(Community Recognition Statement, 17 February 2022, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate I wish to put on record the extraordinary achievements of Lou's place. The Marmalade Foundation established and has operated Lou's Place since 1999 as Sydney's only daytime women's refuge. 

From a terrace house in Kings Cross, Lou's has provided basic needs for women in crisis, like home cooked meals, shower and laundry facilities, emergency clothing and toiletries. Staff help with crisis intervention, referrals, trauma-informed programs, free legal advice, case management and support clients with court or getting health needs met. They run life skills programs, along with activities like art, sewing, music, yoga, creative writing and jewellery-making, with groups providing social and peer support. The service was strengthened under more than four years' leadership of Nicole Yade and I acknowledge her work during a critical development period. The Marmalade Foundation has now carried out a massive fundraising project and purchased their own property in Redfern, giving stability to the organisation and allowing expanded services to women. I commend the Marmalade Foundation and all those associated with Lou's Place for their impressive work helping vulnerable women get back on their feet.