(Community Recognition Statement, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

I acknowledge the passing in July of longtime Surry Hills community activist, Enid Cook.

Enid was a champion for what was then an area of disadvantage and poverty, particularly for the children of the area. As a teacher, she found creative ways to help students learn and be active community members, harnessing resources from the library and other local help.

Enid saw that women and migrants needed to be heard and issues affecting them were important. Her knowledge and skills as an unpaid community worker, networker and advocate achieved practical benefits, and she was instrumental in establishing local childcare services, the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre, the Surry Hills Social Justice Coalition and English classes for migrants in the rag trade. Enid worked with local residents and all political groupings to improve individual futures and Surry Hills' future. Her commitment to the "local" leaves a legacy that helped make Surry Hills the desirable place it is today.