The past year has again been one of the most difficult many of us have ever encountered with the challenges dealt by COVID-19.
We tend to take much of our lives for granted, however Christmas brings about the end of another year and we pause and question, where has the year gone?
The Kyabram community has proven itself to be most resilient in dealing with adversity over a very long period. A few things come to mind, with the closure of the Kyabram Cannery and the collapse of Banksia Financial Group.
The collapse of the Banksia group just prior to Christmas 2012 was devastating in regard to the $663 million financial hit together with the job losses. Doubts were expressed as to how the town would recover; however, following an unprecedented showing of community support to challenge the receivers’ proposed actions, depositors have now recovered more than 90 per cent of their investment and hopefully 2022 will see a final payment that will bring closure to this sorry saga.
Our town and district’s future continues to prosper with vast amounts of investment in the fruit industry, dairy, new housing subdivisions and the expansion of local industry creating employment opportunities.
I wish to highlight two of our institutions that have been instrumental in improving our wellbeing by investing their profits back into our community — our Bendigo Bank and the Kyabram Club, both of which have locally focused boards.
Special Christmas greetings go to the unsung heroes of our town — the many volunteers who give untold hours and resources to make our community a caring and safe place to live. In particular, our fire brigade and SES volunteers who provide us with 24/7 service; our sporting clubs and service clubs who provide opportunities for our youth and the wider community over a wide range of interests; the volunteers who serve on the many local boards of organisations such as the schools, Kyabram District Health Services, Warramunda, and many others too numerous to mention.
The list goes on, and where would we be without this huge input and dedication from our volunteers?
In conclusion I extend my best wishes to the residents of Kyabram and district for a safe and happy Christmas and congratulate the volunteer knitters’ group for again making our town “special” with the innovative and fun Christmas decorations located within the business area.
– Don McKenzie
