It's nice to reflect on the sunny side of social media

As is the case with other newspapers across the world, the Western Advocate Facebook page has become a digital soapbox, of sorts, for public discussion of all manner of topics.

Sometimes the Facebook page can be a place for genuine and useful debate; at other times the banter can be inane and sometimes it can get downright nasty.

But our Facebook page can also be a place where people come together to show their support for some of the best things happening in Bathurst, and we've seen a few heart-warming examples of just that over the past week or so.

The biggest social media reaction of the week was in response to an article we published about Bathurst's Amanda Toomey being named educator of the year at last week's Dreamtime Awards.

Ms Toomey has had an influence on hundreds of young lives in Bathurst through her work with the Towri Macs early childhood centre and, judging from the reaction to the story on Facebook, she has had a lasting impact.

Apart from the hundreds of "like" and "love" reactions were the many posters who took the time to congratulate Ms Toomey and thank her for her commitment to her role.

Then there was the story on MacKillop student Yulina Collins who achieved the rare feat of being shortlisted for end-of-year showcases in three different HSC subjects.

It was a simple story detailing a young woman's achievements but it clearly touched a nerve among those who knew her - and many more who didn't.

And finally there was the official opening of Café on Corporation in the Bathurst Trade Centre, providing real work opportunities for people with a disability.

It's a nice partnership between the Generocity Church and Vivability and, as Bathurst MP Paul Toole conceded, is filling what had been a real gap in the community.

All these stories - and many more - speak of the good things in Bathurst and there is something heartening about the fact they are also the stories that get the biggest reactions on social media.

Liking a Facebook post is such a simple thing but all those simple acts of support add up to a warm sense of a community that cares.

Social media does not have to be the enemy.