Letters

Dear readers,

It is with sadness that I have made the decision to resign as Editor of the Canowindra Phoenix. This job has been so much more than bringing local news to Canowindra. Through my work, I was invited into the lives of so many in this community. I was privileged to share your diverse stories; your highs and lows. I covered the basics— births, deaths and marriages. Yet amongst these life-changing events, I saw something even more extraordinary— a snapshot of everyday life and the mettle which makes up the people of Canowindra.

Canowindra is an incredibly vibrant town, full of sportspeople, artists of every kind, tireless volunteers, farmers and more. The town on the river, bursting with some of God’s most beautiful country. It was a true pleasure to see how the town pulled together in many difficult situations, nota-bly COVID, and managed to continue living and growing through difficult circumstances.

Now again, we find ourselves facing the real effects of this pandemic and are separated by walls and doors. Yet the community carries on. The stalwarts of town, those who have seen the better part of the century on the Belubula, continue to carry many of Canowindra’s key community groups, while younger people, both old and new to town, weave in new traditions whilst upholding old.

I have faith that Canowindra will weather this storm with courage and grace and rise out of it stronger. I think of the Hospital, built 100 years ago under the most extraordinary of circumstances. How despite scarcity following WWI, the town was able to raise enough funds to erect that beautiful building, both as a memorial to those who served in WWI and as an ever-present help to those who need it. They could not have imagined then what would happen in the last century. How the world has moved and shifted. Yet we still benefit from their sacrifices, as future generations will no doubt benefit from ours.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community and especially those who took the time to share stories, history, photographs and more, which allowed me to produce a rich edition every week. I think especially of those who serve on boards and committees, those who play and re-port sports, those who contributed stunning photographs and those always happy to have a yarn with me or volunteer to be Our Bloke or Gal.

Canowindra holds a very special place in my heart and as I pursue new opportunities, I am saddened to be missing out on the unique relationship and role in the Canowindra community that being your Editor was.

Those I need to thank are simply too numerous. I hope you will accept my word of thanks here. Thank you all for allowing me into your homes each week. You have contributed so much to the community and so much to me. You might never know it, but I leave this job with fresh perspectives on life and community and a heart filled with encouragement from you all.

It was my great honour to be your former Editor,

Verity Middleton