TEN thousand people gathered at the Southern 80 finish line on Sunday to witness team Hellrazor win the Superclass.
The world's biggest ski race, which takes place along the Murray River from Torrumbarry to Echuca, attracted 593 entries and teams from around Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Southern 80 spokeswoman Julie Golledge said 538 entries crossed the finish line.
"In the Superclass, 12 started and 11 finished. Normally, maybe half finish. The conditions must have been good," Ms Golledge said.
She said the river was at a "reasonable summer level".
Hellrazor was the overall winner with a time of 30:37.54.
The team consisted of driver Mark Cranny from Dandenong, observer Damien Matthews from Gol Gol, and skiers Peter Proctor, from Sydney, and Mick Kelly, from Ipswich.
Syndicate was second overall in a time of 31:32.40 with driver Garry Rudd, observer Boyd Edwards and skiers Kevin Vahtrik and Danny Cropper.
Third overall was Stinga from the 16-19 Boys with a class record of 32:09.20, with driver Greg Houston, observer Kevin Boylan and skiers Jack Houston and Ben Hackett.
Dipping their oars
OLYMPIC rowing hopefuls will call the Nagambie Regatta Centre their training ground in the lead-up to the London Olympics later this year.
Strathbogie Shire Council has offered the centre's use free of charge to Victorian Institute of Sport head coach Bill Tait.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Mick Williams said he was proud to be supporting Olympic competitors.
Shire chief executive Steve Crawcour said the council would assist Mr Tait to ensure training camps and competitions were seamless.
Seats on board
EXPRESSIONS of interest to join the Phillip Island Nature Park Board of Management have opened.
Department of Sustainability and Environment's public land executive director Peter Watkinson said five positions, including chairperson, would be available in September.
"Phillip Island Nature Park is a world leader in ecotourism and wildlife research. Its attractions include the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Nobbies Centre," Mr Watkinson said.
Profit from a state of Grace
BUSINESSES are invited to an information session to learn how to benefit from the upcoming Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition.
The exhibition will take place between March 11 and June 17 at the Bendigo Art Gallery.
The information session for businesses will take place Thursday, February 16, at the Capital, View St, from 6-7pm.
Bendigo Art Gallery director Karen Quinlan and Greater Bendigo tourism manager Kathryn Mackenzie will speak about the exhibition.
Greater Bendigo's city futures director, Stan Liacos, said thousands of visitors were expected and it was important businesses made the most of the opportunity.
"Bendigo has a growing reputation as a destination for major events and we want local residents and local businesses to put their best foot forward during the exhibition and show their pride in Bendigo," he said.
"The aim of the session is to open local business and anyone else that is interested up to the many possibilities that exist."
Buttered up
VCAT has upheld a decision not to extend a planning permit for a retail precinct on the former Bonlac Butter Factory site in Warragul.
The permit grant in November 2005 was for a retail and office development, which would include a supermarket and 994 car spaces.
The tribunal found the site owner's inaction was to blame for the delay.
"None of the development, including the demolition of the former butter factory buildings, started before the permit expired," the determination stated.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Diane Blackwood said the council welcomed the decision and was keen for the site to be developed.
