Given our experiences with the pandemic, storms, fire and flood, it’s tempting not to look in the rearview mirror at 2021, preferring to hurry on in hope of better things to come.
However, there were some positives. For one thing, I learned to master Zoom, sort of, and came to appreciate the tracky-dack freedom it gave me. I would much rather meet in-person, but as things loosened up the thought of having to dress up and jump in the car or train began to have less appeal. Still, I must admit I won’t miss hearing “you’re on mute” every five minutes.
When weather and restrictions permitted, it was also good to see families escaping their four walls and rediscovering the green outdoors. Around Kilsyth some of our marvellous assets like Elizabeth Bridge Reserve, Pinks Reserve, and local playgrounds like Balmoral Reserve were buzzing. It was heartening to see this enjoyment of our environment, and hopefully that will continue.
Without doubt the best feature of this difficult year was the persistence of the green shoots of community – the examples of selfless caring shown by individuals, traders, churches, schools and clubs to help those experiencing hardship. We are indeed fortunate to have such people among us. You get a fair idea of just how fortunate when you see the community projects that were awarded funding grants at the recent Yarra Ranges Council Community Grants celebration. Marvellous people committed to achieving marvellous things, all for the wellbeing of our residents.
The word ‘resilience’ might best sum up the grit displayed by people over the last twelve months. Turning back to the windscreen toward what lies ahead, maybe the word ‘energised’ will set the tone. With so many things put on hold in 2021, there is the hope that 2022 will be bigger, better and brighter.
For the Kilsyth Community Action Group, we are looking forward to a host of initiatives to help get things back up and running. There are substantial developments like the works in Bridge Reserve, and the major upgrades to facilities in Pinks Reserve. Our new Facebook page will help to build community support for our Heritage Walk project, local indigenous and European history and markers, working with our CALD communities, and more community events, including of course the fabulous Kilsyth Festival.
We’re up for it!
