I grew up in Windsor. Although we’re still kind of classed as within Sydney (according to the Sydney news weather maps), it’s over an hour to get to the beautiful Hawkesbury and it’s what I’d call a little more rural than suburban.

It was a great place to grow up and when I go back – my mum still lives there – I get a sense of peace and ‘home’.

I am lucky enough to write five articles a month for the Hawkesbury District Independent, a fabulous local magazine which is all about sharing good news (our Publisher is sick of all the bad news in the world) and inspiring community stories.

This month I have written about doulas in the Hawkesbury, two local businesses teaming up to create a One-Day Breakaway package encouraging Sydney-siders and day-tripping tourists to experience the wine and the food of the region, a VERY interesting protest at a extraordinary council meeting and when I say extraordinary I mean it in all manner of speaking.

My favourite part is writing the Make A Difference column every month. I get to interview some of the most selfless, giving and kind-hearted people for this column. Last month it was a battling mum who decided to set up a supermarket for low income earners completely funded by herself and her husband. This month I am writing the story of Marnie Clapham, a high school girl who suffered a brain haemorrhage in January. Her friends and the local community are now fundraising like crazy so building work and modifications can be made to the Clapham home. The sooner they can do this, the sooner Marnie can come home. Incredible.

These people are everywhere.

Yet, we hardly hear about them.

And in this tumultuous world of terror and turmoil, perhaps we need to focus on these wonderful people who truly Make a Difference.

For good.