"...the last best hope of earth"

There is not much point in sugar-coating the truth - 2020 has been difficult at best and utterly disastrous at worst.

From drought and dirt and dust to destruction of property and loss of life caused by catastrophic fire, we cannot seem to catch a break.

And now with a global pandemic most likely generated by humans eating bats, we face a health crisis where the frontline is currently in a desperate fight that will be compounded by turbulent economic conditions to follow. Consequently, it is difficult to maintain a sense of positivity.

However, we must try our best. Whatever our roles in the community there has never been a more important time to be generous. To think of others, to connect, to lead, and to be thoughtful and kind.

For me that means accepting times are tough and, in response, communicating positivity through working hard and deeply engaging with my children who are navigating formal learning at home without face-to face contact with friends, teachers, and teammates.

Nonetheless, there will be helpful practices that arise from this difficult period.

Utilising online platforms to improve productivity and maintain interactions whilst reducing travel has been refreshing.

Further, this has also proven to be a wonderful time to entertain.

Watching people discard their inhibitions and reaffirm to family and friends that they may not be the best singers or artists or teachers or hairdressers nor fitness fanatics.

But they are prepared to have a go, broadcast their faults and, in doing so, remove the constant and heavy coat of seriousness that has become the bane of our lives.

The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, said in his second annual message to Congress on December 1, 1862: "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves and then we shall save our country".

Abraham Lincoln is considered the greatest US president.

He was assassinated on April 14, 1865 by a lone gunman, John Wilkes Booth, while at the theatre with his wife having served in office since 1861.

Lincoln was leader of the union during the American Civil War and is most remembered for his determination to abolish slavery.

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, proclaimed on December 18, 1865 after his death, remains his legacy.

It feels a bridge too far to compare the leadership of Abraham Lincoln to the current COVID-19 crisis we face. However, when you consider the number of deaths across the US, perhaps we must "disenthrall ourselves" or set ourselves free to "save our country".

The pandemic has killed 61,669 Americans in three months.

That is far more than the total number of American soldiers killed during the Vietnam War which lasted 20 years.

Across Australia 91 people have tragically lost their lives including 13 from Tasmania, with the state's ageing population, health challenges, and another ship we will never forget - the Ruby Princess - contributing to our higher per capita death rate from COVID-19.

Nevertheless, I do not need to tell anyone about the statistics.

They have been made available each evening; a sobering set of numbers that make us think about our loved ones.

For many, we also turn our minds to the economy. Jobs are king in Tasmania.

Without confidence and vibrant employment conditions there will be far fewer jobs than required during the boom time over the past three or four years.

With these health and economic concerns compounding our day to day lives a level of anxiety will undoubtedly increase across the community.

I firmly believe that we are social beings who enjoy the company of others and interactions in groups.

And while we also enjoy our own solitude, the want to come together will not lessen in the long-term.

In fact, it will remain the most poignant interaction that we crave.

But things will be different, and it will take time to feel comfortable and safe in our new normal, potentially even longer in Tasmania.

Therefore, as Abraham Lincoln said: "As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew".

An audit will occur in our families as we discuss and reflect on the challenges we faced, and the strategies employed to overcome.

Communities will also do the same as a way of coping, recovering, and moving forward.

What will be remembered? What will we try and forget?

How would we behave differently? How did we adapt? How have we changed?

2020 still has many months to run which will result in continued hardship, however the pandemic must eventually come to an end.

And while we may not be able to control the things that we hold dear, we can continue to give to others, to be optimistic and resilient, to be creative, and above all, to be kind.