Our city has endured a relatively stable year where the peaks and troughs have perhaps not been as pronounced as in other years.

The upgrade to Bendigo airport, the arrival of Qantas and the subsequent embracing by this community of the service offered between Bendigo and Sydney tells its own story.

As one of the lucky ones to be on board the first Qantas flight from Sydney into Bendigo back in March, it's a memory that will stay with me for a long time.

When it comes to Qantas, Bendigo has backed a winner and it would be remiss to not acknowledge this exciting chapter in our city's history, and to also look forward to what lies ahead.

Margaret O'Rourke continues to set the standard as Greater Bendigo mayor, notching up an unprecedented four consecutive terms at the helm.

Cr O'Rourke's tenure has been underpinned by a Team Bendigo approach that has bonded councillors together, despite their differences, for the sake of ratepayers and the community.

Prominent Bendigo trader, former mayor and all round Bendigo icon Norm Quin passed away suddenly in August.

A tireless campaigner and supporter of the city he so loved, Mr Quin is also remembered as an absolute gentleman to those fortunate enough to have known him.

Testament to this city's diversity and growth, the first sod was turned at the site of the much anticipated East Bendigo mosque in the same year that the almost finishing touches were applied to the Western world's largest Buddhist temple at Myer's Flat.

Not a bad result, upon reflection, given our region was once viewed as one of the most Anglo-Saxon dominated anywhere in Australia.

In stark contrast, right wing extremist Blair Cottrell this week lost his appeal to the County Court against his conviction for inciting hatred against Muslims by staging a mock beheading in Bendigo in October 2015.

The former leader of a nationalist group was convicted two years ago of inciting contempt, revulsion or ridicule of Muslims after he and two other men staged the stunt outside the City of Greater Bendigo's offices in protest against plans to construct the Bendigo mosque.

Cottrell's conviction was reinstated and he was fined $2000.

Both Russell Jack and his daughter Anita announced a parting of the ways after a remarkable contribution to not just the Bendigo Chinese Association and the Golden Dragon Museum, but to the city and broader community.

The arrival and premiere of Dai Gum Loong at this year's spectacular Easter parade would simply not have happened without their vision and support, and their legacy lives on in spectacular style.

More than $750,000 was raised to purchase Bendigo's stunning new dragon, as well as to refurbish Sun Loong and also purchase other associated regalia.

The massive crowd of 80,000-plus that lined the city's streets for the annual Easter parade was a clear and present demonstration of the love Bendigo residents have for this rich tradition.

Formally ordained in October, Bishop Shane Mackinlay became the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst, replacing the now retired Bishop Les Tomlinson.

Nationally, Scott Morrison and the coalition government were returned for three years when Australians exercised their political judgement in May.

The victory was a surprise to many pundits, especially given the eventual margin that saw Mr Morrison emerge from a minority government to one that now reigns with a small majority.

The loss was devastating to Labor, and especially leader Bill Shorten.

And we lost Bob Hawke and Tim Fischer, both one of a kind leaders the likes of which we are unlikely to see any time soon.

One man a champion of Labor and the union movement, the other a country larrikin, they both succeeded in uniting voters where others never could.

Looking ahead, our own merger of the Bendigo Weekly and Bendigo Advertiser is now well settled, and we are excited about what the next 12 months has to offer both this newspaper, and the community at large.

A new court complex, the GovHub and more Tafe buildings are all on the way, with the precinct to the north-east of the CBD likely to be a hive of activity later in 2020 as each of these facilities begin to take shape.

Finally, I wish all our readers a safe, happy and healthy Christmas, and thank you for your support throughout 2019.

May Christmas the the New Year bring us all even better times.