or email p.jeffery@bendigo.vic.gov.au

The response to our first giveaway could be described as underwhelming at best and I’m not going to waste time analysing the whys and wherefores. Instead, we will be offering a fully featured web site and a year’s complimentary hosting to the one and only entry as a thankyou for making the effort.

Congratulations go to Liam of Not Half Bad Productions, who I’m sure will agree that it was neither difficult nor time-consuming.

Send us an email and we’ll get the ball rolling.

The inaugural Bendigo Motorcycle Expo is the first such event to be held in country Victoria.

Saturday 3rd & 4th of October 2009.

Bendigo Exhibition Centre, Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo.

It is anticipated that the Expo will feature all the major manufacturers of on and off road motorcycles including but not limited to Yamaha, Kawasaki, Harley, Suzuki and Triumph.

The smaller motorcycle manufacturers, scooter manufacturers, leather goods, customised parts manufacturers, after markets suppliers, airbrush artist, motorcycle trailer manufacturers, insurance representatives, pins and badges and motorcycle memorabilia will also be represented.

In fact, if it’s related to motorcycles in any way, shape or form, we sincerely hope to included it.

The cool Can-Am Spyder

Win Your Own Motorcycle!

Included in the modest $15 entry fee, you will receive one complimentary raffle ticket for the chance to win a brand new motorcycle!

To increase your chances of winning this fabulous prize, additional tickets may be purchased at the Expo for a cost of $5 each.

The proceeds of the raffle will go to purchase a life-saving machine that is desperately needed by the RADIOTHERAPY FOUNDATION at the Bendigo Base Hospital.

We look forward to seeing you at this new and exciting Expo and who knows, you may be riding away on your very own motorcycle!

In the meantime please take this opportunity to browse our web site.

The site was created by Bendigo Web Design to promote the inaugural Expo. You can read the latest Expo news or related articles, share photos and video clips, as well as participate in our lively discussion forum.

With a little over three weeks to go, tickets are flying out the door! So what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to the site and register on the forum.

www.bendigomotorcycleexpo.com.au

The Bendigo Web Design sponsored pool team have won Division B2. The Reservoir Hotel faced The Farmers Arms in the Division A2 finals held at the Cambrian Hotel on Monday evening.

Having already met twice, the honours were shared going into the final and both teams knew it would be a close fought encounter. Their second successive finals win was more satisfying than their enaugural foray into the Monday night league with stiffer opposition but still the same friendly atmosphere.

Thanks to all for giving up their Monday nights, especially the super-subs who stepped in at the last minute.

Well done and good luck in Division 1.

The presentations will be held at the Weigh Inn from 12.30 on Sunday 5th April. Unfortunately, I am unable to procure the services of a suitable babysitter and so miss the event.

With the appeal set to officially close on the 17th of April, Bendigo Web Design will follow suit.

We will continue to donate 10% of all projects until this date and would like to take this opportunity to thank those who chose Bendigo Web Design for their development needs, enabling us to donate a substantial sum to the appeal.

Should you not require web development services but would like to donate to the record-breaking appeal, you may do so by using the secure online donations form or by phoning 1800 811 700.

If you have been affected by the bush fires, the following contacts may provide help:

• Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund: 1800 180 213 email: vicbushfireappealfund@dhs.vic.gov.au web: www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal
• Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority: www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au
• Victorian Bushfire Information line: 1800 240 667
• CFA website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au
• State Emergency Service: 132 500
• Australian Red Cross Blood Service: www.donateblood.com.au
• VicRoads: 13 11 70 – www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
• GriefLine: 03 9596 7799 – provides caring listening in times of sadness and distress. Hours of operation are 12 noon – 3am
• Bushfire legal help line: 1800 113 432.
• Victorian Bushfire Volunteer Line on 1300 366 356
• Rural Workforce Agency Victoria: coordinating GP and locum services: www.rwav.com.au