It has been a horrific year for all of us. Together we have been attacked by and fought fires, many of us faced flood, and we are still struggling through drought. Now we are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a year in which none of us wanted an election; we all have more important things to focus on than politics.

As always, there is one thing we must all focus on - and that is each other. The next few years will be tough for all of us. To get through, we must love, care for and respect each other. We must support each other regardless of difference. If we do this, our communities will grow and we will come out of this stronger. While not elected, for me, it was a privilege to stand as the Liberal candidate for Eden-Monaro; to seek the opportunity to represent, and work for, the people of our community. Meeting and listening to peoples' experiences across the electorate was an honour, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their stories with me - my life will never be the same. Thank you for giving me this gift.

To everyone who supported me, thank you. Your contribution has been enormous and I will never forget it. You have built the strength of our democracy, you supported everyone to have the opportunity to participate in electing a representative in parliament, you supported a peaceful process in which we can each make a difference.

I put much on hold, so I'm looking forward to returning to some normality and spending time with my husband, family and friends. This community shaped who I am and I will always fight for it, but right now I have some fencing to do.

The June 24 edition of the Narooma News featured a wonderful tribute to the late Margaret Saker OAM who passed away on June 18 in Victoria.

Written by Jeanne Medlicott in collaboration with Susan Pryke of Quota, it gave an insight into the life of the " irrepressible ", straight-talking, caring, funny and fun-loving person that was Margaret Saker.

Earlier in the year, there was another Margaret, another Narooma icon, whom we lost from our midst.

Margaret Mashford passed away on March 26 in Sydney, where she had moved in 2018, to be closer to her brother and the extended family as her illness progressed.

She was a much-respected English teacher at Narooma High School, a serving member of Narooma Coastal Patrol and an ardent and a faithful member of her beloved Narooma Presbyterian Congregation.

Kind by nature and gentle by manner, Margaret was always there, offering a helping hand and a comforting word to anyone in need.

In the "Tale of Two Margarets ", it was indeed the "Best of Times " when they walked among us. They will be missed, but their legacy lives on in our hearts and in our minds. It was an honour and a privilege to know them.

Since 2012 I have Chaired the Eurobodalla Health Service Community Representative Committee which for many years has delivered consumers' feedback directly to the Board of the Southern New South Wales Local Health District.

We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the Moruya Hospital but due to COVID-19 we are teleconferencing. It's always a full agenda with plenty to discuss.

Please contact Renata Sheehan on 0477 322 107 or email renata.sheehan@health.nsw.gov.au