PICKING just five highlights from 52 weeks of stories is never an easy task.
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A common theme among my favourite and notable stories this year is community.
It is communities that not only drive good, interesting news but that also should contribute to the positive mood of the towns, cities or regions they live in.
THE ULUMBARRA FOUNDATION LAUNCHES
Related: New charity grows arts and community
Anyone who has followed my stories during my seven years at the Bendigo Advertiser knows of my love for theatre.
So when Ulumbarra Theatre was announced, built and opened, it was a theatre-loving journalist’s dream.
But beyond simply opening, existing and bringing top quality shows to the region, the team at Capital Venues and Events isn’t content to sit idly by.
Along with giving students, community theatre, dance and singing groups the chance to use state-of-the-art facilities, Ulumbarra and The Capital are determined to see theatre thrive on a grassroots level.
The Ulumbarra Foundation is evidence of that.
Its aim is to strengthen the connection between theatre and the community and will, hopefully, continue to establish Bendigo as the arts capital of regional Australia.
BAILEY COOK’S DIGITAL THEATRE PROGRAM
This story amazed me from the outset.
Anyone that goes to the theatre will often pick up a printed program as a souvenir to the show.
But 17-year-old Bailey Cook decided the 21st century was ready for something new.
He developed, designed and created a world-first digital program that people can download through iBooks before they get to the theatre.
The eProgram was produced for Nexus Youth Theatre’s production of Oklahoma and was filled with videos and exclusive content not usually included in the average print program.
An amazing achievement by a high school student with great things ahead of him.
AIRBNB SURGES INTO BENDIGO
Airbnb is by no means a new thing. It was established in Australia in 2013.
But the rise of ride-sharing app Uber in regional areas also put the rise of Airbnb in almost every town into focus.
Motel owners encouraged fresh competition but were concerned Airbnb rooms wouldn’t face the same strict health and safety, sanitation and operation standards motels do.
Airbnb's Australian general manager Sam McDonagh said Australians are some of the most prolific users of Airbnb with more than 60,000 listings across the country.
REGION FULL OF HIDDEN HERITAGE
Related: Council caring for city’s heritage
Living in a heritage-loving city like Bendigo means there is endless history and architecture to explore.
When council’s heritage advisor Megan McDougall offered to take us on a tour of some of the forgotten icons around the region, we couldn’t say no.
The Manchester Unity Hall in Eaglehawk is a blink and you’ll miss it door in the main street, Eaglehawk Town Hall is full of the borough’s history, and the Huntly Shire Offices are still bustling with passionate locals.
It was exciting to get a chance to take a peek behind the doors of these almost forgotten heritage buildings and learn how much care council puts into their survival.
VAXXED ANGERS CASTLEMAINE
Related: Vaxxed pulled from festival
Undoubtedly, the most controversial entertainment story from 2016 was Vaxxed.
When the Castlemaine Local and International Film Festival planned to screen Vaxxed as part of its program, health associations and local residents were quick to show they disagreed.
Public Health Association of Australia said it showed a lack of understanding of the impact the film could have on parents.
On the other side, CLIFF director David Thrussell said the film could promote open discussion.
“CLIFF is attempting to present information. We are not saying it is definitive, it is just information. An audience of adults can make up their own minds,” he said.
The film was eventually pulled from the festival following a firestorm of abuse and CLIFF committee feeling “personally and professionally threatened’’.