Everybody has a story worth telling. This is something that I have believed my whole life.
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However it wasn't until I began working as a journalist with The Inverell Times that I was able to truly live out this belief.
Some people think that community journalism is boring, but small communities are absolutely teeming with fascinating stories.
There are stories that I was able to tell over my four years with The Inverell Times that I would never be able to tell in another community.
There was the day I got to watch Mackenzie Cook lose the long locks that had become his protection following a horrific car crash which stole the use of his legs four years before.
Just 12-years-old at the time, Mackenzie did Shave for a Cure in an effort to help others.
The attitude of this young boy who had lost so much more than most adults ever will had a lasting impact on me.
There was the annual privilege of watching descendants of the slain come together with descendants of murderers in a beautiful display of reconciliation at Myall Creek.
Moments like that, where our country's bloody and dark past is acknowledged, not to pile on the guilt, but to heal together; are unfortunately pretty rare.
There was the day Charli and Cullen Adams allowed me to give the world a glimpse at their lives and those of their adorable children.
Living as a short statured family, the four had become Instagram-famous.
I cannot tell you how delighted I was to hear the family were happy to finally see an accurate depiction of their lives after months of rumours and misinformation, and can only hope I contributed in some small way to Charli and Cullen's mission to open people's minds when they face something or someone different to what they're used to.
Over my years with the Times, I learnt so much about my hometown.
I saw locals' generosity in action time and time again, witnessed the shire's perseverance during tough times and watched readers rejoice every time a local achieved something exceptional.
Leaving this job is bittersweet for me. I am truly excited for my future, but I will miss this community and the privilege of telling its stories.