It is hard to believe that it has already been one year since I took over as Editor of “The Friendly Bay Islander”.
Taking on a magazine that has been such an important part of our island communities for so many years was both exciting and, if I’m being truthful, a little daunting. I wanted to respect everything the magazine had built over the years, while also bringing a fresh look, new ideas and an even stronger focus on the people and stories that make our islands such special places to live.
One year later, I am incredibly proud of where we are and very grateful for the support I have received along the way.
The response to the fresher look and increased community focus has been wonderful. Over the past 12 months, we have had the privilege of sharing so many stories about local people, businesses, community groups, achievements and events. From celebrating our local characters and volunteers to welcoming new businesses and recognising those who have served our islands for many years, every issue reminds me just how much is happening within our communities.
This month also marks one year since Cindy joined us as a writer. Her contribution to the magazine has been fantastic, and she has helped us uncover and tell many of the wonderful local stories our readers have enjoyed over the past year. Cindy has a genuine interest in the people she writes about, and I think that comes through in her stories.
Perhaps one of the things I am most proud of is that “The Friendly Bay Islander” remains as strong as ever. At a time when print publications everywhere face increasing challenges, I think that is a remarkable achievement. There is still something special about picking up a local magazine, turning the pages and seeing familiar faces, businesses, events and stories from your own community.
And that achievement belongs not just to us, but to everyone who supports the magazine.
A local publication can only thrive when its community gets behind it. Our advertisers make it possible for us to continue producing and distributing the magazine each month. Many of them are small local businesses themselves, and their ongoing support means an enormous amount to us. I encourage our readers to support them whenever they can, because supporting local businesses helps keep our whole community strong.
Our contributors, community groups and local organisations give us the stories and information that fill our pages, while our readers are the reason we continue doing what we do every month.
There have certainly been plenty of late nights, busy deadlines and last-minute changes over the past year, but there have also been many laughs, great conversations and moments that have reminded me why I love putting this magazine together.
So, as I mark my first year as Editor, my biggest message is simply “Thank you”.
Thank you for reading, contributing, advertising, sending in your photos and stories, offering suggestions and stopping me for a chat. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to tell us what you enjoyed in an issue or points us in the direction of a story we might otherwise have missed.
Most importantly, thank you for embracing the changes over the past year and continuing to support your local magazine.
It has been a positive, busy and incredibly rewarding first year. I’m proud of what we have achieved, but I’m also excited about what is still to come.
Here’s to another year of sharing the people, places and stories that make our island communities so special.
Elissa Thompson
Editor / Art Director
The Friendly Bay Islander
