I worked in Goomalling many years ago [the 1980's] when I worked for the Dept of Sport and Recreation from their Northam office. That whole region has many small rural communities full of great people and ideas.

I remember even 25 years ago we were talking with local communities and developing sport and rec plans … going into schools and sports clubs and the local butchers and asking people what their town could be.

One very small town of only a few hundred people decided even then that they would buy their local pub and garage rather than see them close down … people often find creative solutions when faced with crisis.

I loved working in all those rural communities and felt very privileged to meet people in over 20 shires and be a small part of their development.

Northam and the midlands region was my first job 25 years ago and I learnt so much from the people I met … and then I got to work from Geraldton and the midwest as a community development officer … and kept meeting resilient and passionate and very creative people who loved their towns and regions.

Those years working in over nearly 40 shires hold many many fond memories and gave me the skills and experience that helped me when I moved here to Ireland in 1993.

One day I’d love to go for a wander around those places and see how they have prospered.

I send my very best wishes to your team and the people of Goomalling in their work.