The other thoughts on my mind in the last few days have been how lucky we really all are compared to others.

When situations such as the tragic death of Stephanie Scott occur I feel we can all agree that whatever is going on in our own lives there is always someone that is suffering more.

We live in a town that up until recently had a certain peace about it.

That’s not to say we will never get that back. It can’t be taken from us, but it will take time for that feeling to return.

The other thing I feel we need to remember as a community at any time is to always show kindness and compassion - even to strangers.

You never know what they might be dealing with in their lives at any given time, so that smile we give passing by each other in the street really can make someone’s day.

I feel as though it is these simple things that we should always remember and pass on to the next generations. 

It goes a long way. 

Leeton has shown in many situations throughout the years that what it does best is banding together as one to help those in need.

This will no doubt continue for many years to come.

- TALIA PATTISON