15.03.17
PERHAPS my years in the public service have made me cynical and easily irritated.
I have developed a serious aversion to the intentional abuse of the word ‘local’, especially by companies or organisations that are anything but ‘local’. (Think land services, TV news, insurance companies, and the like. )
As I was about to climb back on my soapbox for this week’s Editor’s Comment, a genuine Come-by-Chance local reminded me that there is a resurgence of real local spirit in the tiny localities scattered around districts like ours.
I’m not sure what’s behind this trend.
It could be the injection of youthful enthusiasm accompanying the return of the next-generation, or the need for all ages to band together with their neighbours when times get tough and livelihoods are threatened.
Seems to me, things are hotting up in places like Come-by-Chance, Combara, The Marra, Gungalman and Hollywood.
Neighbours are connecting and coming together on a more regular basis, for D-I-Y fun activities, community improvement, or even serious political activism – and sometimes all at once.
Come-by-Chance might seem like an unlikely dot on the map, but they are a busy bunch and they excel at entertaining themselves and anyone else who turns up.
We are all familiar with the Picnic Races that have consolidated into a key drawcard in the region’s annual calendar.
You might have heard of the massive Anzac Centenary celebrations that saw the Come-by-Chance Hall fill with hand-made red poppies.
But did you know that Come-by-Chance has a cricket club?
Or a Clay Target Shooters Club?
And a mothers’ Club?
Or that Friday night is a big night at the Store which draws workers, farmers, backpackers and travellers every week for good conversation and lots of laughs?
The real local life is alive and well with residents getting out and making it happen.
Long live the tiny towns and hamlets that give our region its character and show us how to make the most of living where we live.