This was published 5 years ago

Remembering the highs and lows of 2020

Sheri Mimis

December 31, 2020 - 8.33am

In what has been a rollercoaster ride of a year, A Current Affair host Leila McKinnon has taken a look at 2020's most incredible stories.

Among some of the most memorable moments this year were the Australian bushfires, the royal split and the coronavirus pandemic.

And while there were some unimaginable losses, there were also heartfelt stories of hope.

From the bushfires which devastated the country to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been a rollercoaster year. A Current Affair

In what has been a rollercoaster ride of a year, A Current Affair host Leila McKinnon takes a look back with viewers - at 2020's most incredible stories. A Current Affair

Australian Bushfires

It was a fiery start to 2020 with a catastrophic summer.

The world watched Mallacoota burn, while Australians were hemmed in around the country with coastal towns in New South Wales and Victoria surrounded by ferocious fires.

There were mass evacuations and livelihoods and homes destroyed, but true Aussie spirit got us through the devastation.

It was a fiery start to 2020 with a catastrophic summer. A Current Affair

The COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic crippled the world, changing lives forever.

The invisible enemy started in Wuhan in China, and held all corners of the world under siege – from Italy to the United States.

And there were desperate pleas from healthcare workers urging everyone to socially distance.

In northern Italy, hospitals were overwhelmed.

The coronavirus pandemic crippled the world, changing lives forever. A Current Affair

Emergency tent hospitals were set up outside as a result and Aussie volunteers documented their journeys on the front lines.

In Australia, schools closed and lockdowns were forced as the country tried desperately to flatten the curve.

Even A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw at one point set up a make-shift studio from her home's spare room.

Medical experts guided the nation through unchartered territory with the aged care sector bearing the brunt of the virus.

Overseas hospitals were overwhelmed due to the pandemic. A Current Affair

Newmarch nursing home was put under the microscope and families launched a class action against Epping Garden's in Melbourne with allegations of staff shortages.

Victoria was declared a disaster state with a second wave of COVID-19 hitting, trapping 3000 residents in public housing towers and resulting in confusion and anger.

Anzac Day also looked different this year for many Australians - who when the dawn came in remembered the fallen from their driveways.

Border closures

While many families were trapped at home through Melbourne's strict lockdowns, it didn't stop other wealthy Victorians from crossing borders.

Among them were Peter Fox from the Linfox trucking empire and Mark Simonds, who both travelled to sunny Queensland with their families.

There was also the border trio who lied about their travels - kicking off a virus surge in Queensland.

A cruel border twist was the final straw when terminally ill cancer patient Gary Ralph and his wife Wendy were forced into hotel quarantine.

A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw made an impassioned plea to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to get him home at last, with Mr Ralph losing his battle, passing away from the comfort of his home.

Devastating loss

Hannah Clarke's family spoke exclusively to A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw while coming to terms with the horrific death of their daughter and grandchildren.

Renae Marsden's parents called for catfishing to be made a crime after their 20-year-old daughter took her life after she was deceived by her friend.

Lies, confrontations and all-time lows

An exotic dancer called Blondie, who was accused of sending sexually explicit messages to an underage boy, flashed her bare chest on national TV when she was confronted.

Bella Donna Di Donato, Donna Barcelona or Arabella Del Busso, the woman with multiple identities who had a relationship with NRL star Josh Reynolds was accused of faking deaths, pregnancies and cancer.

Panic buying hit an all time low with a supermarket brawl going viral.

Exoctic dancer Blondie flashed the nation on TV, A fight over toilet paper went viral, A Current Affair

And cranky boss Robert Cowman got his revenge by doing a half paint job on a van, with an ugly confrontation to follow.

Moments of hope

There was also some good news this year, including the moment a missing boy with autism was found after 48 hours alone in the bush.

William Callaghan survived sub-zero temperatures.

Australia dug deep to help Beaconsfield hero Darren Flanagan - who fought to save his business, with Chubb insurance eventually coming to the party too.

There were celebrations as borders re-opened and Qantas CEO Alan Joyce told A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw about the future of travel.

Everything else in between

Jimmy Cannon survived an attack by the second deadliest snake in the world while driving, and the nation witnessed a bitter battle over a Kangaroo named Rocky.