(Community Recognition Statement, 26 September 2019, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney Electorate I would like to recognise the inspiring work of Licia Health, awarded Public School Parent of the Year by the Public Education Foundation.

This award acknowledges Licia’s ongoing efforts to support public education across the inner city and inner east, particularly campaigning to for public high schools for all. I’ve worked with Licia and Community for Local Options for Secondary Education CLOSE on the successful campaign to get a new Inner City High School and she continues to campaign for public high school with CLOSEast.

Licia is actively involved with the Women for Election Australia, helping empower and equip women from all backgrounds to take an active part in our democracy. This non party-political organisation is doing great work to achieve greater representation from women in our parliaments. I was fortunate to be part of a panel session on diversity at the recent ‘Women In The House Inspire’ conference and can attest to their commitment to democracy.

I thank Licia for her work to encourage women to get involved and to make our democratic institutions work for parents and for the community.