Times are tough, and everything can seem like it's all falling apart, hopeless and negative. But it doesn't have to be that way.
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So, in an effort to try to brighten your day, we've started a project to put together a 'Good News Diary' full of the most positive stories and comments from the Lithgow Mercury every week.
This new initiative is something we endeavour to do each Friday, so if you've got some good news share it with us.
The Good News community board
Blaze Aid helps local farmers
Despite the Farmview Cafe on Castlereagh Highway, Running Stream being out of business, the doorbells still ring several times a day.
However, it's no longer coffee hungry travellers coming in asking for a cappuccino or a flat white, but local farmers and property owners looking for a hand to rebuild their fences that were burnt out in the devastating bushfire prior to Christmas 2019.
Volunteer organisation Blazeaid, has moved in to the Cafe and leave every morning to help local farmers get the fences back up and keep the livestock where it's supposed to be.
The Running Stream camp currently has six volunteers and is currently actively recruiting additional volunteers to help.
"We plan to be here until all of the 50 plus properties that have registered for help, are looked after," Camp coordinator Andy Welch said.
The registration of 50 properties leaves a whopping 49 kilometres of fencing for the volunteers to build.
Letter time
Lithgow's Reach Out Pen Pal Group has been continuing and this week they will be sharing their letters with Tabulam Cottage in Portland.
Leanne Walding said she hoped it puts a smile on their faces, and asks everyone to keep the letters coming as the aged care residents were enjoying the connection.
Supporting fire affected residents
The Bushfire Recovery Team is now taking the opportunity to check in and hear from people whose residence or business was damaged or destroyed in the fires.
Council, in partnership with Service NSW and Resilience NSW, are emailing residents and business owners to answer a few short questions about their experiences since the bushfires.
Council will use the results of this survey, as well as other research, to help better understand the communities needs and identify how they can help residents and the Lithgow community.
"A lot has already been achieved, but there's still a long way to go with recovery," Council's community recovery officer Rachel Nicoll said.
"Given the size and complexity of the response, everyone involved is mindful of ensuring that remaining needs don't fall through the cracks."
Keep an eye on your inbox for a survey or expect a phone call from Council or a representative of the Australian Red Cross.
If your home or property was damaged or destroyed and you think Council may not have up-to-date contact details for you, please email Recovery@Lithgow.nsw.gov.au or call 6354 9960.
Positive comments from the Lithgow Mercury Facebook page
The past few weeks Lithgow's weather has been all about the sunshine, with a high of 21.9 degrees this September.
Loyal Lithgow Mercury reader Vicki Hartley contributed this photo of a gorgeous Spring visitor she found in her yard.
But we may need to prepare the umbrellas next week as the Bureau of Meteorology suggests rain is on its way.
Pots and plants to make people smile in lock down
Amanda Witt has been in Melbourne under stage four lock down and has been putting out excess succulent plants at the front of her place for people to take.
"About 20 to 25 have been taken so far and one day I found some pots returned, which is nice and a thank you note," she said.
"Just this morning [Friday, September 18] I had more of the bigger plants taken, I also have a Gumtree ad, so got some money and those pots will also be returned later."
Happy Springtime
Ryan Anlezark said his garden and work has made him happy this week.
Javiah Schleibs was happy to see the sun Lithgow has been getting lately.
While Frank Reynolds was just happy he woke up.
This week's good news stories
Brave Lithgow athletes to raise awareness and 'Run against Violence'
Lithgow runners have joined together to take part in the Run against Violence, where groups of up to 20 people can walk or run 1300km from Broken Hill to Sydney.
Lithgow residents Florentina Dulceanu and best friend Nicole Purdon are both taking part in this year's challenge, a cause that is close to both their hearts.
- Read more here.
La Salle Academy senior students showcase major talent
Imagine being a year 12 student with a major work to complete all the while studying for your final exams and then a worldwide pandemic hits and you're suddenly forced to learn from home.
How would you cope?
- Read more here.
Lithgow Halloween is going online for 2020 with best dressed and film competition
It's time to dust off your halloween costume again, because Lithgow's Halloween Festival is going digital this year.
- Read more here.
Do you have some good news you would like to share with us? Don't hesitate and send us an email.