(Community Recognition Statement, 13 October 2020, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I would like to commend the City of Sydney for the extraordinary efforts to ensure that no one is left at risk of hunger and ensure everyone has access to face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working with OzHarvest and local community organisations, the City of Sydney has funded more than 120,000 meals and 11,000 bags of groceries across the council area. The City's COVID-19 grants have provided $730,000 in funding to 18 organisations providing food relief. The City of Sydney is also running a community fundraising appeal to support people facing food shortages. The City of Sydney will spend $200,000 on reusable face masks for vulnerable people who may not be able to afford this protective equipment, with 23,000 already distributed to people in social housing, boarding houses and sleeping rough. The quality masks were produced by Australian manufacturer ClothMaskMe. I congratulate the City of Sydney for these ongoing commitments. Along with council's media and social media messages, these efforts will help make sure Sydney residents can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and avert the worst impacts of the pandemic.