The highs and lows of 2018

Covering a multitude of topics, we get to meet so many people, some at their best and others at their worst, but it’s a privilege to tell their incredible stories.

The year started off on a low, with the shocking news of the passing of Dolly Everett.

Mental health struggles are nothing new, especially in our rural communities, but when you know people close to the impact zone, it’s hard to wrap your mind around the tragedy.

The resilience, love, and support that spread across the state in the aftermath was amazing.

I only hope that as the first anniversary of her death approaches, we can reflect on the 12 months – the achievements and the moments of sadness – and keep the conversation flowing.

Such a low causes most everything else to pale in comparison, but it would be remiss to highlight the lows and not the highs. 

Of all the interesting people we meet, there’s always someone who stands out from the crowd.  For me in 2018, there were two. 

In the town of St George, perched in an old Holden car seat, is a man with an amazing story. Stavros ‘Steve’ Margaritis is a hidden treasure, hand-carving emu eggs and displaying the illuminated artwork inside his gallery. 

The second was Angus Rigney, Myall Plains, Nindigully. Reflecting on the car accident that almost took his life a year ago, he shared the grueling journey back from the brink of death and what he had learnt. 

Angus said sometimes you just have to be late for something, and that it was okay to stop and have a sleep, even if it meant missing out on where you were going. 

It was a privilege to meet so many people this year, being welcomed into their homes and onto their properties, and learning from every one of them. 

Not every person wants to share their story but for those who begrudgingly said yes, I hope I’ve done your story justice.