(Community Recognition Statement, 8 June 2021, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament) 

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I wish to congratulate the City of Sydney and Sydney alliance for establishing the International Student Hub in Surry Hills.

International students studying in Australia have been caught badly due to COVID restrictions, with many stranded in Australia without work, income or any way to support themselves, and with their families seriously affected by the pandemic in their country of origin. The City of Sydney's COVID-19 relief grants have helped, including the major donation to OzHarvest for food relief. With Lord Mayor Clover Moore, I've asked the NSW Treasurer to provide funds to enable education providers to rebuild, for dedicated quarantine facilities for international students, concessions on public transport and targeted mental health programs. Other non-government organisations have also tried to fill this gap in the absence of federal and state governments. So I welcome the new International Student Hub supported by the City of Sydney and Sydney Alliance, which will share information, get social worker support and advice about legal rights and entitlements like minimum wages. I congratulate everyone involved with this practical and compassionate program.