Despite his advanced years, the death of Sir Donald Bradman on Sunday still came as a shock to many.

There always seemed to be a feeling that ‘The Don’, a member of the famous `invincibles’ would go on forever. Unfortunately that can’t happen.

We are lucky though.

In the midst of the sadness of his passing, it is somehow comforting to know that the spirit of the ‘boy from Bowral’ lives on - and nowhere greater than here in the Southern Highlands.

His uncanny ability with the bat was only a small part of the Don Bradman story - it was as much off the field as on that the legend was forged.

His integrity, honesty and humility were never compromised .

It will be his strength of character that will be remembered as much as his amazing list of cricketing achievements in years to come.

Even as a national icon, Sir Donald’s affinity with this region remained strong, culminating in the development of the Bradman Museum.

It won’t be a hard task, but we in the Southern Highlands now have a duty to ensure the memory of Sir Donald lives on.

As the home of the Bradman Museum, Bowral is now the focal point of the Bradman legend.

He served this country and its people so well. Let us now return the favour by keeping the legend alive.