AS 2021 comes to a close, we get to ponder on the year that was.

The year that we hoped would be better than 2020 somehow disappointed us along the way as the Covid-19 virus failed to disappear and public health restrictions caused disruptions to student schooling and unrest among the community.

Business owners suffered the most, not being able to win if they supported the unvaccinated or if they didn’t.

However, it was also a year where we were forced to slow down, to work from home, to spend more time with our children while they were not allowed to attend school.

A time to take stock of what was important and a time to reflect on how many jobs could be undertaken from a home working environment.

I have enjoyed my time writing news stories during 2021, particularly covering Coffs Harbour City Council and the future development of the region.

We have many passionate councillors leading our region who we should appreciate for all that they do, and for the stands that they take on behalf of the community.

I look forward to watching the newly elected Council team work together in 2022 for the benefit of the community.

More community members should tune in and watch the fortnightly Council meetings.

They can actually be quite entertaining!

I will be taking a step back from my reporting for Coffs Coast News Of The Area in 2022 as I concentrate on my full time work with the NSW Department of Education.

Thanks to all of my media contacts who have made the time to take my phone calls and assist me with news stories during 2021.

Happy New Year to everyone and I wish you all a happy and healthy 2022, whatever the year may bring.

 

By Emma DARBIN