Yes, as I wrote that the voice of Robin Williams came to mind for me, too… 

Maybe I’m just ready for a break – with some Netflix, good books and time at the beach (* reading/viewing suggestions welcome, my leave starts Tuesday).

Generally when I take leave, the aim is to avoid news and stay away from our website – but often I find myself clicking into stories because I love reading about the great people here in central Victoria.

This week alone, we’ve covered the awesome effort of Melva Knight, who has possibly saved 234 lives during the past 30 years or so.

Melva’s story is here: Bendigo woman donates blood for last time after 30 years

Our region has so many volunteers, it really is quite extraordinary. So when we hear that the Golden Square pool has been broken into several times in recent weeks, you have to feel for the volunteers who work so hard to keep the pool afloat.

That story is here: Golden Square pool broken into three times since Christmas

Journalist Elspeth Kernebone has been spending time exploring the hidden stories of our region’s cemeteries – and volunteers have been more than happy to talk about the importance of preserving history.

You can find some of those stories, here. 

And if you haven’t flicked through today’s print or e-edition of the Addy, check it out – the cover is a striking image taken by our very talented Darren Howe.

Darren’s image was the catalyst for Elspeth to catch up with Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation chair Trent Nelson – and you can read what he had to say, here.

There are so many great stories to tell.

If you’re looking for how our team of photographers – Darren, Noni Hyett and Glenn Daniels – help the newsroom tell stories, check out their favourite pics of 2018.

Darren Howe – news favourites

Darren Howe – sport favourites

Noni Hyett – news favourites

Noni Hyett – sport  favourites

Glenn Daniels – news  favourites

Glenn Daniels – sport  favourites

And let’s not forget sport. There’s no doubt the Bendigo Addy sport team is the best in the business.

Our sports writer Adam Bourke spent a couple of days on the golf course this week – all for work purposes, of course. 

And if you follow Luke West’s coverage, you will know how much he loves his stats. Westy can spin a great yarn from what many would see as boring spreadsheets.

You can find some of their great coverage of central Victorian sport, below – or for more, visit our local sport section online here.

I’m off until February 4, so you may hear from someone else in the meantime.

Have a great few weeks,

Nicole

Nicole Ferrie, editor