A Banter with Bronte

Hi all!

While Rachael has gone on her big snow holiday this week, I’ve been tasked with the Editor’s Note.

Next week marks three months of my time at Mackay and Whitsunday Life. And I have learnt an awful lot.

I wasn’t used to writing for 8 hours a day, let alone proofing and interviewing people. All things I love now, but it took a second to get into the groove of things.

As well as that, next week marks three months of me living here, in the Whitsundays. I’d never visited up here before I signed on for the job, taking on the 19-hour drive from Armidale NSW (my home) to Cannonvale, with all my stuff crammed into my little two-door Hyundai.

Since then, I have tried to get out and about, making the most of the place. Making connections and forming friendships, that’s what makes you feel at home, so that’s what I did.

I’ve joined a netball team and play there every week with a group of like-minded girls.

I signed up for Bumble. Okay, now stay with me, on Bumble, you can change between the dating and the BBF categories, so I swiped my way through a few friendships. It’s always a bit awkward meeting and texting until you can eventually get coffee together, but it works.

I’ve met tourism managers, hospital staff, landscapers, medical professionals, and don’t forget the mechanic and his wife I happened across at the bar after they fixed my car, who just happen to be my neighbours.

My housemate, who was once just a stranger who let me into her home, is now a cherished friend, who I often go to and confide with.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by how big Airlie Beach seems to be, but then I think about everyone I have met, they all know each other. At work, I’ll talk about my friend-date, and Chrissy pipes up, says she knows them, or I’ll head to a high tea with Taylor, our graphic designer, for a nice afternoon.

This move was a good one, that’s for sure.

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