The New Year was supposed to give us all breathing space, time to process what had taken place in 2020, a chance even to look forward with more optimism.

But the pre-Christmas coronavirus outbreak that started in Sydney and has now spread into Victoria ended such leisurely pursuits.

The border closure we thought would be now just a memory is again a reality and the checkpoint queues that ushered in 2021 could scarcely be believed.

No wonder border residents just trying to live their everyday lives sought advice on the best crossing point.

Albury's Gavin James saw these appeals on social media and worked out a way to help.

The live delay tracker he developed has been warmly embraced, with Border Mail readers among those who attest to its worth.

We congratulate Gavin on his initiative and hope it's no longer needed by the time he and his wife Kendal welcome their new child, due in March.

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Of course, much can happen between now and then if recent events are any indication.

Asked to consider the year gone and the one to come, Border mayors and MPs have not attempted any crystal ball gazing but spoken of challenge, strength, kindness and gratitude.

Albury mayor Kevin Mack felt 2020 had taught us to care more for each other and reach out to our most vulnerable.

"During this period I sincerely hope we do not forget that lesson and continue to display generosity and support to each other," he said.

Member for Indi Helen Haines believed people now understood better the roles played by doctors, nurses, teachers and those who filled supermarket shelves.

"My hope for 2021 is that in the telling of the 2020 stories we have learnt to be alive to one another's struggles and to work together," she said.

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Indeed, no one could forget the emergency service personnel who helped keep us safe through first bushfires and then the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even as the present tumult continues to unfold, take a moment to give thanks for their ongoing service.