We enter a new year and left behind one full of unforeseen change, social upheaval and political upsets.
Politically, Australia shifted further to the right with the Coalition government cracking down harder on asylum seekers, failing to bring about change on same-sex marriage, and backing away again from any form of emissions trading. As well, Pauline Hanson's One Nation party re-emerged as a formidable political force.
Borders are less relevant, meaning we are exposed to foreign conflicts and international changes that affect our own way of life.
Among the biggest shocks were Britain cutting ties after more than 40 years with the European bloc, and the election of brash, billionaire reality show host Donald Trump to the US presidency.
President-elect Trump has already added to domestic and international insecurity with his talk of nuclear proliferation, banning Muslim immigration, his apparent commitment to building a wall along the US-Mexican border and his vague threats to pull out of the United Nations.
Then there is the ongoing conflict in Syria which has led to the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. The unprecedented mass movement of Syrian refugees has created new tensions that have reverberated around the world.
Change brings out the best in us and the worst. It is the job of good leaders to create the conditions for the former. But it is not their responsibility alone. It is also up to each of us. Sharing knowledge or resources, donating time or wealth, simply greeting a stranger - these are some of the ways in which we reinforce the values and fabric of community. This in turn helps us navigate the upheavals that come with global change. Welcome to 2017.
