It's so uplifting that this celebration will be a festive one while acknowledging some serious social and personal issues people in the Macleay face every day. The Baylin's Gift organising committee has been busy for months preparing a fabulous event at Riverside Park that people of all ages can enjoy. Everything from market stalls to dragon boating; musical performers to a dog show; paddle boarding to kids' activities will all go to making it a fun day out.

Blended with this festive spirit will be the opportunity for the community to hear people share their lived experiences so that others can take comfort from knowing that other people understand what they are going through. There will be LGBTQIA resources available on the day and others that you can speak with about emotional wellbeing.

Whether those stories and all they hold make you laugh, make you cry, make you impressed or just make you pause to think....it is important that we listen to other people's stories and share our own.

I look forward to seeing Kempsey come alive with the vibrant t-shirts that the community are encouraged to wear to promote this event. I will be joining in the festivities and wearing with pride my 'It's OK on the Macleay' t-shirt - I hope to see you there.

Kempsey Shire Library staff are helping our seniors to become 'tech savvy' with two upcoming workshops that will give them the skills to stay connected in the modern world.

On September 25, seniors will gain tips on how to navigate new technology on their smartphone, and on October 23 they will receive an introduction to the internet.

A morning tea will be provided. Please bring your smartphone and laptop to the workshops. For more information, please call the Library on 6566 3210.