Zero.

A number that signifies nothing but has meant everything to us here in Melbourne.

Before this week, it had been 139 days since we last had zero cases.

This is an astounding achievement – an achievement only made possible because of the strength and resilience of the people in our communities.

An achievement that the rest of the world now looks to for guidance and a model of how to reign in their devastating second waves.

The last few months have been ones of hardship – of that there is no doubt.

Parents juggling work from home with caring responsibilities, businesses working hard to adapt and support their staff, students adjusting to new ways of learning, loved ones too far to reach, workers without work.

Throughout, I have been blown away by the steadfast dedication with which Victorians have done what needed to be done to protect our families, our friends and indeed the country.

Steadfast not just in the face of the immense challenge that has collectively confronted us – but steadfast in the face of the irresponsible calls from self-interested parties to give up, to open up, to ignore the health advice – calls designed purely to polarise and destabilise.

Victorians shouldn’t have had to endure this year with this obstructive and erosive commentary. But we did. And when the time comes to reflect on all the happenings of this unexpected year, it will be clear who worked to get Victoria through this – and who hindered.

This year has been challenging and painful and exasperating and everything in between.

But our communities have done more than endure – they have been compassionate, and creative and critically, they have made a difference.

It’s true that our journey isn’t yet over – we still need to be cautious.

And while it is not yet time to share hugs or come together for a big game or celebration, it is time to recognise the extraordinary efforts undertaken by ordinary people here in Victoria.

So to my community I want to say thank you.

Thank you for getting us to zero.