When the winds howl through Jamberoo, bringing down power lines and plunging us into darkness, it's easy to feel isolated. This week was a reminder to me that when you live in villages like Jamberoo, adversity only seems to draw us closer together. Like over 40 people living on Saddleback Mountain and Wallaby Hill, I'm now on my third day without power, and in my case, without water. A situation that can test anyone's patience and resilience, yet it's during these times that the true spirit of Jamberoo shines through.

I've spent these days journaling, writing blog posts, and immersing myself in crime novels on my Kindle. But with each passing hour, the battery on my devices has dwindled, leaving me feeling more disconnected. In desperation, I called one of our local business owners to ask if I could charge my devices at their premises. Their immediate "yes" was a lifeline, a simple act of kindness that meant the world to me.

This morning, I headed down to collect my recharged devices. On my way, I decided to treat myself (and get a much-needed coffee) and dropped into my local patisserie. To my surprise and delight, the patisserie was bustling—not just with people buying pastries, but with neighbours collecting their charged devices, just like me. It was a scene that perfectly captured the essence of Jamberoo: a community where we look out for one another, especially in tough times.

Standing in line, waiting for my turn to grab a pie (yes, I thought mega calories were justified), I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Here we were, a small village facing a significant challenge, yet everyone was doing their part to help out. Local businesses had become makeshift charging stations, and neighbours were checking in on each other, ensuring no one felt alone.

When the winds tear through our town, causing chaos and disruption, they also bring to light the extraordinary care that binds us together. Living in Jamberoo, you know that you are part of a community where everyone genuinely cares for each other. It's this spirit of solidarity and compassion that makes our village not just a place to live, but a place to belong.

Special shoutout to Elders and Kings Patisserie. When I accidentally left all my now-charged devices behind in the patisserie, I was reminded how grateful I was to live in a place where your belongings are safe.