Tribute to Anne Farah Hill

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-96314

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Tribute to Anne Farah Hill

Mr CHRIS MINNS (Kogarah) (17:22:26):

It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge a person who has worked tirelessly in the community services sector in both my electorate and in the electorate of Oatley, Ms Anne Farah Hill, whose work in the community services and welfare sector spans 35 years. She managed non‑government organisations throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, particularly in the inner west and St George districts. For the past 17 years Anne has served the community in the St George area through her work as the chief executive officer of the Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre, which plays a vital role in the district, providing a much-needed community hub for the people of St George.

The centre operates from a $3 million building in Morgan Street, Kingsgrove, which was purpose built in 2005 to serve the needs of the many groups and individuals in the St George community. The development of that centre is due in no small part to the efforts of Anne in incessantly lobbying governments of all political persuasions and at all levels through my predecessor and former member for Kogarah, Cherie Burton, former Mayor of Hurstville Vince Badalati and all the councillors and staff of Hurstville City Council on the needs of the modern facility to service properly the many and diverse needs of this wonderful community.

Anne's work and vision have always centred on the needs of the most vulnerable in our community, such as older people, struggling families, people with disabilities and new migrants. The centre's mission statement reflects that vision through its commitment to responding to the needs of people in our local community, with special consideration for the socially, economically and linguistically disadvantaged. The centre's motto is, "We are local, accessible and relevant." Anne's view is that it is important for an organisation to be local if it is to serve the real needs of the local community. Her philosophy is clearly working. Anne's commitment and experience in multicultural affairs and with multicultural communities has been crucial because deep, longstanding relationships with the leaders of those many different communities is essential for organising effective community events in our suburbs.

In October last year the centre celebrated 50 years of service to the St George community. I join in the congratulations from across the community on the achievement of that milestone. The Government and the private sector have recognised Anne's work over many years. Recently, I had the pleasure of nominating Anne for the Kogarah 2017 Local Woman of the Year award. I commend the endeavours of the Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre and its chief executive officer, and wish them continuing success. The Kogarah Community Aid Centre organises amazing services for the people of St George. If people are bored and wish to see some friends, it provides social outings, general social groups and Chinese-speaking social groups—I note that the member for Oatley was learning Mandarin but I am not sure if he has continued to do so.

Mr Mark Coure:èè

Xi xi.

Mr CHRIS MINNS:èè

Xi xi. It also provides Arabic speaking social groups, senior art therapy programs, gentle exercise classes and linedancing—I remember Liberal candidate Nick Aroney and I were called up to linedance at one of their events. Hopefully, that will not happen again. It also has knitting groups and group activities.

Mr Mark Coure:

I will do that with you this year.

Mr CHRIS MINNS:

The member for Oatley skipped out before the dancing began, which was a clever attempt to abrogate his responsibility to dance for the local community. The centre also provides information sessions, long excursions, podiatry services, hearing checks, information and referrals, and courtesy calls to clients. It is a wonderful organisation that does tremendous work for the people of Kogarah and the St George region. I commend its service and commitment to our local community.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (17:27:05):

I too congratulate Anne Farah Hill, who is a close friend, for the past 17 years of service she has provided to the Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre and for her contribution to the community. Last week I participated in the annual dinner of the Maronite Catholic Society, which raised much-needed funding for many community groups. Anne Farah Hill has had a leadership role in the Maronite Catholic Society for many decades. The Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre has provided services to multicultural communities, the frail and aged, and children not only in my electorate but also in the Kogarah, Rockdale and Canterbury electorates for many years. I look forward to supporting that wonderful organisation in the future.