The Area News is looking back on what made news in 2018, and here are our top picks, favourite stories and most compelling yarns of the year.
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January
Griffith finally has an operational reverse vending machine – installed as part of the NSW Government’s return and earn scheme.
The machine is located in the car park behind supermarket Foodworks.
There’s nothing that makes you hit the horn quite like a roundabout.
You ask anyone using the roads in Griffith what gets up their goat, it’s anyone operating a vehicle without solid knowledge of how a roundabout is supposed to work.
One of Griffith’s iconic conservation and the environmental experts has been announced as the proud recipient of the prestigious Order of Australia Medal.
Geoffrey Sainty was born and raised in Hanwood, and said the announcement was “surprising” in the best way.
February
After almost 40 years in town, Big W has announced it will close its doors.
The final day of trading is scheduled for April 15, with a loss of 85 jobs.
The stifling 40 degree heat couldn’t stop over 400 people from dancing and singing along to the rock and roll hits on Saturday night at the Yoogali Club.
The special reunion of The Echoes saw many die-hard fans and music enthusiasts alike grooving well past midnight to raise money for the Griffith Base Hospital.
An Afghani refugee moved to Griffith with his family and opened the Afghan Friendship Restaurant.
“I called it this name because I want to extend friendship to everyone”.
March
Australians have been urged to throw out rockmelon they have previously purchased after a listeria outbreak that has left two people in NSW dead.
The outbreak has been linked to a rockmelon grower in Nericon, outside Griffith, with the company voluntarily ceasing production after being notified of the contamination.
Griffith students Emma Woolnough and Blake Wood have broken all expectations and shaved their heads at Griffith Central on Saturday in support of a friend lost to cancer.
Both 16 years old, they have exceeded all expectations in a huge way, by smashing their original goal only $1000 and ending up raising just over $16,500 for the World’s Greatest Shave.
April
Matt Watson and Dave Dore may not rate themselves as journalists, but they proved they have the smarts and ticker to thrive in the industry at Sunday’s ReWind at the Vines music festival.
Griffith could soon see the reintroduction flights to Melbourne, with the announcement of a new proposal from regional airline providers.
EastWest Airlines has announced it intends to put together a proposal that includes flights from Merimbula and Griffith airports to Melbourne.Ex-Griffith resident Maureen Roberts recounts the career of a lifetime
The longest-serving Air Ambulance nurse Maureen Roberts has finally called it a day after having just about seen and done it all.
Hailing from the MIA, Ms Roberts’ 37-year-long career has left her with an archive of amazing, heart-wrenching and also terrifying memories.
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