Antonio van der Rheede, Ward 47 councillor
The Athlone News, for me as ward councillor of Ward 47 (which includes Hanover Park) has been synonymous with unbiased and very good journalism.
A lot of ordinary people residing in my ward would under normal circumstances never have had their stories told or even their picture taken were it not for community newspapers like the Athlone News.
For many, the Athlone News has meant recognition for either their unbelievable talent or for their expert knowledge of what happens locally within the broader Hanover Park.
I must say that I have thus far been amazingly surprised by the very positive stories that have been highlighted in the paper over the years and even on the cover pages.
As a person who has grown up in Hanover Park, I always protect the positive image which I feel is sometimes overlooked in favour of negative coverage which leads to the outside world casting us in a negative way.
I cannot accuse the Athlone News of this.
Thanks for showing the beauty, the heartbeat, the joy and challenges of my community I call Hanover Park.
I congratulate the Ath-lone News on its major achievement of reaching 30 years and staying true to its mission as a community newspaper.
I look forward to a continued relationship and wish you well for the future.