(1.28pm 23 October 2013, Community Recognition Statement, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

I recognise St Vincent's Hospital Tierney House and its first anniversary celebration, which I attended recently.

This is a unique service meeting the needs of homeless people who have serious and ongoing health conditions. Homeless people cannot get home nursing and it is nearly impossible for them to comply with treatment. Tierney House provides accommodation with medical treatment and social support for people who have no home. A good example is a man with a brain tumour who became homeless as a result. Tierney House provided a place for him to access vital treatment and to help him get back on his feet. Residents and support workers told me about the program's success, and I saw and heard their hope for wellness and a good future. Tierney House was a finalist at the National Homelessness Services Achievement Awards this year. I commend this valuable and much-needed service and thank all those who have been involved with its operations.