December is that month which for most in the Cootamundra electorate is the busiest time of year with the full range of harvests in full swing, students bouncing from one end-of-year-event to another, parents juggling a heightened work schedule, business owners steeling themselves for the onset of frenetic shopping activity and, amid that, countless other residents preparing their homes and their pantries for the many festive gatherings so representative of the holiday season.

I don't need to tell you that 2016 was a year of some challenge - especially for the rural community who had to deal with unprecedented falls of rain which left many families and communities isolated due to flooding events and some operations devastated as they saw their crops languish several feet under water. On the positive side, bumper crops, full dams and paddocks brimming with pasture augur well for the year ahead which speaks to the indomitable spirit of the rural community, who can always find a silver lining on any cloud.

Speaking of the future, it was my pleasure this year to visit many of the schools in the electorate to spend time with the many teachers and students who constantly astonish me with their achievements in learning and in sporting pursuits. I congratulate them all on their successes this year and hope they enjoy their well-earned summer holiday break.

Of course hand-in-hand with those students are the parents who master the art of juggling everything to ensure their children pass through school safely and seamlessly. My compliments to you on getting though another year, and with that my hopes you too get some time to enjoy the fruits of your labours!

It is terrific to see businesses flourishing in all the towns and villages throughout the electorate. I have been fortunate to have travelled the length and breadth several times this year and it is so encouraging to see so many innovative enterprises popping up alongside those that have stood the test of time. As a former small business owner I understand the many obstacles you are faced with daily and weekly, so I congratulate you all on your courage and tenacity.

A special thanks to the many, many volunteers who really are the mortar that binds small rural communities - those who selflessly step up when needed. I just want you to know that your work hasn't gone unnoticed.

Christmas is traditionally the season of generosity and gratitude, peace and goodwill. I hope as you celebrate your blessings, you join me in reflecting on those less fortunate than ourselves - the sick and the hungry, destitute, oppressed and persecuted, those who are grieving or burdened - in praying for better days ahead. By reaching out to them and doing all we can to ensure their lives are better can be the difference to those living on society's margins, be that through an act of charity or kindness and unceasingly treating one another with love, compassion and respect.

This year, many people will be working or on call over the holiday period; hospital staff, the police, fire brigade, NSW Ambulance and many others, including those volunteers who will be available to help in time of need. I thank them for their putting our needs ahead of their own.

I pray that calm conditions will prevail particularly over Christmas to allow our rural fire brigade volunteers time to relax.

Members of the Australian Defence Forces and Federal Police continue to serve across the globe in peacekeeping, counter terrorism, maritime security and anti-piracy patrols. Please join me in praying for their safe return to families.

On behalf of my family and staff, I would like to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas, a relaxed, joyful holiday season and prosperous new year.

I look forward to catching up with you in 2017.

Member for Cootamundra, Katrina Hodgkinson