(Community Recognition Statements, 21 November 2023, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

Congratulations to the Gender Centre for 40 years of service to the state's trans and gender diverse communities. The Gender Centre works with and promotes inclusivity and transgender rights while providing essential frontline health and welfare services. The centre has expertise in the issues that trans and gender diverse people face and works directly with affected people and the services they access. A focus of the centre's work is keeping families together while a child commences the journey of affirming their gender. Dedicated online peer support for parents, counselling, case work, and rural family and youth support services are unique and have a proven track record in improving outcomes for transgender people experiencing trauma and distress and their families. The Gender Centre has moved into new premises in Marrickville where I hope it will continue to do its fantastic work for as long as it is needed. Forty years of service is a significant milestone that staff and board members past and present should be very proud of. I pay special tribute to Eloise Brooks who has worked to ensure members of this house understand the important job the Gender Centre does.