The gobal COVID pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of many popular events and activities, while the chance to gather with others has been restricted during lockdowns.

But our community is beginning to re-open and once more we are able to enjoy the beauty of where we live, catch up with people we have missed, and embrace the opportunities on our doorstep.

It is like a new awakening. And it's worth celebrating.

With this in mind the Southern Highlands News editorial team is making a special effort to draw attention to the great appeal of this region, in its many forms.

The team is eager to share the stories of the people, places and businesses within the community. It also aims to inspire a greater understanding and appreciation of the region by telling the stories of the past and sharing visions for the future.

Quite simply we want to reaquaint readers with the appeal of 'our' neck of the woods.

The 'Our' campaign began today, November 8, and will take the form of various stories under the labels 'Our people', 'Our places', 'Our business', 'Our future', 'Our history' and one that we introduced earlier this year, 'Meet the locals'. You can learn more about the campaign here.

While we are on the topic of stories that matter to 'our' readers the great efforts of the team from Koori Kulcha is well worth a read.

The annoucement that the Festival of Lights will return to the Highlands this Christmas should also be welcome news.

In fact these and many other good news stories can be enjoyed through our weekly Good News Wrap.

Meanwhile, a selection of news published across each week can also be revisited through our Friday afternoon offering 'In case you missed it'.

If you have a story to share please reach out to us. You can simply respond to this newsletter or send your suggestions through our website portal at www.southernhighlandnews.com.au, go to the community section, then click on the 'send us your news' tab.

Looking forward to hearing from our readers,

Jackie Meyers

Editor