Christmas is one of those polarising holidays that people either seem to love or hate. I am of the former belief and do get excited this time of year. Catching up with friends and family, end of year functions, lots of community events - all whilst harvesting our crops, means there's a lot going on for me but I love it all the same. Of course, as 'Newly Minted Mayor' this has added a new level of delicious complexity to the mix.
Unfortunately, this year will be the first Christmas that I won't see any of my children. I have two sons that both live overseas, one in Amsterdam and the other in Stockholm. My daughter who lives an hour and a half away and with a new job, is unable to join us. I miss them all terribly, but more so at this time of year.
So I decided to do something different this Christmas and have put my hand up to volunteer with the Lions Club of Carisbrook 'Christmas With Us'. This is a free event held at the Harness Racing Club every Christmas Day for those that are alone.
I am really excited about helping to serve meals and enjoy the festivities. I take my hat off to the organisers for putting their community first, above spending time with their own families. They bring encouragement, empathy and kindness at a time when some are doing it tough and are overwhelmed by the season. Hardship, loneliness, bereavements, failures and the spiralling cost of living can overwhelm and paralyse, but because of the Lions Club, they can also awaken hope and rally our strength to help one another.
So my plea to each and everyone living in the Central Goldfields is simply this: be a kind person this Christmas and every day next year to someone, as there is far more to living than simply caring for ourselves and our own interests, however important or challenging they may be.
Wishing peace, joy, good will and happiness for you and yours at Christmas and always.
Mayor Cr Liesbeth Long (Flynn Ward)
