One of the pleasures of living in this village – and editing this publication – is discovering just how many different people, experiences and ideas contribute to the essence of our community.

Each month I wonder how I am going to fill 32+ pages with new stories and perspectives, and each month, I’m astounded by the variety of ideas, projects and achievements swirling around us. It’s fascinating and inspiring.

As the Bangalow Show celebrates its 125th milestone, we revisit its colourful history, complete with agricultural rivalries, curious competitions and the occasional controversy. The Show’s enduring bush poetry tradition reminds us that a good story, particularly one delivered with humour, can bring a crowd together.

Creativity runs through these pages in other ways too. Seven local women artists have formed a local art collective and will soon exhibit. We also hear from the sister of acclaimed musician Holly Throsby (who is touring locally this month) adding a personal perspective to a well-known creative career.

This month, we also explore the challenges facing women during the so-called ‘danger decade’ of midlife – menopause, the

‘sandwich generation’, mental and physical health and more. Plus, we meet a local author who has written about parenting and ADHD, bringing complex, challenging conversations and experiences about parenting neurodivergent young people out into the open.

Looking ahead, Jenny Bird considers how we might imagine the future of Bangalow, while our update on the Supreme Court proceedings concerning the Bowlo reflects the continuing community interest in the fate of a beloved local institution.

What emerges in this edition is a picture of a village shaped by its community. Its character comes from the people who live here, the stories they share, the things they create and the conversations they start.

And there are always more stories to tell.

Sally Schofield