Thank you for your support and feedback through 2020.

Our region has faced the past year of challenges and change with courage, compassion and resilience. We are proud to be part of this amazing community.

Everyone here at the The Area News wishes you and your family a safe and happy New Year.

This is the final printed edition of the newspaper for 2020, as the team here takes a well-earned break. The newspaper will be back in print and available online for our digital subscribers on Monday, January 11. Local news coverage will continue throughout the holiday period at www.areanews.com.au.

For breaking news and essential local updates as well as the latest national and international news and sport, plus lifestyle, travel and other great reading, you can access our website on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.

If you are travelling for the holidays, please take care on the roads.

You can stay connected to local news while you're away by subscribing for full access to all online content at www.areanews.com.au.

Your support powers the journalism that matters for our region, and everyone who works at The Area News feels privileged to be able to deliver our community the local news you can trust to keep you informed, entertained and connected.

Thank you again for your support through 2020.

Best wishes,

Declan Rurenga, editor