CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

​​Wednesday, 15 December 2021​

As I make my way around the electorate, glinting tinsel adorning farm gates certainly spreads some festive cheer. So as our attention turns to long awaited catch-ups with family and friends, I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, and very Merry Christmas.

I would not be alone in feeling equal parts surprise and elation 2021 is drawing to a close. This time last year, although we knew the challenges associated with Covid were far from over, we could never have anticipated what was yet to come for our small communities.

But face those challenges we did and we find ourselves now looking forward to a New Year full of promise and hope. 

Thank you to those who have worked so hard to do their level best in tough circumstances again this year. The ongoing efforts of our health professionals, educators, small business owners and volunteers remains front of my mind and I genuinely appreciate the many forthright conversations and feedback I have had from so many of you over the course of 2021. 

Thank you also to those who have made the extra effort to ‘support local’ this Christmas and throughout times of lockdown. Our small business community truly appreciates each and every order that comes across their counters, large and small.

Finally, I wish to thank everyone who has helped to spread some extra cheer this year by ‘paying it forward’, supporting the various hamper and donation drives within their community, or for simply checking in on a friend. The generosity and kindness of people right across our small communities never ceases to amaze. Let’s keep that community spirit strong into 2022.

Please take care if you are hitting the road or our waterways over Christmas and New Year. I look forward to seeing you again soon.