With Land and Environment Court hearings commencing on the refused development application to convert a Paddington boarding house into four large villas, I spoke in Parliament about the support and love that neighbours gave the evicted boarding house residents.

Paddington has higher than average household incomes as well as strong populations of low income earners who rent and live in boarding houses. There is strong social cohesion because everyone recognises that the diversity makes their neighbourhood an interesting and exciting place to live. When the new owner of a Selwyn Street boarding house lodged the redevelopment DA and evicted the 30 vulnerable residents, neighbours campaigned, lodging submissions, putting banners on homes, creating a change.org petition with over 20,000 signatures and helping residents find a new home. They attended meetings with residents and me, including with ministers. My speech paid special tribute to local Michael Mannix who spearheaded the campaign and continues to provide support and friendship to those who have moved.

Although the uncertainty and the eviction have been difficult for boarding house residents, I understand many have felt heartened by the support they have received from their neighbours. It has made them feel loved and part of a community beyond the walls of the boarding house.

My speech > HERE