(Community Recognition Statement, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I would like to put on record the contribution of former constituent Myra Demetriou, who died last month at the age of 94.

Myra is remembered as the public face of the Save Our Sirius campaign and the last public housing tenant forced out of the purpose‑built Sirius building in The Rocks. Myra showed the wider community why low cost housing is vital and personified the strength and support within social housing communities. Myra was straightforward and direct, with a strong sense of justice that led to her speaking out and opposing policies and programs that hurt vulnerable people. She vehemently opposed governments that focussed on money not people, and sought truth rather than spin.

Myra spent her life focussed on contributing to her community and being a 'good neighbour'. She was warm-hearted and thoughtful: one who regularly made cakes for the local community and scones for the Save Our Sirius rally when in her 90s, blind and with wonky knees. Many will remember Myra with fondness and hope that her life is a model for us to continue to work for justice and equality.