The New Year is a time to look with gratitude on the good things of the last 12 months and look forward with confidence to the year that stretches before us.
It's a time for new hope and new beginnings.
Perhaps a personal resolution like spending more time with family or a big life decision like starting a university or TAFE course or opening a business.
Whatever the New Year holds for you, I trust it will be a safe and happy one.
Let's also remember that the 1st of January is the anniversary of Australian nationhood.
So let's also resolve to make this great country of ours even stronger.
Yes we've achieved remarkable things in our nation's journey.
But I firmly believe that even better days lie ahead.
Together let's make 2012 a year of which every Australian can be proud.