Jayden Crosby, student, 10

''I'm really looking forward to starting grade 5. I love reading and maths, but what I'm most excited about is trying out for our interschool cricket and football teams again - hopefully this year I'll make the cut.''

''In 2012, I made my highest ever score in cricket (37). I want to make even more runs in 2013. One day I want to be a professional sportsman. I [also] play for Hampton Rovers, and last year we won the Lightning Premiership. It'd be great to win it back-to-back.''

''This year, we're going to Thredbo for Easter. We're still trying to convince Dad to take us to the Caribbean to celebrate his birthday in May!''

Christine Assirvaden, student, 20

''2013 is starting off with a bang, as I fly to Jakarta, Indonesia, this afternoon. I've been accepted to do a six-week internship with the United Nations, and I'm absolutely over the moon.''

''I'm in my final year of tertiary studies, so I'm firmly focused on securing a graduate position. I'd love to fit in at least one road trip to Queensland, but my ultimate goal is to save for an amazing trip to the United States in December, to celebrate my 21st birthday.''

''I'd love to keep up calisthenics this year, but it's really expensive. The idea of a stable income is becoming more appealing.''

Marcus Doherty, payment technologist, 40

''After a jam-packed 2012 of home renovations, a family holiday to Vietnam, some exciting developments at work and building fantastic new friendships, I'm looking forward to a more low-key 2013.''

''My wife, Sarah, and I are anticipating some quiet time at our holiday house in Queenscliff, with our black Labrador, Pearl. Preparations are now in full swing for a golf trip down to Tasmania with a cluster of close mates.''

''What I'm most excited about is watching my two daughters, Lily (6) and Mia (4) continuing to learn and grow, and to cheering them on with ballet, tennis and piano lessons.''

Tina Nguyen, mother and tutor, 50

''My sister and I love going to the gym, doing aerobics and Zumba classes. I feel fitter, healthier and happier than I have in a long time. I want to become even more active this year.''

''I am so proud of each of my three children's academic achievements that I've been inspired to return to study in 2013 to do a diploma of human development. My husband and I are taking our kids on a holiday to Sydney very soon. Spending time with my family, including my mother and sister, is very important to me.''

''I like to keep myself busy. I'm really passionate about ballroom dancing, and I am thinking about teaching my husband to dance this year.''

Miriam Althus, volunteer teacher, 70

''This summer presents the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, with plenty of picnics by the seaside in the company of family and friends.''

''As the new year rolls on, I will continue teaching, which I have enjoyed for more than 40 years. It's such a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community. My husband and I have four children, and are fortunate to have family all over the world, who we love keeping in touch with. I love learning, and I love keeping busy. I'm much more interested in lectures and speeches than reading a book in a quiet corner.''

''I'm not ready to slow down yet.''

COMPILED BY DANIEL McCULLOCH