It could be divine intervention that Diwali ‘the Festival of Lights’ falls, in November, around the same time Melbourne emerges from it’s sixth long lockdown.
According to the religious festival originating in India, the lights and lamps help Lakshmi find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity in the year to come.
A celebration of good triumphing over evil; a perfect bookend in transitioning back into the ‘real word’ and an excuse (not that we need one) to patronise the west’s superb selection of Indian restaurants and stores.
This is my first edition officially taking the Managing Editor’s reins from the incomparable Derek Green. To learn about Derek’s legacy and the history of The Westsider, check out ‘The Making of a Community Newspaper’ by Peter Diwar.
I am a passionate, long term Westsider, having resided in Seddon, Williamstown and West Footscray. We have all seen the changing face of the west over the years but what remains, and what new residents consistently comment on, is the down to earth, friendly, no nonsense feel over this side of the Westgate.
The Westsider is special because it champions the diversity and unique character of the western suburbs of Melbourne. And, despite the rise of digital media, continues to be a free, printed, community newspaper.
The new team and raft of volunteers, who are the heart beat of The Westsider, can’t wait to bring you the latest ‘people, places and activities in Melbourne’s west’ each month.
As this month’s cover artist, Kerrie Gottliebsen, said in her Westie Poster interview, “West is Best”.
Got a comment? Keen to submit an article? Like to advertise?
Feel free to drop us a line at: editor@thewestsider.com.au
Meagan Kearney
Managing Editor
