The harsh reality is, however, that in a newsroom – even Lithgow’s newsroom – things rarely go to plan.

One emergency trip halfway to Bathurst (to rescue our new cadet journalist Hosea Luy from the clutches of Elvis fans on the train bound for Parkes- don’t ask) later, and I’ve decided to just roll with it and ad lib as best I can.

For those unaware or who I haven’t managed to tell personally, I will be leaving the Mercury next week to take on a new role.

It has been a privilege and honour to work for Lithgow’s newspaper, one which has such a long and illustrious history.

It is hard to summarise my six fun-filled years at 101a Main Street, but I realise now that I shouldn’t even try.

Because this isn’t my story, it’s OUR story.

The hardest part and the best part of working at a newspaper in a town like Lithgow is without a doubt the sense of community. I have been here to share your stories and help tell them as best I can.

This is a responsibility I have taken very seriously – just as you wouldn’t ask a random off the street to build you a house, nor should you entrust someone unskilled to help tell your story, an adage I have carried with me throughout my career.

So while I intended to write this editorial as a ‘farewell, thanks, catch you later,’ I quickly realised it’s not really a farewell at all. I am proud to call this community my home and I will continue to do so.

Although I am stepping away from my role as the newspaper, community, that common thread that binds us all, will still connect me to you all.

Community is helping those in need.

Community is stepping up to help a family grieve at a time of family tragedy.

Community is watching our students achieve and move through their education journey.

Community is sharing in the successes of our high achievers.

Community is the good, the bad, the movers, the shakers, the quiet achievers, and the countless individuals and groups that all bring a thread to bind us into one beautiful tapestry. 

I would like to thank everyone for their support as we moved the Mercury in a new direction, and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store. (P.S. Don’t be a stranger, I still love a chat) – Laura Pillans, Editor