I've only been filling in at the Daylesford office for a few weeks now and already I can see a community that thrives on togetherness. 

The heart of the town is visible as I sit at my desk; overlooking the Coles carpark, I witness small acts of kindness every single day. 

Just now, a lady helped a fellow mum across the road with her heavy shopping. And a few days ago I noticed a group of young boys helping an elderly man move boxes out of his truck. 

I see people smiling at one another, even singing in the street - and so often, friends and acquaintances bump into one another and can be seen chatting in the middle of the street an hour later. 

Already I notice the same faces as I wander the town - which just wouldn't be possible in a busier town. 

I'm lucky in this job that I get to spend my afternoons chatting to people and discovering stories that would otherwise be untold. 

And what an honour it was to hear about a Creswick group's campaign to build the region's first heated pool. 

After years of hard work, the members' passion is yet to cease. It's clear they aren't giving up on their fight until the first child plunges into the pool. 

Their story of dedication isn't uncommon in this region. 

So while I do miss the bigger shops in Bendigo - and the takeaway food - I'm quickly discovering that the Hepburn region definitely has its advantages.