(Community Recognition Statement, 4 June 2020, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney Electorate, I'd like to put on record the innovative HomeShare program operated by the Holdsworth Centre in Woollahra. HomeShare matches older people who are living alone who have a room to spare with a person looking for affordable accommodation and companionship and is designed to benefit both parties. The program helps older people looking for practical ways to remain living at home and independently as well as those struggling to find affordable, appropriate accommodation, such as students, refugees, women and people with disability. In just over a year, Holdsworth HomeShare has had more than 120 enquiries from owners and more than 150 inquiries from sharers. There are matches in in Woollahra, Waverley, City of Sydney and Randwick council areas, and the program is expanding to cover a wider area. I'm pleased that the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services will visit Holdsworth with me to personally learn about the program and its achievements. I commend Holdsworth for developing the innovative HomeShare program, harnessing community resources to address the growing housing affordability crisis and increasing isolation for an ageing population. This is an excellent example of community building.