Since coming to Home Hill and Burdekin over a fortnight ago, I’ve been made to feel welcome wherever I’ve gone. Being a regional boy myself, albeit from down south (don’t hold that against me), it doesn’t really surprise me.
You see for a lad that’s travelled the globe, seen 60 countries, over six continents, living in 8 major cities around the world, I’ve always been drawn to smaller towns and places. It’s there that you really get to see a country.
Bright lights and the hustle and bustle of a city have their place, but they’re not the real heartbeat of a country. Maybe it’s that my grandparents were farmers years ago, maintaining contact with their friends and neighbours years on. Or maybe it’s that despite being a stranger, the hospitality in small towns will always make you feel welcome.
In my almost three weeks here, that’s exactly what’s happened. I’ve already met quite a few of you covering events, activities, or just shooting the breeze. I’ve had complete strangers entrust me with their stories or in one instance, their bag, so they could go shopping at the local IGA while I sat on the bench outside.
It’s that kind of trust you just don’t get in bigger towns or cities.
Recently at the Burdekin Race Club to help mark their centenary, I was allowed on the home straight to take a photo without hesitation. They asked me to stay for the day, and if not for my wife and son being in town for the weekend, I would have. You see, the racetrack reminded me exactly of where I grew up. It’s probably why I stayed for the first race, plonked on a bet, and duly won! They’re the kind of signs you’re in the right place.
So continue to introduce yourselves, and let’s keep exchanging stories. Giddy up!
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
