The day after Australia Day traditionally marks the end of the silly season and the start of the serious business of running the country – though this year it will start the day after yesterday’s Australia Day public holiday.

And what a year ahead it will be.

First, it's just 53 days until the state election, so the campaign is about to swing into top gear.

We have just three candidates confirmed so far for the seat of Bathurst – incumbent Paul Toole (Nationals), police prosecutor Beau Riley (Labor) and Forest Reefs farmer Brenden May – but that list is likely to grow.

Mr Toole holds a commanding 16 per cent margin but the past four years have not been plain sailing, with the failed council amalgamations (which he introduced as local government minister) and greyhound racing ban (and he's now the racing minister) – along with the loss of a premier and deputy premier – the biggest black marks against the government and Mr Toole.

Neither Mr Riley nor Mr May has landed a serious blow on Mr Toole so far but expect the campaign to become more intense – and personal – as polling day draws nearer.

And with the Berejiklian Government in a real battle to hold onto power, the fight for every seat will create plenty of interest this time round.

And once we get past the state election attention will quickly turn to the federal election, expected to be called for May.

It's a similar story for local voters, with the Nationals' incumbent Andrew Gee holding a commanding margin but facing the prospect of a large national swing against a federal government that seems unable to decide on a leader.

His only confirmed opponent so far is the Labor Party's Jess Jennings, who will be contesting the election for the third time.

But the greatest challenge would likely come from a high profile Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party candidate – if one can be found to follow in the footsteps of Phil Donato.

And a few months later it will be the Bathurst mayoral and deputy mayoral election. While it’s just the nine councillors will get a say in those votes, there are already rumblings of interest in both positions.

So if you like an election, this is the year for you. If you don’t, never fear – it’s just over 11 months until 2020.