THE year was full of ups and down, moments to celebrate and moments of heartbreak and the Daily Liberal was there to capture every minute of it.
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Before we step too far into 2019, we thought it was a great time to look back at some of our most-watched videos that we posted to Facebook during 2018.
The weather, drought, sporting milestones, politics and a road accident that left us all shocked feature in our list of the Top 10 most watched videos.
10. Group 11 grand final – CYMS v Forbes
This clash of the titans on September 9 featured a nail-biting end with Dubbo CYMS and Forbes Magpies locked at 22-all with just 10 minutes to go.
A late field goal handed the Magpies a magical win over the previously unbeaten CYMS.
9. Sneak peek at Dubbo ALDI’s renovations
The doors to Dubbo ALDI reopened on July 12 following nine days of refurbishments.
Among the works were include redesigned shelving, expanded wooden produce bays, and extended energy efficient chillers. Read more.
8. Stephen Lawrence confirmed as Dubbo candidate
Dubbo Regional Councillor Stephen Lawrence was confirmed as the Country Labor candidate to contest the seat of Dubbo for the 2019 state election.
During his regional tour on March 20, the then NSW Labor leader Luke Foley confirmed Cr Lawrence would again stand against Nationals MP Troy Grant at the NSW election.
Since this tour, however, Troy Grant has announced his retirement from politics and that he would not contest the state election.
7. What a day it was – heat, dust, rain and hail
THERE was definitely four seasons in one day in Dubbo on December 20.
On this day, 41.4 millimetres of rain was received and wind gusts blew at speeds up to 93km/h.
The wild weather left four properties without a roof and trees fell on houses which prompted more than 20 calls for help from the Dubbo and Wellington districts, the State Emergency Service (SES).
6. Group 11 grand final, the final few minutes of the game
Forbes wins! Forbes wins!
We were there to catch the final moments of the Dubbo CYMS and Forbes Magpies clash on September 9 and also the presentations and speeches afterwards.
A Farren Lamb field goal inside the final two minutes of the game scored Forbes a second Group 11 title in three seasons.
5. Tragedy on the Newell Highway
Two people died and 10 people were injured following a horrific seven-car crash on the Newell Highway near Dubbo on January 16.
The vehicles, which were travelling southbound on the Newell Highway, were at a roadworks site when the crash occurred. Two of the vehicles were prime movers.
A total of twelve people were in the seven vehicles.
NSW Ambulance officer Chris Wilson said six ambulance crews and two helicopters attended the scene with several patients transported in a stable condition.
He said they were “very fortunate considering the incident.” Read more.
4. Getting up close and personal with the lions of the Pridelands
When the Taronga Western Plains Zoo officially opened its new Lion Pidelands exhibition on March 29 the Daily Liberal was there to capture all the action.
The $9 million African Lion Pridelands project is now a major drawcard for the zoo and it features a 3.5 hectare open expanse where the lion pride will roam.
While the official opening captured the attention of many, it was a very close encounter that a child had with a lion that captured the eye of our photographer. Read more.
3. Rain dancing for our farmers
Joy, laughter and a whole lot of dancing captured our imaginations on August 23 when Dubbo Public School performed a rain dance.
The long-running drought had left many farmers with no water, no feed and, for some, not much hope.
The video became an instant internet sensation, with thousands of people tuning in to watch and it was shared as far away as the United States. Read more.
2. Drought brings prime ministerial visit to Trangie
The then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull paid a visit to Trangie on August 5 to announce a much-needed drought relief package and promised that more help would come.
The $190 million package included a host of measures, including an extension of the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) of up to $12,000 in two lump sum payments and a relaxing of FHA assets tests to allow more farmers access to the assistance.
There was also $5m for the Rural Financial counselling services, $15 million to help the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and $11.4 million in mental health support initiatives.
During the visit, drought awareness campaigner Edwina Robertson broke down in tears in front of Mr Turnbull.
1. Two die, 10 injured in tragic road crash on the Newell Highway
The video that received the most views from Daily Liberal readers during 2018 happened very early in the year, January 16 to be exact.
It was on this day that a horrific road accident just outside Dubbo claimed two lives, left another 10 people injured and left many more scared.
At the scene of the crash, Orana Superintendent Peter McKenna confirmed seven vehicles, including two prime movers, were involved in the crash. Read more.
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