New Year's, a time to reflect.

Hello Everyone

We trust that each of you and your families had a great time over the Christmas period.

I mentioned last week how John and I love this time of the year. We headed off to Yamba and had a great week. John had a long face each time we went to the beach as he was under doctor's orders not to go swimming. He cut his leg a few days before we headed off and the doctor convinced him he could get an infection from the seawater. He loves the surf, so there was a long face going to the beach, but he certainly made up for it in other ways.

One thing that helps us love this time of the year is the contact we have with so many of you. Whether it be by card, email, phone, social media or a personal visit, it is so lovely to hear how everyone's year has been. That connection with all our friends across Australia makes the festive season what it is.

I have spoken about 2020 quite a few times during the year. Sure it was different, and we had to adapt our lives to new laws and adapt the way we worked our business. I will always remember the phone call we received from Mark, our son in NZ just as Covid started. He was clearly worried about both of us. He insisted we stay in the house and did not attempt to stray outside. Think the main instructions were directed at me not to be sending John on messages. Like so many of you, we commenced lockdown early March and found the next four months at home an easy adjustment.

We soon learnt and enjoyed working from home. I know many of our friends who had office jobs in the city may never go back to their desks. Their firms are happy for them to continue working from home. Guess there will be a lot of unused office space for rent come the New Year. Maybe our vaccine will see things change in 2021 and we will return to what we all know as the new norm. Although having said that, I was just having this conversation with a friend referring to just how quickly in some cases, we have found ourselves back on that busy treadmill.

We also respect that there are many who did not handle the year so well. Being confined can be stressful, as is the case with those who lost their jobs. It was rewarding how society came to the fore to support these people in so many ways. I am sure the gratitude will be returned in so many ways. Our front line workers and so many volunteers are to be congratulated for the offered support and assistance.

It was interesting after lockdown finished in Queensland, John and I decided we needed to get out and stretch our legs and it has been amazing the parks and recreation areas we have discovered around our neighbourhood. We are up early each day and off on our walk. John steps it out and does not enjoy me complaining about; I am all wet with perspiration, look at my hair. "Annette we come out for exercise. Of course, we are going to perspire." Not a lot of sympathy and I receive the same response every day. Unless we are on the road in the wee hours, it has been extremely hot and humid here in Brisbane, which I do not enjoy.

As we summarise and say goodbye to 2020, I would love to congratulate everyone and pass on our appreciation and gratitude as we did enjoy a year of growth. We, as a team expanded our sales and our team building. I know Nutrimetics as a company were delighted with their increases in both areas as well.

Australia, particularly in Queensland, have been more fortunate than most – and in this 'good fortune,' our geography has been significant. There was a time in years gone by when many of us intent on travelling the world, complained about the 'tyranny of distance' – today there is far greater appreciation and recognition of the benefits our 'isolated' island home provides. With much of the Northern Hemisphere remaining in a state of Covid crisis, and several countries facing a new or renewed ‘locked down’ we can count our blessings.

As a community, we have revealed plenty of national character. Some areas had their moments, but we stood tall and shared the load, and now we are ready for a prosperous 2021.

We send the blessings of good health, lots of laughter and peace and happiness from our home to your homes.

Annette French, I have been with Nutrimetics for 35 rewarding years. As a Presidential Director, I am proud to lead a vast team of incredible people.

Proud mother of two and doting granny to 6 beautiful grandkids

Devoted wife to my loving husband of 52 years, John.

An avid gardener and self-confessed flower lover. My greatest garden though has been in real life, nourishing and helping others to grow and achieve greatness.