While Inglewood is the focal point of the shire’s festivities, several other townships en route will take the opportunity to give a hospitable welcome.

Afternoon tea will be served at Rheola sports ground which has been named a designated rest spot, while Bridgewater Bakehouse and an array of market stalls lining the main thoroughfare will cater for the many onlookers drawn to the event.

It’s great to have the opportunity to give visitors who otherwise may not have discovered our region a taste of what we have on offer. Inglewood will be the best positioned to do this, as they host the cyclists overnight.

This is an opportunity, I must add, which wouldn’t have been possible without Bendigo Regional Tourism and council equally sharing the cost of the $12,000 Inglewood Recreational Reserve camping fee.

Brooke Street will be alive with music and an eclectic range of market stalls. Everything from antique shops to historic buildings will throw their doors open.

A range of special events, in keeping with the historic nature of the township, are planned.

I would encourage families with children of all ages to come along, as there will be something for everyone, with barefoot bowls, free swimming pool entry and a pop-up restaurant to be run by Inglewood Aged Beef and the Spotted Cow restaurant.

The Bendigo community is urged to be a part of the first ever Victoria Against Violence - 16 Days of Activism campaign, from 25 November to 10 December.

Premier Daniel Andrews and I will launch the campaign this week, which coincides with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign.

The impact of family violence can be devastating and far reaching. No community is immune.

The Andrews Labor government is also allocating $115,000 to the Women’s Health Association of Victoria and family violence regional integration committees to conduct events during Victoria Against Violence, including $5000 grants for several regional projects.

The initiative aims to provide opportunities for women’s voices to be heard through a range of activities across the state. 

The theme colour for the campaign is eye-catching orange, based on international #OrangeDay on November 25. 

Across Victoria, community groups, workplaces, shops, neighbourhoods, students and families are urged to embrace orange, to wear it and display it with ribbons, balloons, posters flags and banners.

I urge Bendigo residents to join the Victoria Against Violence campaign in any way they can. For more on local events, please visit www.vic.gov.au/victoriaagainstviolence

This year as we finish our Christmas shopping please spare a thought for others.

Once you’ve bought a Kris Kringle for a workmate, a quirky gift for your brother-in-law or any of the presents you need for family and friends, consider one more gift for someone who really needs it.

One more gift to Red Cross will help ensure an older or isolated person gets a phone call every day to check they’re OK, clean water for a young child in a remote village in Myanmar, or a shower and a meal for a teenager sleeping rough.

This Christmas I urge everyone to consider making one more gift to Red Cross.

To make your gift to Red Cross go to redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700.