This is the last comments for the year, and I wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas.

Christmas is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar; it is about the miraculous birth of Jesus the Son of God and the positive teachings and example that have underpinned our laws, justice, moral codes, welfare systems and democratic principles. 

Jesus taught about loving your neighbour and doing good to those who despise you. He offered hope when there was only despair and gave meaning and purpose to life itself and what happens beyond the grave into eternity. His teachings have endured and been practised by tens of millions of believers around the globe over two thousand years. 

I am aware that we live in an increasingly secular world where nearly 35 per cent of the population in the census say they have no religion. 

Regardless of our beliefs or non-beliefs, our country is better off when we practise tolerance of others’ views, and we have freedom of religious expression. History teaches us the perils of living in a world where self is at the centre of existence, discrimination is rampant and human rights and freedoms are taken away.

Let’s remember at Christmas the great heritage we have and that we live in one of the best countries in the world.

I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY TO GET VACCINATED WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME
We are a tourist destination, and that means we are certain to experience COVID-19 community transmission on Tamborine Mountain when borders open. We have exposure sites already. We do face a pandemic that if unchecked would destroy our economy, health, and wellbeing, and bring untold grief and despair. 

A family-in-law from America who is a nurse arrived in Australia a month ago and told me of the horror of working in a hospital in a well-to-do eastern American state. The state is running at a death rate of nearly 300 persons per 100,000 population. She despaired of the health system being overrun, of the sounds of patients gasping for air, mortuary that was overflowing with bodies, stacked four high on each other because there was inadequate room, and the sounds of those crying for family support yet dying alone because no one could enter the facility. 
Please take this seriously – it is real. 

We can be complacent in Queensland because we have been kept Covid-free. This can quickly change. 

I look forward to communicating again with you on Council affairs in the New Year. 

Kind regards, 
Derek Swanborough
Councillor Division 1
derek.s@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
Phone 0436 351 567