Scott Morrison thanks, honours older Australians during Christmas message

The PM also used his Christmas message to single out residents of Sydney’s northern beaches | WATCH

Scott Morrison delivers his Christmas message.

Scott Morrison has used his Christmas message to “thank and honour” older Australians in aged-care facilities across the ­nation and acknowledge the stress and uncertainty inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic following the horrifying Black Summer bushfires.

Mr Morrison also singled out Australians celebrating Christmas in the northern beaches of Sydney for special mention after families had their plans disrupted following a breakout of the coronavirus in the lead-up to the holiday period.

“This year has not been easy for any of us. Some of us have faced the loss of loved ones. Others the loss of jobs and livelihoods, and separation from family,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr Morrison said that Australians had “rallied to each other” and declared the Australian spirit had “shone brightly again”.

“Though we had to be distant socially, emotionally we connected. And turned to each other,” Mr Morrison said.

“There were the firefighters and volunteers who got us through the black summer, the doctors and nurses, the researchers and scientists doing their utmost to protect and care for us throughout this pandemic.”

Mr Morrison also paid tribute to retail workers who had kept the essential supply chains open, and the volunteers who “made certain that no one was left behind or left without”.

“Even now, up in Sydney in the northern beaches, everyone is still there doing their bit to keep all of us safe right across the country.

“So no matter where you are in Australia, this Christmas, I think, is one where as Australians we can once again count our blessings as a country.”

Despite the difficult year, Mr Morrison said Australians could “give thanks this year for our Christmas because our blessings outweigh our struggles”.

“It is the tradition of these messages to give a shout out to a group at Christmas who have done so much,” he said.

“So I do want to thank and honour all our older Australians in aged care and their carers. They have endured a lot this year.”

Mr Morrison said they had drawn on that “well of strength that you have displayed over your entire lifetime — and in doing so you kept others safe”.

Anthony Albanese said that Christmas in 2020 came “not just as a joy but a relief” and praised the efforts of Australians who had worked through the pandemic.

“It’s been a tough year, but Australians have risen to the challenge,” he said. “Especially our essential workers — the nurses, cleaners, supermarket workers and the teachers who had to find new ways to teach,” he said.

“We helped each other. And we’re getting through this together. May the festive season bring peace to you and your loved ones.”