Prime Minister Scott Morrison has used his end of year message to applaud the resolve of Australians to play their part in the adversities brought during 2020.
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"This year has not been easy for any of us," he said in the video message released on Christmas Eve.
"Some of us have faced the loss of loved ones, others the loss of jobs and their livelihoods separation from family isolation during lockdowns and loss gatherings with those we love. For all of us this year has been a time of stress and a lot of uncertainty."
Australians rallied to each other, Mr Morrison said, a reflection of their amazing spirit.
"Though we had to be distant socially, emotionally, we connected and turn to each other. There were the firefighters and volunteers who got us through the black summer," he said.
"The doctors and nurses, the researchers and scientists are doing their utmost to protect and care for us. Throughout this pandemic retail workers kept the supply chains open. Volunteers made sure that no one was left behind or left without. Public servants out there, providing support to people all over the country. Everyone playing their part."
Even as the pandemic continues, in Sydney and the northern beaches, everyone is doing their best to keep Australians safe, Mr Morrison says.
As Christmas approaches, the prime minister says it's an opportunity to once again count our blessings and resolve to share those blessing with others.
"We give thanks this Christmas, because our blessings outweigh our struggles," he said.
"Older Australians and their carers were given a special prime ministerial shout out for having endured so much this year, unable to share hugs and kiss or even the company of family.
"It's been terribly hard. This year, we saw you draw on that well of strength that you have displayed over your entire lifetime."
Mr Morrison also drew on his Christian faith to describe Christmas as a time of great hope, quoting Galatians 6:9.
"My prayer for Australia this Christmas comes from the great verse. 'Let us not grow weary of doing good for in due season, we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up.'
"Stay safe. Stay COVID safe. May God bless you and your family this Christmas. Merry Christmas."
Harley Dennett
Former federal politics bureau chief for the Canberra Times, via a career that's taken me from rural Victoria to Washington DC. Telling the stories of my local LGBTI community brought me to political journalism, where I've covered eight budgets, four national elections in two countries, Defence, public service and international governance.
Former federal politics bureau chief for the Canberra Times, via a career that's taken me from rural Victoria to Washington DC. Telling the stories of my local LGBTI community brought me to political journalism, where I've covered eight budgets, four national elections in two countries, Defence, public service and international governance.
