Thread by @DanielAndrewsMP

Happy New Year, Victoria.

To everyone working today to keep our state going and keep us all safe – thank you.

And it's no coincidence that many of those currently on shift are the same people who got us through 2020.

The cleaners. Freight drivers. Logistics workers. Garbos. Public transport staff. Firefighters. Police. Ambos.

The healthcare workers on the frontline of this pandemic.

Those working in aged care, disability support, homelessness and family violence services.

The Victorians stocking shelves, delivering meals and keeping everyone fed.

Work that is by definition 'essential' – but hasn't always been recognised or valued as such.

They deserve our gratitude and our respect.

But every Victorian should be proud of the role they played last year too – and continue to play.

Let's not forget the kindness people showed each other when things got tough.

And let's not forget how our state came together to face seemingly impossible challenges head-on.

But the challenge isn't over just because we desperately want it to be. We all have to remain vigilant, keep getting tested and stick to the restrictions.

That's how we'll continue to get through this.

So if you've got the day off, enjoy it – and stay safe.

And if you're working – I hope somebody's got a cold one waiting for you afterwards.

You've earned it.