Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a video message to Australians marking the end of 2020, thanking healthcare workers, business owners and others for their sacrifices during the year.
He pledged that COVID vaccinations would be available to all Australians in 2021 and they would be a "key step to our recovery in 2021".
"I want to thank all Australians who have sacrificed so much, served so greatly, and even now continue in their steadfast dedication to their duty at this time," he said.
Filmed at The Lodge in Canberra, the Prime Minister said Australia must stay vigilant "as we continue our comeback".
Twelve months ago Mr Morrison delivered a message at the height of the country's Black Summer of bushfires praising the spirit of Australians.
Today the country faces perhaps an even greater challenge, but he again heaped praise on his constituents.
"Even though I know there are a lot more challenges ahead of us in 2021, I have the hope, and I have the optimism and the confidence in my fellow Australians, in you, about our country," he said.
Recovery flagged
He said that around 80 per cent of jobs lost in the pandemic have already been recovered and 450,000 businesses have graduated from JobKeeper, taking two million Australians off income support.
"That's real signs of progress," he said, declaring the path ahead was "stronger, safer, together".
The Prime Minister's dog Buddy also featured in the video, walking around a fountain behind Mr Morrison.
Mr Morrison concluded by wishing Australians "a very happy, a very safe and a prosperous new year from my family to yours".
"God bless you Australia, and thank you."
