I want to sincerely thank the entire New England and North West region for its perseverance and resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of the outstanding effort of communities rolling up their sleeves and getting vaccinated the lockdowns which closed businesses, kept families and friends apart and slammed shut State borders are now a thing of the past.

Last year, there were many sitting around their Christmas table with empty chairs where our loved ones from afar should have been sitting.

As the sun sets on another incredibly tough year, this Christmas let's stop, take stock of all we have and give thanks for the love and friendship of those - near or far - who we hold dear.

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Along with reunions of family and friends I also hope this festive season delivers a much needed boost to local retail and accommodation providers who really have done it tough over the last five months.

Our paddocks are lush with grass, and our water storages overflowing and I am incredibly optimistic about the year ahead.

2022 will see progress made on significant region shaping projects including the Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP), Glen Innes Hospital refurbishment and millions of dollars in local road upgrades.

My electorate offices will be closed from Christmas Eve and will reopen early in the New Year.

I sincerely wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and I look forward to representing you in 2022.

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