Daniel Mackrell has a long family history in the area and since taking on the role as of Campaspe Shire Councillor has become further invested in the development of the towns, particularly in his Deakin Ward taking in the towns of Kyabram and Tongala.
The Christmas period is upon us and it’s a great time to reflect on what means the most to us.
For us it’s family. It’s a time to slow down and get together with loved ones that we may not have seen for a while.
What will we, the Mackrell family, be doing this year for Christmas Day?
Traditionally I try and rest as much as possible, cook a breakfast for Aileen and the kids, lunch at our house (cold meats and salad — hot roasts went out years ago) a snooze on the recliner with Christmas carols in the background, travel to Koyuga for tea then home for another sleep.
Christmas for a lot of people can be hard, as loved ones are no longer with us to celebrate in gift giving, stories and fun times. Financially it can be hard to put food on the table and even harder to lay presents under the tree. This is a time to think of others less fortunate than us and give a smile, a hand or a kind word to those around us.
Our local towns have done a wonderful job of getting together to create a festive season, with Santa photos and decorations that bring joy and happiness to others.
During these times when we can be together with family and friends it is one of joy, and during the past few years this is one of the things that we have not been able to do as much. Hopefully this year we can all be closer together and appreciate one another that little bit more.
Please be safe on the roads this Christmas period, as we travel — sometimes a long way — to meet up for Christmas functions and to see family.
From Aileen and I and our family, we wish you a merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year in 2022.
– Daniel Mackrell, Kyabram, Deakin Ward Councillor Campaspe Shire