The dishes are piling up and the grass isn’t getting cut (whose is growing anyway?), but Gunnedah is rolling up its sleeves for a more important cause.
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Our neighbours.
We can never heal the gap left in the Costello and Smith families because we can’t bring Alex or Maddie back, but Gunnedah is doing its best just to be there.
The sudden shocking death of the well-loved Alex Costello in hospital on Saturday has shattered the sporting community.
What an amazing thing for our footballers to gather so quickly at their club on Sunday morning to mourn and to share support.
Immediately, fund-raising efforts to help Alex’s wife Emma and their three girls sprang up. There is a gofundme fund-raising page along with a call for Gunnedah people to #putyourjerseyout in support of the Costello family. Jerseys fluttering in the breeze here and there across town are a poignant reminder of a cherished life lost.
The sad passing of Maddison Smith has also prompted an outpouring from the community.
Her friends and family have begun a valiant campaign to raise awareness and support for beyondblue to support other families who are facing a battle with depression.
Then there are the people who are behind this year’s Gunnedah Relay for Life.
In Tuesday’s NVI, Belinda Fordham told the story of her mum Rhonda Smith who passed away from a large tumour in her kidneys. Belinda said the loss of her mum has made her even more determined to fight the scourge of cancer, and she has joined the Relay for Life committee.
The Relay for Life is just a couple of weeks away on April 30.
The tough times are the times that make you realise there are reasons you live in a small town. People care and they are not afraid to show it.
Well done, Gunnedah. It is the people who make the place what it is and we need to look after each other.
