“Looking back on the year, I’m feeling a strong sense of relief that we’re through the turmoil of the first half of 2013 and heading to a brighter, calmer new year.

On a personal note, I have much to be grateful for this festive season. If you were measuring in dollars and cents the companionship and support of friends - many old, many new - and the opportunity of helping others that comes through public service - I would be a wealthy man.

I have enjoyed the distinct privilege of getting to know many of you, at home in your towns or at district events. I will always listen hard and speak frankly.

A family from Stockinbingal shared with me the story of a recent bushfire that had swept through their property, taking out 70 per cent of their feed, many kilometres of fencing, but thankfully sparing their home and their stock.

They asked me to ring the local radio station and, on their behalf, extend thanks to the volunteers who had risked their own safety to save the lives and property of their neighbours.

In this request, which I was honoured to fulfil, I felt again the strength of living in a country community.

There is no greater gift you can give – than to put others before yourself, regardless of circumstances. It happens a lot in Hume.

My hope is that in 2014 we talk each other up. We talk up our local businesses and we shop local, we talk up our local schools and school teachers, we thank our volunteer fire fighters, we turn up to the local show and community events and spend a bit of money.

I have confidence as we face the serious changes, the belt tightening, that we will get our nation back on track. In 2014 and beyond we must focus on our strengths.

In the new year I will launch a Village Visits program to get out and meet as many of you as possible.

My Christmas wish list is deceptively simple - for an uneventful bushfire season, for some good soaking rain over summer and autumn, for more wins in the cricket, a peaceful Christmas for all of us and a prosperous New Year - and I don’t just mean a healthier bank balance. 

In a fast paced world, we blink and another year is almost over. Let’s slow things down this Christmas and spend time with our families. From my wife Louise and our family, Happy Christmas and have a good break.”

Angus Taylor.

Federal Member for Hume