As usual, the year’s gone in a blur.
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I joined the Bendigo Advertiser team in May, and it feels like a blink has brought me to the close of December.
Whether it’s been crime, community or even cemeteries, it’s always been interesting telling the stories of Bendigo and central Victoria.
But some stories stood out.
Some were important, some were just nice to write. These are the five stories which rated high on my list from 2018.
Dental delays
A toothache can be hard to put up with for a day.
Imagine having to wait 30 months for treatment.
If you’re a public dental patient in Ripon, that’s the wait you’re in for.
Bendigo fares better, but in Macedon you could wait 15.17 months for dental care.
Related:
It’s not just a problem for patients. Simple conditions end up costing the health system thousands, as people are forced into emergency departments for treatment.
Sadly it’s not a simple fix. Funding, salaries and an “inefficient” delivery system work together to make things harder for the most vulnerable in our communities.
Bendigo faces hot, dry future
The numbers are shocking.
Bendigo faces a temperature increase of 0.6-1.3 degrees over the next 12 years.
By 2070 Bendigo’s mean could be up to 3.3 degrees hotter than it was between 1986 and 2005.
Average temperatures have already increased by 1.2-1.4 degrees in the southern part of the Loddon-Mallee since 1950.
Hotter days, dryer weather and longer fire seasons will hit hard in many sectors. But what’s being done to cope with the change? We found out.
Fond farewells
This was not one story but many.
Bendigo farewelled a number of long serving teachers, school staff and medical professionals.
This video made one story a particular favourite.
Eaglehawk North Primary School students Amal and Madison bid farewell to assistant principal John Morton in touching style.
Related:
Citrus crime
It might not seem like a big crime, but it was about the message it sent.
Flora Hill residents Gary and Kerry Muston were left with a sour taste in their mouth after their altruistic efforts were thwarted.
Mr and Mrs Muston had given away over 600 lemons in 24 hours in July, when suddenly their trough was stolen.
An unknown man in a white ute pulled up outside their house, tipped the lemons out, and made off with the tub.
Spring Gully sashays into 60
It’s not every dance that can claim a 60 year pedigree.
Spring Gully Dance Hall stepped into history this year as it celebrated six decades of Saturday night dances.
The crowd has changed a lot since back in the day of 1958, but it’s still a chance to have get out and have a mingle.
Some of the dedicated-dancers were even at the very first dance.
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