This time last week we were wishing our readers across Northern Tasmania a very Merry Christmas. Now, it's almost time to say farewell to 2019 and hello to 2020.
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Over the past few weeks we have been sharing with you some reflections of the year that was. From the hottest political talking points, the big moments in health, education and local government - to the stories that mattered the most to us and our readers.
Yearenders, as we call them in the newsroom, are an opportunity to look back on what everyone was talking about and sometimes act as a timely reminder of what's happened and how far we've come.
Who could forget June's sudden cabinet reshuffle that saw longstanding Health Minister Michael Ferguson replaced by Sarah Courtney. This year not one, but two ministers in the Premier's Cabinet, Rene Hidding and Adam Brooks, resigned under controversial circumstances.
On the eve of the long awaited federal election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison was not in Canberra. Rather, he was in Launceston playing pool at Sporties Hotel. It was the first of multiple appearances in Tasmania from the prime minister over the course of a two-month period.
Some of the state's most high-profile criminal cases have played out in the Launceston Supreme Court this year. Three cases in particular highlighted the first-class work of northern police and prosecutors - the Jake Anderson-Brettner killing; rapist turned murderer Mark Rodney Jones; and the murder of Tyson Clark-Robertson.
In education, Jeremy Rockliff announced mobile phones would be banned in schools starting from term two of next year. In 2020, the state's leavers age will also officially change to 18.
On the health front, multiple damning reports highlighted the pressures facing the state's ailing health system. While scrutiny over government funding and recruitment reached an all-time high.
There were also the good news stories shared by The Examiner, from the sporting achievements locally, nationally and on the world stage, to the tireless efforts of volunteers and local heroes in the community.
It has been a big year for The Examiner and Northern Tasmania and 2020 is shaping up to be even bigger. We hope you'll join us for the ride.
