This year saw the city burn. Significant buildings went up in flames, starting with the Greengrocer on Clifford cafe cyclery in January, the Centrelink and St Vincent de Paul’s buildings in October, and three separate fires at the former St John’s orphanage as summer began.

In all cases, Post reporters were on the scene, at the time and after.

A threatening fire near Gunning that came close to engulfing the town in January gave way to consuming floods in January, which returned with destructive deluge in some of the region over winter. 

It was also a year of change. Citizens elected a council with a mixture of old and young faces. It saw the departure of mayor Geoff Kettle and the ascent of long-time deputy Bob Kirk to the top job.

It also saw a federal election and the re-election of Angus Taylor as Hume MP. Again the Post was there, hosting the forums, hitting the hustings, and chronicling the candidates’ ideas and promises.

Regionally, boundaries were re-aligned as forced local government amalgamations created a new council, the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, with administrator Tim Overall. Like Goulburn Mulwaree, the Upper Lachlan Shire and Yass Valley Councils stood alone. 

Some major infrastructure projects in the city included stage one of the Wollondilly Walking Track, already well-used by the community. A new wastewater treatment plant commenced construction, and detailed designs for a Performing Arts Centre, new Aquatic Centre and Victoria Park redevelopment were all tabled for consultation. 

The community spoke loudly about the projected closure of the Bourke Street Health Service and hydrotherapy pool, and fought hard against the State Government to ensure the amenities were not taken away until the new Base Hospital is built. Some fiery meetings and rallying cries were heard as emotions ran high. 

Through it all, the Post has been on the scene: listening to you, laughing with you, noting your thoughts, picturing your faces, telling your tales in print and online, and Facebooking and Tweeting. Communication ensures the community remains informed. Thank you for your continued support and interest as readers and advertisers. We’ll be back to do even more from January 4.