Now is the time for mature conversations. Debate is good. Respect is important. At the core of it, we’re all human—we might have different views, but at the base of it, we all want the same things: a thriving town, opportunity for our kids, and a strong future for Lithgow. The fact is, our town is in another transition. It’s not the first time, but it might be the biggest. We’re about to lose 42% of our GDP, and anyone who knows Lithgow can see the slide downhill while our neighbouring towns are booming. In the past few weeks, we’ve lost our two major festivals, and our Small Arms Factory Museum is under serious threat. The writing is on the wall. So, what do we do about it? This week, we sit down with Councillor Tom Evangeledis, who has strong—and sometimes opposing—views on how Lithgow should move forward. Rather than let these conversations play out in social media arguments, we’re bringing them to the table with respect. We cover: ⚡ Energy transition – nuclear, renewables, and energy-from-waste 🏭 Why industry and manufacturing need to be part of the plan 🏛️ The future of the Small Arms Factory Museum – a piece of history at risk 🏡 The real challenges Lithgow is facing, and where we go from here