Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to the Australians who have supported their neighbours during multiple natural disasters across the nation.
In his Christmas message to parliament, Mr Albanese said while some Australians would enjoy the holidays relaxing with their families, many were marking the end of a tough year.
"I do hope as we head into the Christmas break that we see an alleviation of these conditions," he said on Thursday.
"But once again it has been a reminder that at the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character."
Mr Albanese thanked volunteers, emergency services, government workers, members of the defence forces and others who have supported communities in times of devastation.
"We've seen extraordinary heroism from Australians at difficult times," he said.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the work of ADF personnel both overseas and domestically was something Australians should be proud of.
"Their work never stops ... it's something that we should never take for granted," he said.
Mr Albanese also revealed how he would spend Christmas morning.
It'll be the same way he does every year, at the Ashfield church in his inner-western Sydney electorate with Reverend Bill Crews.
Mr Crews runs the Exodus Foundation which provides free meals to thousands of homeless and disadvantaged Australians every week, including Christmas lunch.
"Last year, the queues for Christmas lunch began at 6am in order for people to get a proper feed on Christmas Day and for their children to get gifts," Mr Albanese said.
"I look forward to this year going there for the first time as prime minister and sharing my morning with those wonderful people."
