(Business of the House, 9 September 2015, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

I acknowledge the life and contribution of Margaruitta Perryman. Despite disadvantage, hardship and poor health, Margaruitta found meaning, purpose and hope in her volunteer work, advocacy and community. Margaruitta volunteered at the Northcott Community Centre, the Kings Cross Community Centre and at the 2008 World Youth Day. She was a tenant advocate on the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Advisory Board, a member of the Surry Hills Public Tenants Association and was an active member in the Country Women's Association.

Margaruitta was proud of her community and worked to engage others. For years her friendly and welcoming demeanour was a fixture at the Northcott Community Centre and David's Place homeless support before ailing health forced her to move to a nursing home. Margaruitta volunteered for the Sydney and Bligh electorate offices for many years and worked on election campaigns for the Lord Mayor of Sydney and former member, Clover Moore. She extended her support to my election campaigns, despite the loss of a limb and deteriorating health. Margaruitta is survived by her grandson, Thomas Perryman, and will live on in the memories and hearts of the many people whose lives she touched.