[Community recognition statement, 22 September 2020, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament]

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I'd like to record the important role and value of the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre. This non-profit community organisation provides after school child and vacation care, information, advice and referral, domestic violence support, free Tax Help, support groups and venue hire. There are activities like computer classes, English classes, Tai Chi, Blokes Business groups, wellness programs and excursions. There are regular newsletters, the monthly Surry Hills market and the annual Surry Hills Festival. There are community education events like Overdose Awareness Day, Hepatitis Awareness Day and Reconciliation Week. The Community Café provides lunches from their kitchen, freshly-baked scones, jam & cream and tea, all served with care and support; a great indicator of the centre's approach to including everyone, building a supportive community and helping those most vulnerable. Like other agencies, Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre has responded to COVID-19 conditions and adapted services to protect the community, with health recipes and nutrition hints online and on YouTube, and community mask making workshops. I commend the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre for this vital support and thank all involved for working to make Surry Hills a strong community.