Apart from the formal recognition of the wonderful work Legacy does for those affected by war, a significant point came out of conversation over the dinner table.

It appears that last year in Crookwell alone, around $3000 was raised from the sale of badges and a stall on Remembrance Day.

Special mention was made of the generosity of country people.

The Legacy changeover dinner was just one of many that I have attended for the various service clubs in the shire and on each occasion I continue to be so impressed with the work that so many community members provide.

So much that we enjoy and value in the shire can be attributed to that generous volunteer spirit.

And that work is not just restricted to clubs such as Lions and Rotary.

Showground committees, historical societies, Men's Shed, sporting clubs, progress associations and hospital auxiliaries are just a few of the many bodies that really make each and every community a great place to live.

There is something special about living in rural villages and townships.

We may be relatively small compared to some of the big cities and towns, and that creates its own issues.

The upside is that we do enjoy real communities.

I may be accused of stating the obvious.

However, we should never underestimate the contribution so many make to the community and acknowledge that effort at every opportunity.