Observations & Musings

So, I’m six weeks into this regional role as your local journo, and I’m seeing trends – some good (most great), and one or two that are disconcerting. Nothing outrageous or an “everyone run-for-hills” kind of thing, just little observations I’ve noticed.

See, as a perennial traveller and someone who was once called ‘The Thinker’ in high school, such was my lifelike pose I’d strike at any time akin to Auguste Rodin’s famous marble statue, I’m forever watching, observing, studying, and generally taking in my surrounds.

If not, then I’m conversing with whoever may be within my vicinity about anything and everything (or nothing). But I’m seeing and hearing the same types of things.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s Sweet FM’s Station Manager, Charlie; The Men’s Shed’s Secretary, Charles, Home Hill Chamber’s Secretary, Robert, or other essential Burdekin non-profits, the message is clear – their membership is shrinking, funds and grants are harder to get, and perhaps the biggest of all, it’s a real challenge to get younger people involved.

I’ve seen this countless times, in many places on my sojourns. While most survive through sheer grit, determination, tightening of belts, and the kindness of strangers, some do not.

Community spirit is strong here but without wider support and inventive ways of creating funds, some will be forced to shutter.

If that happens, they’ll leave a big hole.

As your local paper, we do what we can to promote and support such organisations but it’s only one paper, and I’m only one man. We need you, and you, and you, and yes, even you, to show solidarity and make Ayr and Home Hill a beacon for other country towns.

If we all do our bit, things will turn around. If we don’t… well, that won’t happen will it?

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