Administrator’s Christmas Message

Families come together at this time of year, to share fellowship, reflect on the year now past and give thanks for the blessings and hope for the future that comes with the Christmas message.

We sometimes forget we all have so much to be thankful for; in whatever way we would choose to measure our blessings. I reflect on how fortunate we are to enjoy freedoms that many people around the world can only envy, the services we have access to if needed and how fortunate we are to live in a peaceful society far away from the horrors inflicted by war.

The opportunities that young people have to better themselves is just one of the reasons why so many people from different backgrounds, desire and choose to become Australians. Again, this year I was privileged to conduct a number of citizenship ceremonies, and it is always wonderful to see the happiness and renewed hope for the future – a culmination of a long journey for many of our new citizens, who are understandably grateful.

2022 has had both challenges and successes. I would like to particularly thank those who led this community through the Covid-19 pandemic. To the medical staff and the emergency management teams, all of you played an extraordinary role in navigating this particular challenge. The hospital team were doubly challenged as they transitioned from NSW to QLD during this period. What was achieved was a result of hard work and a genuine commitment from locals, supported by the dedicated team from QLD Health.

Similarly, I’d like to acknowledge the leadership demonstrated at the Norfolk Island Central School through the transition to QLD education. To the staff, families and students who were a part of this – you showed such resilience, that did not go unnoticed. In education, the sporting and academic opportunities that are being presented as a result of working with QLD have been obvious even to someone not directly connected to the school. I am very optimistic about further opportunities that will be available to students at NICS in the coming years. Significant upgrades by the Australian Government to improve data speeds and capacity will only add to this.

The Government House Open Days raised in excess of $31,000 this year. This money will be shared with sixteen charitable organisations across the community – again a big thank you to the people who enable this fundraising initiative that supports worthwhile causes across the island.

To all the community and sporting clubs across the island that enrich this community in a range of different ways, again a big thank you. No small community can exist without volunteers putting up their hands to help, and Norfolk Island is blessed to have a wealth of people that give up their time for the benefit of others – a heartfelt thank you to all!

Thank you too to the Norfolk Island Regional Council for all the services provided to residents and visitors that make this island a wonderful place to live and visit.

This will be my last Christmas as Administrator of Norfolk Island, an assignment that has been both challenging and rewarding. I believe very much in the potential of this community and despite suggestions sometimes to the contrary, I have always endeavoured to provide my Minister (your Minister) and the department with a clear perspective of the different views of various stakeholders within the community. Amongst other responsibilities, the role of the Administrator is to present information to the Minister through a community lens rather than a public service lens and I have always aimed to fulfil this obligation.

Thank you to my office staff for your guidance and support. Also to the staff at Government House who with real commitment take care of that most beautiful of public buildings and gardens as if it were their own. To all those Norfolk Island community members that have supported me in different ways this year, I am grateful and pleased to call many of you friends.

Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for a safe and prosperous 2023.

Eric Hutchinson

December 2022