Dear member
2013 has posed challenges at almost every point in my life personally, professional and within my community.
I live in a community that in July was looking down the barrel of the worst year on record for grain growing. Miraculously it rained at exactly the right time, which has turned the prospects around for many.
This year has also seen the flourishing of a number of groups in my community including the Agricultural Women Wheatbelt East, and the Wheatbelt Business Network Professional and Business Women's group.
It is fantastic to see people from all walks of life starting to talk to each other, and come together to tackle common issues.
While there is a level of resilience within the eastern Wheatbelt, I believe this example of self organisation is a sign of strengthening resilience.
As you move into 2014, and hopefully have a break from the stresses of work over the silly season, reflect (if you can amid the family chaos that descends at this time of year) and think about how you can contribute to building resilience in our own lives and communities.
Whether it is through joining a sporting team, to growing your own vegetables, to buying local, to joining an interest group or starting your own, even contacting your local Councillor or getting in touch with a member of the RRR Network!
These little steps and connections, if we all made them, can help us build our ability to endure the challenges that life throws at us.
Have an enjoyable holiday season and a new year in which you embrace opportunities and tackle challenges head on.
Renee Manning, Reference Group Member, Merredin