In the years to come when we reflect on the summer of 2019/20, the images of fear and helplessness that flash before our minds eye will diminish.
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Feelings right now are still very raw and painful for many - but I've also seen love, compassion and authentic leadership emerge from every corner of our community following those dark days of orange skies.
It's this positivity that I'm focused on in order to move beyond the hurt and pain.
When I reflect on our community spirit, I see Mick and the Social Justice Advocates with their caravans, I see Christine and Danielle at the Cobargo Relief Centre, Veronica down the road at Quaama, Mick and Jenny at Go Fence Me, Vickie and the kids at Towamba Public School, Doss in his bandanna at Wyndham, and Lisa, Trace and John at South of Eden Bushfire Recovery.
The way our community has come together has strengthened the bonds that already existed - and will make us stronger in the future.
The Bega Valley has always known what many people are rediscovering in 2020 - that life works better together.
The way the Bega Valley has come together during this experience is a shining light for communities big and small.
The Australia we strive for starts at our front gate, the bonds that tie us as a nation start local.
We can all be proud of the contribution made to our local and national community.
The legacy that builds and makes us more resilient are the relationships that endure - the support networks ready to respond to the rise and fall of life.
One of my favourite examples of that is the way the mighty Wyndham Wedgies AFL Club has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of this summer.
Not seen since 1995, the Wedgies have made a return, empowered by the way the community came together and wanting to extend and deepen those connections.
We have all had our challenges, none of this can be perfect, but the challenges are smaller and the solutions clearer when we face the future together.
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