The year started with much of eastern Australia on fire and never seemed to get much better from there.

Next came from a series of devastating floods and then, of course, the pandemic that has touched every facet of our lives.

The pandemic has changed the way we socialise, the way we work and even the way we grieve and celebrate.

It has created the most difficult year in memory for millions of Australians including those health workers who have been stretched to the limit, thousands of small business owners who have been pushed beyond their limit and even Year 12 students who have faced their biggest test in unprecedented circumstances.

As early as March we had people wishing and wanting for 2020 to be over already and so when we finally turn the calendar at midnight on December 31 it will come with the loudest cheer heard in a generation.

Before that, though, wouldn't it be great for the Bathurst community to come together for a New Year's Eve party like no other - complete with spectacular fireworks display?

Last year's Party in the Park was relocated to Machattie Park due to a drought that had rendered Victoria Park an uninviting dust bowl while the fireworks were canned altogether due to the devastating bushfires that were burning across much of the state.

But 12 months is a long time so let's hope this year's party is able to go ahead.

Welcome rain through autumn and winter means it does not look like water will be an issue this year and there must be some reason to believe the coming summer's fire season will be nothing like the last.

So it may just come down to the question of whether an NYE party - and accompanying fireworks - can be conducted in a COVID-safe manner, and that must surely be a way for us to do that.

It might mean restricting the numbers able to attend Victoria Park (and perhaps at ballot will be needed to decide those lucky few) but we can also look for other vantage points around the city, including the homes of people who will host their own small parties, to enjoy the fireworks while remaining socially distanced.

The idea of being "together apart" would be a fitting farewell for 2020, and just the chance for us all to look skyward at the same time will be a moment to savour.

We've all certainly earned it.