I moved here from Sydney in 2012 and even since then, when I was just a student, I could see that the members of this community were among the most generous I have ever met.
I’m proud that through my position with the Pastoral Times I get to see it even more.
The extravaganza concert at the Deniliquin Golf Club on February 2 is only the latest in a long list of ways people are putting their own skills to good use to help bushfire victims.
It's not only a great way to support our local talent, but to reach out and do our bit for our fellow Australians who have been impacted in a range of ways.
And before that we can support two vital local organisations through the disco to benefit the Deniliquin Rural Fire Service at the RSL this Saturday and the Deni Big Float to support the Deniliquin Volunteer Rescue Association on Sunday.
It doesn’t matter what the cause is, our community rallies around to make things a little easier for someone else. It is what I love about this community I now call home.
Good customer service is a trait many locals possess and, I believe, we’re known as being among the friendliest business communities in the state.
I talk to many travellers who come to Deniliquin for work, and they always mention the great hospitality and express how great our community is.
It is what makes them want to come back, meaning kindness is just as important to local tourism and the economy as the products and services we provide.
That kindness is on show all the time, for locals and visitors alike, but is amplified significantly where there is a crisis or someone in need.
Each week there seems to be a new fundraiser to help some in or connected to our community.
And without fail, our community members reach in to their pockets to donate or provide assistance in other ways.
The other great thing about our country community is how its members celebrate the achievement of others.
We get a chance to do just that this Sunday morning at Edward River Council’s Australia Day ceremony in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens.
The awards recognise those who are making a difference in our community, but we know there are many others not in the nomination or winners’ lists.
Each achievement is a part of the puzzle which makes up this community, and they are achievements I hope you will let me celebrate in the pages of your local newspaper.
I look forward to seeing what we can achieve this year.