Handing over to the new Sean

After 32 editions and three years as editor, it’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing this will be my final edition of the ‘Southbank Local News’.

I won’t go on a long and self-indulgent rant, but I do need to thank a few people.

Firstly to all of our advertisers, without whom this paper wouldn’t exist and I wouldn’t have been able to have this fantastic opportunity. This year has seen a real boost in advertising and I’m sure that will continue as the paper grows.

To our small but dedicated team here at the Southbank Local News: Chris Vernon, Greg Hackett and Bethany Williams. Not only have they helped produce the paper, they’ve made coming to work fun and there’s no doubt that had a positive influence on the final product each month.

Of course I should also thank the “boss”, Shane Scanlan.

Shane came to me with the idea for a paper three years ago and I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity and support he’s provided since.

I want to make special mention of David and Wendy Beech. David emailed me just to say how happy he was about the paper on the very day our first edition hit the streets. Along with Wendy, he ended up being an invaluable member of the team, helping out with distribution.

David is also leaving his post this month but deserves great credit for this seriously important job. He and Wendy have lived in Southbank for 18 years and if Southbank formed its own council, I’d have no hesitation voting in David as the inaugural mayor.

To anyone who has ever sent me an email, contributed to or tipped me off with a story, thank you for the support.

Finally to you, the readers of the Southbank Local News, for supporting this publication from the outset. Yes, we are a business trying to make money, but finding the motivation to put the paper together was much easier knowing there are many residents, workers and visitors who wanted to read it.

The paper will continue to grow and I’m sure you will embrace my replacement, Sean Car.

Sean (I know, confusing!) was an intern with us a couple of years ago and has since been working on television news in Shepparton. I know he’ll take the paper onwards and upwards.

While the paper will not miss me, I know I will miss it.

Having said that, I am looking forward to catching up with all the local coverage within the Southbank Local News without the monthly stress!