The editor,

I can only imagine the feelings I might have as I drive down Lachlan Valley Way with Cowra, and the wonderful people who live there, in the rear view mirror.

I have had the pleasure of reporting for the town for almost two and a half years, and honestly it has been a blast.

From the moment I rocked up to Cowra I have felt the community's warm embrace, even when I accidentally flooded the local member's office on my first afternoon in town.

The two years that followed have been just as warm, and dare I say eventful, as I have been welcomed into the hearts and homes of those who live here.

I have enjoyed covering your local events, meeting the business people and building strong connections within the community that I know will last a life time.

Leaving is a sad-citing time for me. I am sad because I have to walk away from so many things that I love, but I am excited that I have been given the opportunity to chase my dreams.

During my time in town I had a lot to do with the local schools, police and court.

If it was to do with kids, cops or courts everyone in the news room knew to send it my way.

The school communities in this town are so strong, and the children are a credit to their teachers and families.

I have loved filling our pages with your cheeky smiles, huge accomplishments and finding out about all of your hopes and dreams.

To the boys and girls in blue, you do a great job keeping this town safe, and I thank you for the support you show the boys and girls at your local paper.

To all of the beautiful people that I have met along the way, I hope we keep in touch, because you have helped me grow, and built on my passion for journalism.

Naming people gets too hard but I am sure you all know who you are.

Thank you for shining your lights for the town, making it a true beacon for world friendship, and allowing me to witness all that is wonderful in country life.

Thank you to my friends who have helped fill my weekends, supported me when I have been down and helped keep the fire burning inside my soul.

You won't be missed, because I won't let us grow distant enough, because if there is one thing I cherish it is the people I have let into my heart.

Finally, thank you to the wonderful staff at the Guardian who always rallied behind one and other, through good times and bad.

I doubt I will ever be part of a team so strong again, but I hope I am because the past few years have been truly magic.

This isn't goodbye, and definitely not forever.

All roads lead to Cowra, and I will be forever drawn to the light and warmth of the town I love.

Forever in my heart.

To keep in touch follow me on Twitter or Instagram @bahlinder or add me on Facebook.

Belinda Cleary

MIND YOUR MANNERS

The editor

I wish to congratulate Stephen Snow on his letter in a recent edtion of the Cowra Gaurdian regarding manners.

There is a young mother here in this town who is raising a disabled son and teaching him impeccable decent manners.

Isn't this the right thing to do rather than teaching children hatred and bullying.

Keep up the good work young mother.

Yours sincerely

Maryellen Flynn

Courallie Street

SUMMER SAFETY

The editor,

I write from Royal Life Saving NSW to simply ask readers to do all they can to help stop backyard pool drowning a huge issue for our State.

Disturbing figures sadly show that in the past 13 years in NSW, 83 children have died in a backyard swimming pool. For any family, it's absolutely devastating. Figures also show - in the past decade - at least 70 children have suffered neurological damage due to an immersion in a pool. At least 1,000 children have ended up in hospital for the same reason.

We want to highlight that often the most dangerous aquatic location exists in our own backyard.

We ask readers to take part in "Summer Safety Sunday" on November 29.

We ask readers to check their pool and spa from top to bottom and to make sure it's safe, fully compliant and that any outstanding issues where something needs to be fixed are acted on.

We want people to have fun in all aquatic environments. We don't want to see tragedies.

If a pool gate is not closing properly, please fix it. If your pool fence needs any kind of repair, act. It is never worth the risk.

We have extensive free materials available to help readers. Just visit www.bepoolsafe.com.au or www.swimmingpoolregister.com.au. You can also visit the hashtag #SummerSafe. At the websites you can download a check list and get many helpful materials.

Safety and vigilance are the keys. We've seen too many tragedies. We thank your readers for taking action and helping us with critical safety issues.

Yours sincerely,

David Macallister,

CEO,

Royal Life Saving NSW.