I extend to your readers and the members of your community my best wishes for a happy Christmas.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year.
It’s a time to reflect, to count one’s blessings and to give thanks for all the good things in life.
We are a good and generous people. I hope this Christmas we will remember those who are having a tough time – and lend them a hand where we can.
To the volunteers in your community who provide so much work assisting others throughout the year, I say thank you. You are an inspiration to us all.
This Christmas Day, like every day, our hospitals, police stations and fire brigades will be ready and working. I thank the nurses, doctors, police, firies and emergency services personnel who will be missing Christmas lunch because they are keeping our communities safe. We all hope you have a quiet day.
From my family to yours, I wish you a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas.
The Hon Tony Abbott MP
Prime Minister of Australia
December 2013