Future looks bright

Firstly, let me congratulate Peninsula News for giving the Peninsula community a voice.
The newspaper provides locals with a vehicle to have their say about their community and where they want it to head.
The Australia Day celebrations went very well indeed and everyone involved in the organisation should be congratulated.
Special events such as this are very important as we live in a sometimes fragmented society and events such as this allow us to experience community.
I have noticed these events are becoming more frequent and this is desirable.
Of course, some events have happened many times and community groups should be applauded for the many things they do.
For example, the Pearl Beach Progress Association orchestrates many groups and events such as beautification schemes, Landcare groups and regular events in the local hall.
The Wagstaffe Progress Association, which now has a new hall built and refurbished by the community, is following in the footsteps of the Pearl Beach group with a succession of events.
Wagstaffe helped organise Christmas and a local Australia Day celebrations.
Their Australia Day attracted about 300 people for the flag-raising ceremony despite the wet weather.
Such a turn-out from a small community enables all people to feel part of a community.
For too many, life consists of living in a box, watching the box and occasionally travelling somewhere in a metal box.
The Ettalong, Umina and Woy Woy groups have also staged many events, such as the Santa parade at Christmas among many others.
The recent increase in events and meetings is making the Peninsula community more vibrant and inclusive for its members.
In this regard, the future is looking bright.