I hope there will be some people reading this who are sorry to see me go; I've no doubt there will be some for whom this day could not come soon enough; and I'm realistic enough to recognise that this news will have little impact at all on the vast majority of you.

And that's exactly as it should be.

For almost 17 years I've been the editor of the Western Advocate and I've seen great changes in the city, the newspaper and my own family in that time.

But the Western Advocate was here long before me and it will be here long after I leave.

In every regional or rural centre, media outlets like the local newspaper and local radio station are local institutions.

They provide a voice for residents and are a vital source of information and entertainment.

They document the good and the bad, the celebrations and sadness

But those of us who work for these institutions, no longer how long or short our stay, are only ever warming the seat for those who will follow.

Bathurst has been good to my family and me and the Western Advocate will always be part of me. I will be joining all of you as a subscriber and I will become a proud supporter of the local journalism I believe our city, and every city, needs.

All the best for the festive season, and all the best for a wonderful 2022.