CHRISTMAS holidays are a special time of year for many people, as families and friends spend time together for a much needed break.
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For some local families, this holiday season has been the worst time of their lives.
I recently attended a funeral, where one such family farewelled their son, father and friend. Philip Bailey, from Oyster Cove, suffered fatal injuries in a single car crash on Christmas Day, driving a stretch of road he’d driven his whole life. It is believed he tragically fell asleep at the wheel.
It was a sorrowful reminder that each time we talk about road fatality or drowning statistics, there are people left behind who suffer irreparable, lifelong pain.
And so I begin the year with humble gratitude. I’m grateful to the people who choose to miss out on spending time with their loved ones, in an effort to avoid the suffering of others.
Whilst I was enjoying Christmas lunch with my extended family; hospital workers, police and emergency service workers were doing what they do each day; keeping people safe from harm. On our beaches and waterways, volunteers were selflessly looking out for others and saving people’s lives. I give my heartfelt thanks to our local police officers, nurses, doctors and emergency service workers who miss out on family celebrations in order to keep our community safe.
A special thank you to the many volunteers at our local surf lifesaving clubs and marine rescue units for their tireless efforts over this holiday period. With the horrifying numbers of recent drownings statewide - and awfully, one close to home - it’s easy to imagine how many more lives could have been lost but for the vigilance of these volunteers. But we are not out of the woods yet. With the heat to continue and Australia Day ahead, we must all be vigilant. Whist volunteer surf life savers and marine rescue staff are an important safety net, the best protection is close observation, swimming between the flags and wearing a life vest when boating and rock fishing.
A final ‘thank you’ to the many SES and RFS volunteers who are always on call. Your preparedness to place our community’s safety above time with your families, is appreciated by us all.
As a new year unfolds, I’m just grateful to live in a community where people care about others.
I wish all Port Stephens residents and visitors, a safe, healthy and happy 2017.
