The woke NSW Governor's Christmas message WITHOUT mentioning Christmas
Thursday, 23 December 2021
It's a Clayton's Christmas for the NSW Governor.
Her Excellency, the so-called Honourable Margaret Beazley is the model of a very modern Vice Regal.
She's so modern that she can pull off a Christmas message without mentioning Christmas itself, or the religious significance of the season, or even the date.
This is the same Governor who churns out the Ramadam, Lunar New Year, and Diwali messages.
But at Christmas ... she talks about herself, her husband, and "The House", and a whole lot of waffle ... but just don't mention the C-word.
So, have a very merry and inclusive Christmas, your Excellency.
End of Year Message 2021
Hello from Government House, which stands on Gadigal land here in Sydney.
As another rollercoaster year draws to a close, I’m mindful of how you and your families, your friends and your colleagues are managing. Connecting with many of our State’s community organisations, virtually since June and then more recently in ‘real life’, I have observed the weariness of navigating these last two years but also now the excitement that people are starting to feel about what lays ahead in 2022.
That sense of expectancy for the new year is lifting our spirits here at the House.
So, what are some of the things we are looking forward to here at the House in 2022?
Well, first would have to be our reopening to the public on Australia Day. On the 26th of January this place will be buzzing with people exploring the state rooms, picnicking on the lawns and listening to live music. Two weeks ago, I met with our guides and our volunteers who are bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of sharing this wonderful place with you after a quiet couple of years. So please come, we’d really love to see you.
Then, in early February, we will mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrating an extraordinary 70 years of service. It was on the 6th of February 1952, that Her Majesty acceded to the throne, at the age of 25. In a world where change is unrelenting, she continues to radiate a calmness and a sense of purpose that comforts and inspires.
And the following week, it will be my honour to present insignia to those people in our New South Wales community who have been recognised with Australian Honours and Awards. Twenty -four ceremonies held here will celebrate their extraordinary contributions to our State.
Then comes a return to that part of our program that Dennis enjoys the most – travelling out of Sydney to connect with communities in regional areas. First stop will be the Oberon Show in mid-February.
So, there you are, a taste of our new year, and that’s only up to February.
However, none of our excitement for the new year is to say we simply dismiss 2021 – if 2020 was a one-star year, 2021 was not the sequel we were hoping for.
However, there is much to be grateful for this year. The way organisations in our State adapted so as to continue their work, supporting vulnerable people, responding to new challenges and fostering community connections is to be commended.
Here in New South Wales our public health response delivered outstanding results. To New South Wales Health, and all our health workers – thank you for the unrelenting work you have done to keep our communities safe and well. We are forever grateful.
And to everyone, may the weeks ahead be a time of refreshment, recuperation and reconnection. We wish you and your loved ones all the best for the season and for the year to come.