television channels.
On 5 May 2011, analogue television transmissions ceased in most areas of regional Victoria and some border regions including Bendigo and surrounding areas. All local free-to-air television services are now being broadcast in digital transmission only. This was done as part of the Federal Government`s plan for Digital terrestrial television in Australia, where all analogue television transmission is being gradually switched off and replaced with DVB-T transmission.
Music
There are several live music venues with local independent bands and artists performing on a regular basis. There also several adult choirs and the Bendigo Youth Choir which often performs overseas, the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, the Bendigo Symphonic Band, several brass bands and three pipe bands. Musicians originally from Bendigo include Patrick Savage � film composer and former principal first violin of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo grew up in Bendigo where her family still live.
Sports
Cricket and Australian rules football are the most popular sports in Bendigo. The Queen Elizabeth Oval (referred to locally as the "QEO") hosts both sports. The Bendigo Gold are a semi-professional Australian Rules team that competes in the Victorian Football League. The Bendigo region is also home to the historic Bendigo Football League, a strong local Australian rules football competition. The Bendigo Cup is a famous horse racing event. The Bendigo and District Cricket Association is the controlling body for ten senior cricket clubs within the Bendigo area. The Emu Valley Cricket Association organises matches for thirteen club around the Bendigo district, from Marong in the north to Heathcote is the south. The Bendigo Madison is a large prestigious cycling event, attracting international calibre cyclists.
Bendigo hosts the richest professional running 400m in the world called the Black Opal
