All too often the media are labelled as merchants of gloom but in the week leading up to Christmas we want to take the focus away from what is wrong, or unfortunate, in your neighbourhood, and return to stories that are uplifting, inspirational or simply make us glad of where we live.

This edition is dedicated to all those, whether paid or volunteer, long-term residents or newcomers who through their efforts make our communities better places to live.

In these pages we have highlighted a few, but there are so many more who deserve recognition and thanks - from the cheery lollipop person to the unapplauded op shop volunteers.

The neighbour who picks up our tumbled wheelie bin, the drivers who slow down in our local streets, the vigilant eyes of Neighbourhood Watch.

All of them in their own way make our lives and the places we live that little bit better.

We also want to salute the quiet achievers and local heroes who get things done in our communities when the highest level of decision-makers are embroiled in egotistical squabbles and inaction.

For a year of countless acts of kindness and dedication, we thank them, and for you the reader we hope you enjoy this edition.