Mike Freelander (Macarthur, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I want to take this opportunity to wish all the Macarthur residents a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. As the year draws to a close, it's obvious that we've had a tough time—2020 has not been a great year. We started off with horrific bushfires then floods and now the pandemic and the economic recession that followed. Families and local businesses have been doing it tough and as a nation we have, for the most part, fared pretty well in the pandemic. We must continue to keep this under control and look to our economic recovery. Throughout the entire crisis, I have been inspired by the resolve of individuals, organisations and businesses within my community. Throughout this crisis, we have seen great demonstrations of comradery and mateship in Macarthur with people working harder than ever to support their neighbours, their loved ones and their friends. There are countless individuals and organisations I could list but specifically I would like to call out a single, wonderful local organisation, Life Beyond Barriers. I have partnered with Edward Feuerstein and Life Beyond Barriers for my annual Christmas toy drive, with the organisation distributing donated gifts to children in Macarthur who would otherwise go without.

I hear bells. It must be Christmas! I've been overwhelmed by the support of local organisations and my local community. A massive thanks to all.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Proceedings suspended from 16 : 26 to 16 : 37

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