(Community Recognition Statement, 15 October 2020, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

I commend the innovative work of Thread Together, who provide new, good quality clothing and shoes to people in need. Working from their shopfront on Oxford Street Darlinghurst, Thread Together reduces clothing waste by redirecting unsold clothes to people in our community who are doing it tough. Through partnerships with businesses, community and homelessness services, Thread Together saves clothing destined for landfill and makes it available to those in need. Helping both the environment and people in need. In just eight years, Thread Together has over 40 fashion partners making regular donations and have diverted over 1,200,000 items of clothing to more than 300,000 people. Those helped include people who are homeless, young people at risk, Indigenous people, domestic violence survivors, refugees and people who've been unemployed for long periods. Having good quality clothing cannot address poverty or unfair treatment, but it can make a difference to people's lives by giving some dignity and hope, whether it's a warm jumper in winter or an outfit for a job interview that makes you feel good. I congratulate Thread Together for the commitment to the community and the environment.