Remember that it will be OK in the end

I am sure that we all have our own opinion who has been the best actor to play James Bond since 1962.

One thing that is really interesting - looking at the films that were made in the 1960s and 70s - is the so-called high-technology of the day and the gadgets invented by Q and the team.

Who would have thought that in the year 2020 we would be sitting behind a video screen and participating in virtual face-to-face conferences?

And doing so with 10, 20 or more other people doing the same?

Some things have certainly come a long way.

But it seems that the coronavirus pandemic is changing our world in all sorts of ways.

In our community, it is important to acknowledge the impact on everyone that COVID-19 is having, particularly in other parts of the world where many of us have friends or family.

Thank you to all the individuals and families in our community for doing your best under the restrictions that have been placed on us.

Thank you to the businesses that have been forced to close to reduce the community risk for all of us.

Thank you to the other businesses that have been able to keep trading to support the community with their goods and services.

Thank you to the people in the health care sector for what you are doing in a myriad of ways.

Thank you to the agencies in the "support" role.

The collaboration that I have observed is inspiring.

Thank you to the people who are doing the little things ... pearls of kindness ... for other people.

And a special mention to the mums and dads who are keeping our family units together.

Tying all this into a James Bond theme is a bit of a challenge.

Other than, by the end of the film, good prevails.

And everything - always - works out to be OK.

The Mayoral Matters column is a joint initiative between the Wimmera Mail-Times and the region's five councils.