(Community Recognition Statement, 5 August 2020, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

Having worked to achieve marriage equality in Australia, Australian Marriage Equality (AME) is now officially wrapping up. For over a decade this organisation raised the visibility of LGBTIQA+ Australians in every part of Australian life and encouraged hundreds of thousands to take their first political action.

Their journey was not easy and could not have lasted without so many community supporters and the generosity of our volunteers and donors. In wrapping up the organisation, the board agreed to disburse remaining funds to those assisting in the provision of mental health support, youth support, domestic violence support services and homelessness support programs for LGBTIQA+ people as well as support for rural and regional prides who play such an important role in community building. They will keep their social media pages alive to promote the vital work of leading LGBTIQA+ community organisations. AME has also partnered with The Pinnacle Foundation and Women for Election to establish Australian Marriage Equality Scholarships to further support the LGBTIQA+ community. I thank my fellow board members for their immense commitment: Janine Middleton AM (Co-Chair), Dr Shirleene Robinson, Peter Black, Dr Sarah Midgley OAM, Jay Allen, Tim Peppard, Liam Ryan, and treasurer Cam Hogan.