From the Editor November 2020

My cup is full and my energy is a tad low—looking back on the last month it’s absolutely no wonder. It’s been a cracker! Between Food Sensations sessions wrapping up, art workshops, live music events, kids discos and so much more, it’s been the best sort of exhausting.
 
The wonderful community vibes we’ve been feeling at the Quairading CRC of late feel a little bitter sweet on the recent passing of incredible local legend, selfless community advocate and huge inspiration of ours—Rowlie Mellor. I was lucky enough to be a student at QDHS for much of Mr Mellor’s tenure as Principal and even more lucky to work with and learn from him through various community groups in more recent years including Quairading Curtain Raisers and the Quairading CRC. With one of the strongest moral compasses I’ve known and a passion for doing things right and well, Rowlie was always available to bounce ideas around and help out wherever needed. One of the most local blow-ins to maybe ever grace our town, I’m quite certain his legacy will live on for decades to come.
 
Rowlie was a huge ally of our Noongar community, never missed a NAIDOC celebration or RAP meeting and contributed greatly to building reconciliation. With NAIDOC week on the horizon, I hope many of you take the opportunity to engage with, learn from and appreciate our local Noongar culture and people—just as Rowlie would have.
 
Please enjoy the second last edition of the Banksia Bulletin for 2020, stay safe in paddocks and on the roads as harvest cranks up and don’t forget to shop local first if you’re ready to start Christmas shopping!
 
Oh, and new phone books *should* be available from the CRC by the time you’re ready this!
 
Teary-eyed-Jill signing off.
 
Jill Hayes
Editor | Banksia Bulletin
Coordinator | Quairading CRC