Thankfully, the doom and gloom so long predicted by the naysayers has not come to pass.

Australian manufacturing has continued to confound the critics during 2018 with robust growth throughout the year. It has done this in spite of the domestic backdrop of rising energy costs and amid the international turmoil of tariffs and trade restrictions.

Industry Update has also had a great year. And the signs are set for 2019 to be even better.

Our industry remains buoyant and optimistic. And it retains a sense of community spirit, with manufacturing companies often the first to support local community initiatives, charities and good causes.

So, as another year heads towards the festive season, let us all remember the poor, the helpless, the down cast, the unhappy, the sick or those struggling with mental illness and the lonely!

Remember to share your time, your cash and whatever resources you have to help your fellow citizen whether local or foreigner.

Let us never forget God’s simple instructions to love one another and to treat all humanity as you would like to be treated - no exceptions!

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. [Matthew 7:12]