We thought the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic was behind us with vaccinations beginning in February, and as the school year started Armidale had some high profile visitors.

Both Premier Gladys Berejiklian and deputy premier John Barilaro were in town for the official opening of Armidale Secondary College.

The two leaders, along with Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall were shown around the new campus with the school leadership group and school principal.

"It is really encouraging to see what the future looks like," the Premier said when she addressed everyone there.

That comment about our city's education facilities captured the mood of so much more at the time. But fast forward eight months and things have changed.

While the Deltra strain of COVID-19 has seen us face lockdowns and restrictions, we have in recent days seen our state's leadership depart.

Ms Berejiklian announced her resignation as Premier, and from parliament, on Friday after the Independent Commission Against Corruption announced it was investigating grant funding decisions.

This morning Mr Barilaro has also announced he will step down this week.

Following the Premier's announcement on Friday, New England MP Barnaby Joyce said politics was a "brutal profession" as he paid tribute to her.

On a brighter note, last week we reported about a heart-warming initiative providing children in foster care with essential items like clothes and toiletries.

Started by 10-year-old Simon Wellings in Walcha, it has received state government funding to expand across the New England region. Well done Simon!

Maybe the Premier was right all along, and the future does look encouraging. Thanks for reading and have a great week.

Laurie Bullock

Group Editor, Northen Tablelands & North West