(Community Recognition Statement, 11 November 2020, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I’d like to record the many years of voluntary work by Woolloomooloo constituent Carole Ann King.

Carole Ann founded the Luncheon Club AIDS Support Group which provided social interaction, nutritious meals and essential items for people with HIV/AIDS between 1993 and 2008. The Luncheon Club reached out to people who were excluded and ostracised – especially gay men, lesbians, intravenous drug users, and their families. She added The Larder to provide basic food items for people living with HIV/AIDS to take home. 

Carole Ann was the driving force, raising funds, organising venues, coordinating volunteers, promoting the organisation and personally helping many.

More lately Carole Ann has been a key support person for marginalised people sleeping rough in Woolloomooloo, linking them with crisis and housing services and giving vital feedback to government and service providers about changing community needs.

As Member for Sydney, I’ve valued Carole Ann’s feedback and alerts about local needs and seen her commitment to social justice in action over many years.

I thank Carole Ann for her amazing community spirit and the incredible care she has shown to many people for many years.