Is it just me, or has someone hit the fast-forward button on 2026? One minute we were welcoming Spring, and now Christmas is practically knocking on the door.
The calendars are filling up, weekends are disappearing and I’m fairly certain there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. But amongst all the busyness, I think it’s worth remembering what really matters. Kindness. At home, in our workplaces, in the shops and out in the community. A little patience, a friendly smile or simply taking a moment to ask someone how they’re going can make an enormous difference. We’re all juggling something, and while some people seem to have everything beautifully under control (I’d love to know their secret), the rest of us are doing our best to keep all the balls in the air.
So be kind to the person serving you in the supermarket, the volunteer trying to organise an event, the family member who’s had a long day and, while you’re at it, yourself. We never really know what someone else might be dealing with behind the scenes, and a little understanding can go a long way. Especially at this time of year, when the pressure to get everything done can sometimes take the shine off what should be a wonderful season.
Speaking of wonderful things, the next couple of months are absolutely packed with opportunities to get out and enjoy our region. From Christmas markets and community celebrations to concerts, exhibitions, festivals and everything in between, there is so much happening across Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow and Oberon. Some events are completely free, while others require a ticket or a small admission fee, and I really encourage you to support both. Having been involved in organising my fair share of community events over the years, I know just how much work goes on behind the scenes. The planning, the volunteers, the fundraising, the paperwork and those inevitable last-minute dramas that nobody ever sees. Sometimes the very best way to say thank you is simply to show up. Buy the ticket, bring a friend, have a wander and spend a few dollars locally if you can. These events don’t happen by accident, and the people making them happen deserve our support.
And on a slightly more personal note, this week Rich and I celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary. Twenty-nine years! Which is quite remarkable really, considering we’ve spent most of those years working together, raising three children and navigating the usual chaos that comes with family life. I won’t pretend it’s always been smooth sailing, but we’ve certainly packed plenty of adventures, challenges, laughs and memories into those years. And after 29 years, I think we’ve both earned a medal. Or at the very least, a nice dinner that neither of us has to cook. It is a lovely reminder that, at the end of the day, it’s the people we share our lives with who matter most.
So as we head into the busiest time of the year, enjoy everything our region has to offer, support the people who make it special and make time for those you love. And above all else, be kind.
See you out and about!
