WRITTEN BY SARAH LANG

This region has always pulled at me. From the first time my parents brought me to the area as a teenager, I felt a strong sense of connection. Back then, I probably just put it down to the fact that the landscape is so darn pretty. But the older I get, the more I realise that it is something much, much deeper. About 15 years ago, I discovered that some of my ancestors settled in the nearby Tylden region. This somehow made my connection to the region feel justified. Except for the fact that it’s almost 30kms east of the area that talks to me so strongly. So, the ancestral link is perhaps more coincidence than some actual genetic connection with the land that brings about this feeling.  

I feel nurtured here. I feel connected not just with the land and its beauty, but I feel deeply connected to the people that also call it home. There is an unusual sense of camaraderie. Maybe we all secretly know it is a privilege to live here. Or maybe I’ve just 

found ‘my tribe’ - people who celebrate life with good food, wine and conversation, who readily help each other and are completely welcoming to those from all walks of life. And, as Richard Cornish discovers in his interview with local Gary Thomas, I have the Swiss Italians to thank for that. 

Our beautiful cover image this month was taken by local creative, Danny Wootton at one of my favourite places on earth, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm. In the cool basement under the original homestead, we were shown beautiful traditional salami’s curing in the purpose-built cellar slowly ageing until completely cured. A gentle ray of light was all that was illuminating the dark space and quite suddenly, that moment was literally nourishment for my soul. Spring has finally arrived.

SARAH LANG

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF