THURSDAY October 6 2016 saw the official launch of News Of The Area in the Bay, and I was very honoured to be one of the original reporters for the newspaper.

Since those humble beginnings I have seen the News Of The Area increase in size and popularity.

Our newspaper is like no other, with a love of our Port Stephens community and a heart to share the lives and legacy of so many amazing people.

I have had the pleasure of meeting many of our readers and have been truly touched by your kindness, love and community spirit.

I love writing your stories, as I try to share the heart behind your determination, strength, goals and commitment to build and support our community, thank you for being you.

I have lived on the Tomaree Peninsula for more than 26 years, raising my eight children here in our beautiful blue water wonderland.

I love that our newspaper was born out of the passionate hearts of local couple Mick and Rochelle Wright, who live in Port Stephens with their three beautiful children.

Locally owned and operated with local reporters, each of us passionate about bringing to you a balanced and informative community newspaper, sharing the highs and lows of each other’s lives, as we support one another throughout the year.

I would like to leave you all with a blessing for Christmas and for the coming year.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you, make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

May he turn his face toward you and give you peace.

May his favour be upon you and a thousand generations and your family and your children and their children and their children.

May his presence go before you and behind you and beside you, all around you and within you, and may he keep us all safe until we meet again.”

By Jewell DRURY.