2020 in review: What Sydney celebrities learnt in the year of COVID

Sydney celebrities reflect on the silver lining 2020 brought and what they hope 2021 has in store for them — both personally and professionally.

Not so fast 2020. Yes, it’s a new year and a fresh start, but it would be remiss not to stop and think about all the life lessons the Year That Was taught us.

Here celebrities reflect on the silver lining 2020 brought and what they hope 2021 has in store.

OSHER GUNSBERG

The Bachelor Australia

“The only thing we can learn from 2020 is to learn how to be more resilient and more adaptable. So much is beyond our control. It’s like we are all surfing and the ocean has just decided to bring three massive set waves while we are caught in the breaking zone.

“We can panic and get washed in, or we can hold our breath, duck dive and then paddle hard to get to the next best place to be. The waves will always come. Are we going to get washed around by them, or are we going to surf them?

The Bachelor and Bachelorette host Osher Gunsberg.

“My hopes for 2021 is that we as a community can start to grow in our empathy towards each other, and understand that as the world gets trickier to live in we will need the help of others to get through it.”

ED HALMAGYI

Chef

“My highlight of 2020 has been the opportunities to travel throughout NSW and cover the aftermath of, and recovery from, this year’s bushfires. If you ever wanted to feel good about human resolve and the power of hope, that is the best way to find it.”

Chef Ed Halmagyi.

PR queen Roxy Jacenko. Picture: Tim Hunter

ROXY JACENKO

SAS Australia

“2020 has taught me that diversification is key. So many people through my career have said I work too hard.

“Following COVID-19 and the massive blow it was to many small businesses I am glad I did what everyone said I shouldn’t, diversify and not have all my eggs in one basket (property, brands and online education!) I thank my lucky stars that I have the (7) businesses as without them we could have been in a really sticky situation!”

ERIC BANA

Actor

“Patience I guess. You like to think you have enough of it, but it’s good to be on the other side of it.”

MIRANDA TAPSELL

Actor

“For me, 2020 was about realising what is important. What resonates with me. And because I was away from my family for so long, my Mum and Dad were up in the Northern Territory, I think I had to realise well there the ones who are going to be looking after me when I am sick, not my career.”

Radio host Ray Hadley.

RAY HADLEY

2GB/4BC Mornings host

“We’ll come out of this a better nation. Most of us have never had mandated restrictions placed on us. Now we know life can be tougher than we thought.”

SAM FROST

Home And Away

“The highlight for me for 2020 was spending time reading at home with my dogs. Realigning myself with me again.”

Actor Sam Frost.

ALLY LANGDON

Today host

“In a year that has thrown everything at us – and perhaps worst of all, families not being able to see each other – this holiday season is more important than any we’ve seen before.

“The past year has taught us we need to hug our grandparents, parents and kids a little bit tighter.”

Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Ally Langdon. Picture: Supplied

KARL STEFANOVIC

Today host

“It has been the most testing of years right from the very start all the way through to Christmas and I just hope that everyone gets the chance to be with their family and friends, and that going into 2021 we all love each other a little bit more.”

JOHANNA GRIGGS

Better Homes and Gardens

“The extra effort people made to stay connected. I hope that’s one of the best things that continues into 2021.”

Johanna Griggs.

Radio host Jim Wilson. Picture: Richard Dobson

JIM WILSON

2GB Drive host

“I’ve said plenty of times there are so many people worse off than me even though I hadn’t seen my 80yo mum and my son for close to a year. So life lessons learnt is don’t take your family for granted and treasure the moments with loved ones.

And I’ve loved the reset, and being forced to stop and really reflect on what matters in life. 2021 has to be better, having said that I’m so happy to be living in the greatest country in the world and not in some COVID hot spots elsewhere. And throw in more good times with [wife Chris] Bathie, the puppies, and a bit of bird nerding. How good.”

Home and Away star Lynne McGranger.

Radio host Deb Knight. Picture: AAP/Bianca De Marchi

LYNNE McGRANGER

Home and Away

“During the height of COVID, when we weren’t going to work, when we were stuck at home, I learnt to stop and smell the roses. I’ve always been someone who has gone a hundred miles an hour.

“During that time I started practising mindfulness, I enjoyed exercising twice a day, it taught me to stop. It was to the point that when it was time to go back to work, I don’t think I was actually ready for it. In 2021 I’m looking forward to the vaccine taking hold all over the world and to visit our dear friends.”

DEB KNIGHT

2GB, Afternoons presenter

“I’ve learnt to hang in there. It‘s been such a challenging year, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’m feeling so optimistic about 2021! And embrace change – I’ve had a lot of it this year, but I’ve grabbed it with both hands and it’s worked out really well.”