REGIONAL racing clubs across Victoria will be hives of activity, with children's entertainment helping to entice families to the races.
The $374,000 program will see games and activities offered at 27 country meetings from today to January 26 and another three race days in February and April.
Racing Minister Denis Napthine said the program was delivered with Camp Australia.
The Government provided $164,000, Racing Victoria $150,000 and clubs chipping in $60,000 towards activities, including face painting, badge making, tug of war, crazy cricket and rock wall climbing.
Country Racing Victoria chief executive Scott Whiteman said the Kids Summer of Country Racing campaign was the result of the clubs' desire to cater for families and communities. Races start today at Geelong, Penshurst and Nhill.
Town bans booze in public on NYE
RESIDENTS in Peterborough want peace and no trouble on New Year's Eve.
Police and council officers will enforce a booze ban in public places in the seaside town.
From 4pm on December 31 until 9am on January 1 there will be an alcohol ban within 1km of the corner of Hamilton St and Halladale Rd in public places and open spaces under Moyne Shire management.
People ignoring the signs face a $200 fine for consumption or possession of an open container of liquor and anyone supplying booze to underage drinkers faces a $7000 fine.
Moyne Shire Mayor Jim Doukas said the ban was about respecting residents' rights to peace.
"We would call on New Year's Eve revellers to think about where they are and, if they want a big party atmosphere, maybe they'd enjoy themselves more in one of the bigger centres that can cater for large numbers more comfortably."
Get out into nature with junior program
GET the kids into the great outdoors with Parks Victoria's Junior Ranger Program.
The program for children aged 6 to 12 explores different parks across the state.
Environment Minister Ryan Smith said the program would teach children about protecting plants and animals.
"Junior Ranger programs will run in a number of parks across the state on a night time spotlight walk, hunt for natural treasure in the forest and discover the wildlife of our parks, rivers and natural surrounds," Mr Smith said.
The programs include a Rockpool Ramble at the Mornington Peninsula National Park, as well as activities at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Point Nepean National Park and the Great Otway National Park.
All activities require a booking and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Illegal anglers fined for pipis
FIVE people who illegally took 80 litres of pipis from Venus Bay last January have been fined by the courts.
The last of the group, a woman from Lynbrook, was recently convicted and fined $700 in the Dandenong Magistrates' Court for illegally taking pipis.
The family group of five were prosecuted after each took and possessed more than eight times the pipi daily catch limit.
All pleaded guilty to the charges, which included failing to hold recreational fishing licences.
This year, two of the group who had previous offences were also convicted and fined $700 each.
Two first-time offenders were fined $300 each.
The daily catch limit for pipi is two litres in the shell or half a litre of meat a person.
Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity is asked to phone Fisheries 24-hour hotline 133 474.
