While of course it has been nowhere near enough, that little first glimpse of a wet sky was a great way to start the new year.

The big rain fall came upriver though, which has seen our wonderful Macleay start to flow again.

That little fall of rain is also a ray of hope, a hope that we might not see our water restrictions increased.

Unfortunately, the threat of Level 4 restrictions is still very real, and without your vigilance we could be facing the prospect all too soon.

So please, make sure you know and follow all the Level 3 restrictions that are currently in place - they can be found on the council website, head to www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au

I'm doing my bit, and as our house is an even number, it's only on the even days of the month that I can be found out watering the plants - and for no more than ten minutes!

One of my favourite buildings in Kempsey is the Frederickton School of Arts, which dates back more than a hundred years to 1903.

It's a beautiful venue and at the end of the month it will be hosting a great event - the Festival of Small Halls.

This magical night is our very own stop on the annual tour that brings some of the stars of Woodford Folk Festival to town to deliver a one-night-only concert that is always an absolute delight.

I'm so glad that council can support an event such as this.

This year the two headliners are Scotland's Siobhan Miller and Australia's own Jack Carty, and will be supported by Mid North Coast artists Snez.

What I really love, is that the whole evening is staffed by local volunteers from the Macleay Valley Arts Council.

It's all happening on January 31 and it has a habit of selling out!

Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start.

So, if you're keen for a spot of folk by the river, buy your tickets online at festivalofsmallhalls.com/frederickton-2020