(Community Recognition Statement, Thursday 13 May, Legislative Assembly NSW Parliament) 

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I wish to recognise the WISH integrated services hub, which has been providing a range of direct help for people who are homeless or at risk.

With a range of federal and state agencies as well as non-government organisations, WISH makes is easy for people to get identification documents or Medicare cards, sort out pensions and benefit and apply for social housing or find out about an existing application. You can also get medical assessments or referral for dental help, get legal advice and information, and even get a City of Sydney library or swimming pool membership. If specific help is not there, you will be able to find out where to go to get started. WISH began in Woolloomooloo as an outreach to people sleeping rough to make a practical difference in their lives. After a hiatus during pandemic restrictions it is great that WISH is again meeting monthly and is now based at The Wayside Chapel. I congratulate the City of Sydney for taking this coordinating initiative and all those agencies and organisations who collaborate to make it easier for people in need to get help.