There was also the Coalition promising, if elected, that it would put in place a fast-rail system that would take commuters from Bendigo to Melbourne in 70 minutes.

Not had a chance to catch up? Sit back and relax with some of the highlights from the week that was.  

The new lessees of of the Goldmines Hotel are revamping it ahead of a December re-opening, promising a new menu and a bar in the cellar. It’s a real gem, much loved by the community – and the locals have been calling in to check out what’s happening. 

The Pick My Project success stories were announced, with 16 projects across central Victoria sharing in more than $2million in funding, including new silo art work slated for Colbinabbin.

Last Sunday Bendigo’s Tom Cole and his family were celebrating winning AFL premiership as part of the victorious West Coast side. 

There were nods for other young players too, with Decon Evans earning selection in the Victorian hockey team and the Williams brothers – Sam, Josh and Ben – selected to play first  XI cricket with Eaglehawk

The quaint and audacious in design will be open to the public later in the month with the announcement of the line-up for the first Bendigo Open House. Which among the line-up used to be a house of ill-repute?

Fashion lovers were rejoicing about the news that the Bendigo Fashion festival is heading back our way after a year’s hiatus. For the first time models will be walking down a unique, underground walkway. 

And for three days our eyes turned to the annual Elmore Field Days with a mix of anticipation and concern for our farmers. This year many were “tyre-kickers” – able to plan but not buy, looking to the future as they look to rain to allievate a dry season aheead. Reporter Tom O’Callaghan and photographer Darren Howe were there to capture all the colour. 

Hope you have a great week.

Juanita Greville

Deputy Editor