Has it been 12 months already?
Perhaps like many of you, I am still trying to get my head round the fact that it’s Christmas time once again.
It only seems like a few months ago that I was looking forward to achieving as much as I could for 2018.
And now, with Christmas and New Year quite literally on our doorsteps, it’s time to look back at what we have achieved together and look forward to what we can achieve in 2019.
However, it’s also an important time where we can spend time with family and friends, enjoying a few days while we are all gathered together before the New Year gets under way and we all head off once again.
While today’s technology allows us to see each other on little screens and speak to each other through microphones, there really is no substitute for getting together and catching up over lunch, dinner or even an annual evening out.
Some of us may know people who aren’t able to catch up with loved ones. At this time of year more than ever, I would encourage you to reach out to them and perhaps offer them a seat at your table. Even a simple knock on the door and a quick catch-up can make all the difference.
I have been blessed in 2018 to be able to meet so many of you during my working year. With thousands of kilometres under my wheels and a diary full of appointments, I now have a phone full of photos where happy faces have made me feel so welcome wherever I am in the Cootamundra electorate.
It hasn’t all been light-hearted meetings: much of my work as Member for Cootamundra entails earnest discussions with many whose livelihoods may be affected by what we work together to achieve.
I have made many commitments to many people during my time representing the community of the Cootamundra electorate, and I am proud to say I have delivered on most of them.
Where I have been unable to deliver, it has not been through any lack of commitment, hard work and persistence on my part. I am a fighter, I believe so strongly in representing all of you to the absolute best of my ability.
Looking ahead, it is my most sincere hope that what I have achieved in 2018 can be followed up by the same tireless level of dedication and work in 2019.
If you are travelling on our roads over the festive season, please take care. Please don’t rush, drive to the conditions and plan enough time for regular breaks.
To everyone across our beautiful electorate of Cootamundra I wish a very merry and joyful Christmas, and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.
