2019 Year in Review - Facebook

About Regional is a place where people can talk, share, celebrate and advocate for this great place we call home, and we love it when our readers engage with the conversation on Facebook and share their thoughts. Here’s a look back at some of the social media discussions that had people talking in 2019.

10. Plenty ‘brewing’ at Goulburn in early 2019
by Maryann Weston

Consumer choice is driving demand for craft beers and Sydney based Tribe Breweries is primed with its new $35m brewing and packaging facility in Goulburn almost ready to start brewing.

Work began on the new Goulburn brewery in July 2018, converting the 20,000 square metre site into a craft beer brewing facility capable of employing up to 150 as operations expand.

9. How to help the bereaved deal with the shock of a loved one’s suicide
by Elka Wood

The shock and trauma of sudden death or a suicide leave everyone reeling, beginning with those closest and radiating out into the wider community.

So what can we do to help those who are bereaved, particularly over the festive period, a time when the social expectation of joy and togetherness can further isolate those who are grieving?

8. Strategy forming around Mogo Adventure Trail
by Ian Campbell

In 2019, Eurobodalla Shire Council looked to build on Mogo’s growing appeal to adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. Work began on the Mogo Adventure Trail Hub Strategy, with specialist consultants TRC Tourism developing the strategy in collaboration with key stakeholders. It will look at how existing bike, horse, and walking trails surrounding Mogo could potentially be connected.

7. Climb Kozzie on Aussie Day
by Elka Wood

If you’re in need of a nature getaway to beat the heat, the mountains are calling, we wrote in January 2019.

“The highest temperature ever recorded on the top of Mount Kosciusko is 28 C,” laughed Susie Diver, Communications Manager for Thredbo Resort. “And the water in Thredbo River is always refreshingly cool.”

As part of a push to encourage visitors to the mountains during the summer months, for the last five years the resort has held Australia Day events which include a group walk to Australia’s highest peak, along with Australia’s highest barbeque, and poetry at the peak.

6. Police bomb squad dispose of 50 explosive devices in Bermagui
by Ian Campbell

The bomb squad in Bermagui! In October, officers from the South Coast Police District were patrolling the idyllic holiday destination when they were notified of a person illegally camping on the headland near Horseshoe Bay, in the centre of town.

“Officers attended the location and allegedly located a vehicle and trailer containing camping equipment and food, surrounded by litter,” police report. “On further investigation, officers located a bag containing 40-50 suspected explosive devices. The items were rendered safe and taken to Bermagui Police Station, before being disposed of by officers attached to the NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit.

5. Wallagoot Lake fish kill not seen in at least 25 years
by Ian Campbell

A large fish kill at Wallagoot Lake between Tathra and Merimbula in February was blamed on poor water quality, with fears more marine life could die.

Thousands of dead fish including beautiful good-sized snapper and leatherjackets were reported washed ashore at various locations around the lake within the Bournda Nature Reserve.

4. Being funny for money – the life of a career comedian
by Elka Wood

In May, the Melbourne Comedy Festival roadshow visited Bega for the first time, reminding us that for some people, getting laughs is simply a way to pay the bills.

That’s the case for Alastair Tremblay-Birchall, who spent his teenage years in Tathra and went to uni to become an engineer. After working in the industry for a few years, he decided to swap steady, profitable work for life as a comedian, creating his first Melbourne Comedy Festival show in 2013 – and he hasn’t stopped since.

3. Batemans Bay Anzac Day tradition passes on to new generations
by Elise Searson

Hundreds of people gathered on the banks of the Clyde River on Anzac Day 2019 to commemorate those who achieved our freedom.

As the sun began to rise the mood was still and calm with a few murmurs from babies who for the first time were experiencing the town rise as early as them. It seems that the Dawn Service is a tradition that continues to be passed down through the generations.

2. Action-packed performance from the streets will have The Q jumping
by Wendy Johnson

It’s high energy and a thrilling celebration of the will to succeed.

Jump First, Ask Later came to The Q in Queanbeyan for one night only, capturing the stories of six young people from the vibrant streets of Western Sydney who are champions of underground parkour and street-style community. It was a high-energy and thrilling celebration of the will to succeed, we wrote.

1. Jindabyne’s Brad Cox back at Tamworth but already a winner
by Ian Campbell

Jindabyne’s Brad Cox was back at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2019 hoping to repeat his success of the previous year, but at the same time he was happy just to be playing music and hanging with mates. It came after the then 22-year-old won the 39th Toyota Star Maker talent quest launching him into a year he describes as a rollercoaster.

“My brain is complete mashed potatoes,” Brad laughed.

We hope you’ve enjoyed taking a trip through the highlights of 2019 on About Regional. We look forward to bringing you all the news and top stories about the region again in 2020.