(Community Recognition Statement, 14 March 2024, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I'd like to commend Colleen Hepburn for many years of service and contribution to the community. Colleen is well known in her local precinct for her frankness and steadfast commitment to the fair treatment and protection of public housing tenants. Colleen has been a long serving volunteer tenant representative on the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Advisory Board, using her voice to bring issues to the attention of government departments, local police and community service agencies on behalf of people who may not be able to advocate for themselves. Colleen was also a member of the Surry Hills Public Tenants Association and held the role of Chairperson. In these roles Colleen has made sure the needs of vulnerable or older tenants are heard and considered in relation to safety, access to public amenities and important community engagement programs. I have appreciated Colleen's forthright and practical approach to understanding what matters to people and working on achieving positive outcomes. As Member for Sydney, I congratulate and thank Colleen for her ongoing efforts to represent her community and advocate for improved living conditions for social housing tenants and for the Surry Hills community.