AUSTRALIA'S oldest rowing regatta will have its largest field of competitors this weekend.
More than 2700 entries have been received for the Rutherglen rowing regatta at Lake Moodemere, Wahgunyah.
It's a 20 per cent increase on last year's field.
Rowing Victoria chief executive Nick Gall said the event had achieved "cult status" with rowing clubs across Victoria.
"As crews plan their season they are now penciling in this regatta as their 'must attend' regatta.
They love the friendly atmosphere, the great racing and being able to experience the wonderful region that is the northeast," Mr Gall said.
Hungry Jack's forced to pay
THE operator of a Hungry Jack's outlet in Bendigo has been fined $46,200 by a court for underpaying workers.
The Melbourne Federal Magistrates' Court imposed the penalty against Chamdale Pty Ltd, which operates on the corner of High and Thistle streets.
Federal Magistrate Norah Hartnett found the company underpaid 180 workers - mostly juniors - a total of $104,946 between July 2005 and December 2009.
The largest individual underpayment was $8218.
Twenty-nine were underpaid more than $1000.
Most underpayments were failure to pay upgrades for length of service and underpaying or failing to pay annual leave and a laundry allowance.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson said the penalty was a reminder that underpaying workers was a serious matter.
"We expect those companies which employ significant numbers of young people to diligently exercise their workplace obligations and ensure staff receive their full and proper entitlements," Mr Wilson said.
The office would soon launch a webpage to help the franchise sector with information.
Signs spark fire awareness
FIFTEEN mobile signs detailing fire safety messages have been rolled out across Victoria as part of a trial.
Acting Premier and Police Minister Peter Ryan said the LED signs would provide high-impact and visible messages to motorists in holiday destinations.
"The mobile signs are another tool to help raise fire awareness for Victorian travellers and will also help local communities make informed decisions about their own bushfire risk," Mr Ryan said.
The signs are located near Myrtleford, Halls Gap, Anglesea, Daylesford, Ferntree Gully, Dunkeld, Mansfield, South Gippsland, Genoa, Gisborne, Castlemaine, Dromana, Apollo Bay, Echuca and Shepparton.
