Well, what a year 2020 turned out to be.

We started the year with drought and horrific bushfires in many parts of Australia.

While Queensland largely escaped the devastation that occurred in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, we watched in horror at what was occurring in our neighbouring states.

Like most Australians, Queenslanders wanted to do our bit to help our southern neighbours and we saw some true acts of courage and selflessness.

The true Aussie spirit of helping out a mate was on show for the world to see, and we dug deep to start the rebuilding process.

Then came the floods.

In February, parts of Queensland and NSW were soaked by more rain than many areas received in the whole of 2019.

But once again we dug in and endured.

Then the COVID-19 global pandemic struck.

Society as we knew it changed overnight as lockdowns and social distancing became the norm.

We as Australians adapted to this change remarkably well and the results of following the health advice, along with Federal Government initiatives that kept many businesses open and people in jobs, mean we are now bouncing back.

Australia has endured much this year, but I’d still rather be here than in any other country in the world right now.

As all things in life, there is good that comes from bad situations.

COVID19 has sparked a renewed level of patriotism for local manufacturing and reducing our dependence on other countries for items we purchase.

The grade 12 students graduating in 2020 will be some of the highest achievers we ever have. They have had to adapt and learn to deal with adversity.

Life has taught me that the greatest lessons are learned in the toughest times.

As we head into the Christmas period, it will be a good time to take a step back, spend time with our families, reflect on what we have lost, and appreciate what we still have.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. God knows you’ve earned it!

Stay safe on the roads and let’s hope 2021 will bring better days ahead.