SOME people regard the Southern Highlands as the centre of the world - and why not! After all, we do relish our over-representation of community goodwill, celebrity neighbours and wonderful cultural, scenic and sporting opportunities.

But the Highlands reach extends way beyond the borders of the shire. Website data indicates a strong population of ex-pats check in regularly with all the goings-on in the Wingecarribee - and there’s plenty to keep abreast of.

But while we celebrate the achievements of our internal contributors, there are many Highlanders demonstrating the region’s excellence on a global scale.

Former Frensham student Dr Catherine Hamlin has spent 50 years in Ethiopia helping women overcome fistulas, a health complication developed during childbirth that results in permanent incontinence (see story on page 3).

Described as the Mother Theresa of our age, Dr Hamlin - and her late husband Dr Reg Hamlin - established a hospital to treat women suffering from fistula by offering an advanced surgical procedure that seems to be working a treat.

But instead of presents to celebrate her half-century in Africa, Dr Hamlin wants people to light a candle to recognise the plight of thousands,

Meanwhile, another Frensham student, Saskia Dumas, will attend a ceremony in Sweden later this year (see story on page 1) to honour the scientific community.

Saskia will watch Sweden's King Karl XVI Gustav present the 2009 Nobel Prizes for various sciences and attend lectures as she heads towards a career in medical research.

The Highlands is truly blessed with great people.