...and on a personal note…

IAM not a journalist or published author, although I love to write. I am just a person who thinks that everyone can pick up a pen, pencil, crayon or brush and express themselves in some way.

And, as it’s the end of another year I have been invited to pen 400 words about what 2016 meant to me for our Review of 2016 in the Dubbo Photo News and the Dubbo Weekender.

So, let’s see – do I write about world affairs such as Trump becoming President-elect, Brexit, the refugee crisis, petrol prices, the rise of domestic violence, Syria, women’s unequal pay, terrorism?

Or closer to home, the tragic loss of Perry Meredith and the distressing discovery of Lateesha Nolan’s remains or our farmers battles dealing with extreme weather patterns. You see where I’m going with this don’t you – sadness, loss, grief we all experience in some manner.

Yes – I could and probably should write about the atrocities that invade our daily life, but I will leave that up to our dedicated journo’s, the experts, that will write an unbiased, true account of the state of the world we live in.

I will write about the world I live in and hopefully dear reader you will not become too bored. Because, what I want to write, fairly simply is about this wonderful place we call home – Dubbo.

It is a Sunday as I sit here in our little oasis writing this. It’s warming up and I am contemplating a swim, maybe some gardening late afternoon, visit a gallery, catch a movie at the cinema, a stroll by the Macquarie river, lunch or dinner out – who knows, there are so many options

I am what you would call a ‘blow in’ as I moved here in November 2015 and fell in love with Dubbo immediately. The dry heat, the bluest of skies, the sounds of crickets, sitting outside well into the evening reminds me of my hometown Tamworth, which I left in my teens heading for the excitement of the ‘big smoke’ Sydney.

Dubbo, you have everything going on. Rich regional history, cultural powerhouse of the arts, restaurants, shops, cinema and events happening each month.

I love your Farmers markets which showcase the region’s produce. I love your big Macquarie River coursing through the dry land. I love your community spirit and your smiling citizens.

Dubbo I just love your country charm – you had me at SMILE - you’re in Dubbo.

So, now I am excited about New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Caltex Park and what 2017 will bring, memories I am sure, as Dubbo likes to impress.

Everything I love about Dubbo would not be, if not for the good citizens that make up this special community –that’s right, that’s YOU!

So Dubbo don’t let me down – keep smiling.

“Dubbo, you have everything going on. Rich regional history, cultural powerhouse of the arts, restaurants, shops, cinema and events happening each month.” – Jennifer Clarence