Big year, but still so much to do

It seems as though the ground has been constantly shifting throughout this year – a new government finding its feet, so many reviews and changes, the disappointment of the Voice referendum and the associated racism, the joy of seeing the Matildas bring us all together highlighting how wonderful sport can be when stripped of alcohol and gambling exploitation, the horror of war in Ukraine and Gaza, so many natural disasters in Australia and around the world as our planet struggles with global warming, and growing inequality as greed becomes a more acceptable value impacting so many aspects of our society.

I have enjoyed writing a few reflections from a charities and not-for-profit perspective, and greatly appreciated the opportunity provided by the Community Advocate to talk about our collective issues and interests.

I especially want to thank Our Community managing director Denis Moriarty and journalists Greg Thom and Matthew Schulz for their support of me and the Community Council for Australia throughout 2023.

I hope some of what I have written has provoked new ways of looking at the issues we are all dealing with.

I like to think that being able to see with new eyes is at the heart of life and learning, an essential part of our individual and shared journeys of discovery.

I am looking forward to 2024 when we will see the response of our government and our country to so many important issues.

Our sector has accepted the challenge to offer our views across many domains in 2023, and will now be looking to work with governments and funders to implement the changes we know we need to achieve the kind of Australia we want to live in.

The next federal election is only 18 months away.

Wishing all a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

David Crosbie