Sit Down With Sam

I remember when I was first announced as Burdekin Life’s new and first journalist on the publication’s Facebook page, the post was met with countless comments anticipating my arrival in the beautiful Burdekin.
It was August 2023, I was at a friend’s wedding at the time, and I would read through the comments of support any time I found phone service, getting more and more excited by the opportunity and proudly showing my friends how welcoming my new community would be.
This was an early and extremely accurate insight into the people of the Burdekin.
Since moving here in September last year, everyone has made me feel nothing but welcome: from my neighbours in Home Hill, mayors and councillors past and present, and the volunteers and members of the committees whose meetings I’ve attended to the countless people I’ve interviewed for the newspaper and taken photos of out and about.
This has only increased after announcing my departure from the region, and your kind words and messages of support have honestly meant the world to me and made me feel like an extremely valued part of this community.
I’ve been told quite frequently that I fit into the community quite well, but it helps when the community in question is as welcoming as the Burdekin.
This is the last edition of Burdekin Life that will have my full input, and it’s an edition I’m quite proud of.
I have even been allowed a page on which to reflect and share some of my favourite memories while in the Burdekin, so flick to page 26 if you’re interested.
Enjoy the read and I’m sure I’ll see you all again soon.

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