Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security and Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Share the Dignity is an Australian charity that helps women experiencing domestic violence, women experiencing homelessness and women going through tough times. It helps in the form of personal items. Twice a year, Share the Dignity conducts the Dignity Drive, where collection boxes are placed in office locations and spaces right across Australia.

I've been taking part in the Dignity Drive since 2015. I've had a collection box in my Tuggeranong office, and Canberrans have always donated generously. Once again I've been blown away by the kindness, the altruism, of my community, after the August Dignity Drive. The Canberra Institute of Technology Return to Work for Women program gathered three boxes and five bags of items for women in need. There are just 12 women in that program and none of them are working, so that's an extraordinary effort.

The year 3 teachers and staff at St Clare of Assisi Primary School collected a whopping 32 handbags brimming with deodorant, tissues and sanitary items, soap and toothbrushes. Teachers Claire Walsh and Karen Haines have joined us in the chamber today—hello—with two of their year 6 student leaders. There've also been countless people wandering past my office who've dropped in supplies. The donations made by my community will go to women who face the daily battle of choosing to buy sanitary and hygiene products or a meal. Thank you, Canberra.

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