Such exciting news that our borders have opened to almost all of Australia. The tourism operators are hopeful that our low season will become our high season over the coming months. Airline bookings are strong and accommodation occupancy rates are going well. Also, very exciting that it seems we may have a vaccine by early in the new year and international travel will follow. What a year. Lovely to see some good rainfalls in our regions, it was looking pretty dry, although a big wet and cyclone season is predicted. Make sure you get your kits ready.

Congratulations to the Labor Party who was returned to government in Queensland for a third term. Hard to believe that was only a few weeks ago. There are some great election investment and infrastructure promises for the regions. We are excited that new projects will be injecting activity and funding to boost our economy and in turn, creating more jobs with our unemployment levels remaining high. The US results are yet to be finalised, but it looks like a Biden win and interesting times of change ahead. Great news that Bega Cheese has bought Lion Dairy which includes Dairy Farmers and operations in Malanda offering some exciting opportunities and certainty for our local farmers.

At Precruitment we are delighted to welcome our new Administration & Consultant Support Kat Smith to the team. Kat has recently relocated to Far North Queensland with her partner. She comes to us with several years recruitment industry experience and high-level administration and customer support experience. Kat is the welcoming first point of call for all our clients and a positive, skilled addition to Precruitment.

Christmas is also just around the corner and the celebrations have started. We have already begun collecting our hamper goodies for our sponsored Salvation Army Family this year. As for the past 23 years our team have donated festivity food items and gifts to a needy family. If you would like to sponsor a family through your business please contact Yvonne Lockyer at the Salvos and she will be able to coordinate a family for you. [email protected]. Alternatively you can drop items into our office.

Like most everybody, we are looking forward to Christmas and the holiday season and the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. 2020 was such a big and challenging year for us all. A good rest and some Christmas cheer and down time will be welcomed as we make our plans and goals for a fabulous 2021.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over the past year and wish you a very Merry Christmas and healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year.