A Few Words from the Editor
Farewell to an early pioneer of the macadamia industry in Dunoon
This edition includes a farewell to John Schofield of Dunoon, NSW, who passed away peacefully at age 91 on 27 July 2026. He was a devoted family man and respected community member with a rich history of contributions in education and sport.
My personal connection to John and Glenda Schofield is that Rob and I live and work on the macadamia farm they established in the mid ‘70s. It has been an honour to know John and Glenda, his wife of 63 years, and to be recipients of their generosity – their time, warmth, friendship and even their home-grown produce! It was always a pleasure to visit their immaculately kept property – which John was actively maintaining right up until his passing. He was a great man.
AI as a Helping Hand for the Gazette
Like many community organisations, the Dunoon and District Gazette is exploring how artificial intelligence might assist with the everyday work of preparing a local newspaper. This edition includes a small trial of using AI to help edit some submitted articles, particularly where pieces need to be shortened to fit the space available.
The aim is not to replace the voice of our contributors, but to support the editorial process so that we can include more stories, improve readability, and maintain a strong standard across the paper.
When used carefully, AI can be a useful tool for tightening wording, identifying repetition, and helping busy volunteers manage the practical demands of publication.
However, AI is only a tool. It does not know our community as people do, and it cannot replace local knowledge, judgement, or care.
Every article assisted by AI has been proofread, and every effort has been made to preserve the original author’s intent. Even so, we acknowledge that mistakes or shifts in meaning can occur, which is why human review remains essential before publication.
We see this trial as an opportunity to learn. If AI can help us enhance coverage, improve quality, and make better use of the generous contributions we receive, then it may become a valuable part of our workflow. As always, the heart of the Gazette will remain the people of Dunoon and District—their stories, their events, and their voices.
Bronwen Campbell
Dunoon & District Gazette Editor
editor@dunoongazette.com
