Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)— Ann-Maria Martin is a beacon of light and support for people across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Lower Hunter who are looking for support as they flee from domestic and family violence, face homelessness or struggle with unemployment.

Ann-Maria has been mentioned in this place before, and her work as the founder and leader of Survivor's R Us, a fantastic locally-based non‑profit, is well-known in the Charlestown electorate and beyond.

I would like to acknowledge Ann-Maria's recent recognition as part of the 2023 Westfield Local Hero program. She was a finalist in the program, sharing in the 126 grants awarded across Australia and New Zealand. Ann-Maria was awarded a $5,000 grant to assist Survivor's R Us in its important mission, delivering free psychosocial counselling and free meals to those most in need, as well as operating The Pantry discount store and an op-shop. Congratulations, Ann-Maria, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you once again for all the important work you and your team do for so many.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!