It wasn’t so much the beauty of each individual tree that struck me. It was the sheer number.

Some bent over, harried by weather; others stood upright and strong.

They seemed to be everywhere, even though the region was surrounded by rolling pastures and mountains.

My first friend was a tree; specifically, a type of willow.

Tucked in the corner of my small backyard, it seemed to hug the blue sky.

Winter was starting to break and its skeleton-like branches slowly greened some leafy muscle. 

Whether I was talking on the phone, reading a book or moving furniture, the tree became my second shadow.

As a clear outsider in my role, I sought solitude in the sound of the tree, whistling in the dark but safe night.

Trips back to the city became increasingly jarring. I found myself wandering around parks and seeking out patches of green.

If the unapologetic curves of the country was a foundation for my love affair, the calibre of its people was the fulcrum.

Every village and town an investment for its constitutes. People want to help their community grow, to roll up their sleeves and make things happen.

There is no stronger backbone than that of regional Australia.

People here say it how it is, and stand up for what they believe, with an authenticity you would struggle to find anywhere else.

I have invested hours into this newspaper during my role as a reporter, but the lessons in humility, dedication, drive and vision have more than repaid this.

People in the city neglect the achievements of people in the country. Out of sight, out of mind, is the mentality when you live in a concrete jungle.

My own such misconception is something I am glad to have shattered. 

Knowing I was chosen to work in and for the southern inland region is a badge of honour I will always wear proudly.

“There is no place more beautiful,” I will say to whoever has the time to listen. 

So, to everyone who has helped me, I thank you for your time.

And to my colleagues across our sites, including the Goulburn Post sister paper, it has been nothing short of a pleasure.

My next chapter takes me overseas.