It’s been a pleasure

By Bianca Hall

Sep 29, 2023

Thank you: Stella and I are signing off from The *Telegraph* after an eventful 14 months.

Thank you to the Seymour community and everyone I have had the pleasure of getting to know over the past 14 months.

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There have been many fun times and some tough times, not least last year’s floods.

Through the good and the bad, the one thing that has struck me about Seymour is the strength of community spirit.

I’ve moved a lot in my short adult life. Nowhere have I encountered the big-heartedness the people of Seymour hold for those with whom they share this little patch of the Goulburn.

It’s rare (and that is a shame).

But it’s something that each member of the town can take pride in.

The value of community is so obvious to older generations that it barely needs to be said.

But for us young ones who grew up in the age of digital technology and only know increasing polarisation and disconnection, it’s sage advice.

We buy vitamins, track our sleep and upload our exercise accomplishments to the internet, all in the name of good health.

But, if you look at any ‘blue zone’ (areas with unusually high concentrations of centenarians) globally, they have one thing in common.

Yes, they eat healthy and stay active, but there is no one superfood. The secret is certainly not F45 or zucchini noodles (yuck).

The inhabitants of these blue zones share a sense of belonging and purpose. They take an active role in their communities well into their 80s, 90s and even 100s.

Mental health and physical health are mutually dependent. Feeling valued and belonging to a community are essential to good mental health, positively impacting physical health.

So, fellow whipper snappers, let’s put down the vitamins and leave our runs off Strava. The oldies are on to something.

Sports clubs, community radio, bingo, service clubs, volunteer emergency services, organising community events — whatever takes your fancy.

People who support one another do better, together.

It’s a beautiful part of country towns you don’t get in the city.

I don’t know why I am telling anyone from Seymour that; watching this town is how I learnt it.

But now I’m heading home — to spend more time with the people I love.

What can I say? I’m an experiential learner (which made for some tough teenage years for my poor parents).

I thank you all immensely for your hospitality. It has been second to none.

I look forward to visiting soon.