...FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK...
In the push for everything to evolve into
a digital version these days, there are many
tangible things that have fallen victim.
COVID-19 has changed many things that
might have stayed as they were if it were not
a necessity to meet restriction rules. Prior to
the pandemic, we probably would not have
warmed to the idea of facetime meetings,
digital gym sessions or zoom funerals. In fact,
speaking of the latter, it was not so long ago
that I remember hearing of the idea of video
taping a funeral for those not present on the
day and thinking it was more than a little
creepy.
But, we’ve adapted where we have had to
and the last few months have taught us new
ways of doing things that we may have been
reluctant to try had life stayed “normal.”
I’d like to think not everything has to
go digital though, or otherwise we become
somewhat robotic don’t we?
We need physical interaction with others,
even if it is while standing a metre and a half
apart. We need fresh air and to enjoy the
beauty of our surroundings, not just getting
our exercise while looking at a screen.
And we need our news in the form of a
HDI
printed paper or magazine just as you’re
holding right now. Digital is great as a
secondary source, but I don’t think it replaces
holding the product in your hand.
Many people say that print media is on its
way out, mainly because they the see large
corporations cease their local publications. I
don’t believe it is.
I acknowledge advertising dollars aren’t
as lucrative as they were years ago, but a local
publication such as ours that is communityfocused
rather than profit-driven will adapt
and evolve to ensure they can still bring the
local stories to the local people.
If we lost the tangible local paper, we’d
lose the ability to get news to those who
aren’t internet savvy, and we’d lose the local
stories that matter in our community.
Statewide news on TV isn’t going to run
stories about local events, about Johnny from
Rouse Hill who won an award, or Jessica from
Bella Vista who raises money to help cure
brain cancer. That’s the reality and why we
need to ensure we keep our local news.
As always, thank you for your support
of local news - you are the reason that we
continue to be.
Your thoughts? [email protected]
HILLS DISTRICT
INDEPENDENT
Issue 61 | July 2020
Phone 4588 5055 | Fax: 9625 4649
www.hdinews.com.au | e: [email protected]
Owner / Publisher | Julie Ryan // 0421 574 093 // [email protected]
PO Box 16 WINDSOR NSW 2756
Creative Director | Natalie Reed // Natwest Creative Designs // 0411 030 474
www.natwestcreativedesigns.com.au | [email protected]
Printer | Spot Press, Marrickville • 2020
www.hdinews.com.au
Disclaimer: The comments of columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Hills District Independent.
The Hills District Independent nor any person acting on their behalf, may be held responsible for the use to which the information
contained in this publication may be put, or for any errors which, despite careful preparation and checking, may appear.
Valid to 31 July, 2020
*Limited to one voucher per transaction. Not to be used with any other offer. Valid for one free meal per voucher. Not valid on
public holidays or with any other offer. Valid for one free meal per transaction. Original vouchers only, no photocopies.
Glenhaven
609 Old Northern Rd
Glenhaven 2156
(02) 8850 7030
Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm
Sun 9am - 3pm
Servicing the Hawkesbury, Hills District and Sydney Areas
[email protected]
(SEE WEBSITE FOR DELIVERY)
Windsor
2/266 George St
Windsor 2756
(02) 4505 1314
Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
Sat 9am - 2pm Sun Closed
www.wildbunch.florist
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT www.hdinews.com.au ISSUE 61 // JULY 2020 3