December 21, 2015
Christmas is my favourite time of the year in Gippsland.
I will be spending as much time as I can with my family and friends. We will share a meal, laugh about the good times we’ve had throughout the year and remember the family members who aren’t with us to celebrate the occasion.
It’s also a time of year when we unite at community events and school presentations, celebrating the year that has been.
As we come together at such events, it reminds me about the strength of our community.
We are blessed to live in a beautiful region filled with selfless people prepared to devote their time and energies to help others.
I’m proud to be part of a community that answers the call when others need help.
It is this spirit of sharing and caring for others which brings out the best in our community at Christmas.
I would like to thank the thousands of volunteers across Gippsland who display this spirit every day. Our community would be poorer without your dedication to sporting and charitable organisations.
We are a resilient and resourceful region, which makes an enormous contribution to the wealth of our nation.
We stand a better chance of prosperity as a community if we can capture the spirit of the festive season and work together throughout the year.
It is a pleasure to represent the greatest region in Australia in Federal Parliament.
I’m thankful for the support and encouragement I receive from many people as I undertake my responsibilities.
Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and your loved ones in 2016.
– Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland