Editors Note 5 February

One of the first things I noticed when I moved here about 10 months ago was this town’s sense of togetherness, shown in the abundance of community and volunteer groups across the region.

After learning more about what they do, how they operate, and the ways they support the community, it became clear to me that without these groups, towns like our beloved one simply wouldn’t function.

While volunteering in the Burdekin remains relatively strong, I’ve come to learn that a trend has emerged—or rather, one has dissipated.

Many of the groups I visit share stories from their younger volunteering years. Of how fun, social and rewarding they were. At the same time, they all raise a common, current concern in the lack of youth involvement in community and volunteer groups.

Why has it become a dying art?

Is it “those bloody phones?”

Who are we gonna pass the torch to? What would this town look like without these cogs helping it to function?

Who knows?

I’ve decided to find out. I’ve got an article in the works with several sources, aiming to get to the bottom of it.

After all, would I even be doing my job if I wasn’t bringing these issues to light?

Stay tuned.

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