Many of us Victorians have been cut off from loved ones all 2020, myself included. We all have our stories, all tough for every one of us. It would have been incredible to see family this Christmas, but for those with family in NSW, the risks of borders closing were too high.

That meant many Victorians who had been waiting all year to finally see loved ones had to cancel plans. Heart breaking. But it meant protecting our families and communities and as Victorians we know all too well just how critically important and non negotiable that is.

The Victorian health minister urged Victorians "not to travel to NSW" over Christmas on 18 December. There were also warnings from Victoria that NSW hotspots would grow and change and that travel should be avoided due to risks of border closures.

Two weeks later the border closed. Sadly, some had taken the risk, despite the warnings, and I can understand why they would. It's something many of us would've struggled with. I hear that pain and I know it well.

But it's not correct to publicly castigate the Victorian government, which is working 24/7 to lead us through a crisis and keep us safe. Blame COVID-19, but saying Andrews didn't warn us is just wrong, there's no truth to it at all.

We will get through this, so will NSW. It'll be worth everything we went through to be able to move freely around Australia to see family and friends after a year of being apart. Stay safe, focus on the light at the end of the tunnel and think about the good times coming.