If there is one thing that continues to impress me about our region, it’s the way people simply show up.
You show up for festivals, community fundraisers, sporting matches, markets, concerts, charity events and school activities. You rug up, brave the cold, grab a coffee from a local café, enjoy a meal at a local venue and make a day of it. Those simple decisions make a much bigger difference than many people realise.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of covering so many wonderful events across our region. Whether I’ve been out myself or Karen, our Community Manager, has been there representing the Village Voice, we’ve been constantly reminded of just how lucky we are to live in a community that genuinely gets behind local events.
So, I simply wanted to say thank you. High 5’s. Well done! Good on you!
Thank you to every volunteer who arrives before sunrise to set up tables, every committee member who spends months planning an event, every sponsor who backs an idea, every musician, performer, artist, market stallholder, sporting club and community group who puts themselves out there. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who turns up to support them.
Regional communities don’t thrive because someone else makes it happen. They thrive because ordinary people decide to get involved.
The good news is that winter is far from over, and neither is the calendar.
August is shaping up to be another fantastic month. Beatlesfest returns to Bathurst from 20–23 August, bringing four days of music, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to get out with family and friends. Add to that the Burraga Agricultural and Sheep Show, shows, markets, exhibitions, sporting fixtures and community events happening throughout Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow and Oberon, and there really is something for everyone.
I’ve often said that winter is our vibe, and I still believe that. While others head for warmer weather, we embrace crisp mornings, cosy cafés, country pubs with roaring fires, live music, great local food and events that bring our communities together. It’s one of the many things I love about living here.
If you’ve been thinking about heading out for a day trip, catching a live show, visiting a country pub for lunch or finally checking out that event you’ve been meaning to attend, this is your sign. Invite some friends, fill the car and make a day of it.
Every small decision to support local really does matter. It helps keep businesses open, gives volunteers a reason to keep going and ensures our communities continue to thrive.
As always, thank you for supporting the businesses that advertise in the Village Voice and for continuing to support local wherever you can.
I hope to see you out and about over the coming weeks. If you spot me or Karen at an event, please come and say hello. We’d love to hear what you’re involved in and what makes our region such a special place to call home.
