Summer's here, and so is our latest issue! No fluff, just the good stuff.

There's nothing like a beach picnic on a warm summer's night - and the impending risk of a seagull stealing your hot chips! This issue's cover by Andromeda Lembo captures our local birdlife #frenemies to a tee.

I am constantly in awe of our community taking the lead - from local changemaker Faye Hollands fighting to end children's cancer (pg 10), master woodworker Brett Davis (pg 34) and 'Mother & Son' screenwriter Tristram Baumber (pg 54), there are many people from our part of the world doing amazing things.

Thank you to all of our readers for your support this year. We hope you enjoy this issue and have a wonderful festive season.

Here's to long days, cool dips, and making the most of Summer on the Coal Coast. Kate x