A new year brings fresh hope to even the cynics among us, and we could all use a bit of that. But as the year draws to a close, I am optimistic and grateful.

As a Melbournian I witnessed the coming together of an entire city to overcome a mammoth challenge earlier this year.

The Washington Post recently published a post-mortem analysis of the pandemic in Australia—a blow-by-blow account of our response—and it was only after reading it that I understood the enormity of our success.

Were there setbacks? Yes. Was the willingness to make sacrifices for the benefit of others universal? No. But was it remarkable in its design and execution? For me, it is a resounding yes.

And so, 2021 approaches with hope and optimism. A vaccine is on the way. At the time of writing there are fewer than 70 active cases in the country, most of them in quarantine.

We can entertain the possibility of visiting interstate friends and family for Christmas. What a wonderful thought.

The new year will also bring some exciting changes to the APA. We will welcome new faces to the Board of Directors and look forward to the fresh ideas and perspectives they will bring.

To that end I congratulate Holly Brasher and Peter Tziavrangos for their election to the Board.

Holly is a former national chair of the Sports and Exercise Group, while Peter is the incumbent national char of the Business Group. Both are respected leaders and will be valuable contributors.

I also extend my congratulations to Amanda Mulcahy, who commences her second term on the Board.

Similarly, Jenny Aiken and Scott Willis will begin their respective terms as chair of the Board and national president. Both have given much to the profession and possess the drive, stamina and know-how to lead the APA to new heights.

This is also a time for farewells. I would like to thank Professor Darren Rivett for his leadership and service to the Board of Directors.

Darren finishes his final term on the Board at the end of this year after eight years as a director, and four years as a vice president. Darren is a statesman and a diplomat—a calm and reasoned voice around the boardroom table. I am privileged to have seen him at work.

And finally, we farewell our national president, Phil Calvert, after two full terms in the role.

Phil is an Adelaide boy and a St Kilda Football Club fanatic. Under his leadership I have witnessed a few renditions of When the Saints Go Marching In I would rather forget.

I have also witnessed an unwavering commitment to advocacy on behalf of the profession, tireless engagement with members and a readiness to sacrifice personal time and comfort for the betterment of the APA. I have not yet observed such commitment to a role in my career.

Phil, you leave with the gratitude of the entire profession for everything you have achieved during your tenure, and our best wishes for your future endeavours.

And to our valued members: we hope you will continue your journey with the APA into 2021 and beyond. Your support will help us continue the legacies left by the likes of Darren and Phil, and many others on whose shoulders this profession stands today.

If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, we hope you will soon.

With my best wishes to you for this festive season and sincere hopes for a bright and prosperous New Year.