Sally Sitou (Reid, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Recently, I held a forum with the Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins, at WOTSO, a company providing flexible office space. Of their 20 locations Australia-wide, WOTSO said their North Strathfield site was one of their most active, and I think that's testament to the entrepreneurial spirit in my electorate of Reid. Some of the local chambers of commerce came to the forum: Five Dock, Drummoyne and Majors Bay. They all play a pivotal role in supporting the community by supporting local charities and schools and running wonderful events and festivals.

Each of the thousands of businesses in my electorate has a story of hard work and determination. Pron Prohm Thai on Concord Road is just one example. Opened by Dilok Thamrak more than three decades ago, it's one of Sydney's oldest Thai restaurants. Now his son Dereck runs this great local institution. Small businesses are often described as the engine room of the economy, but I think they are more than that. I think they are the lifeblood of our community. I've seen that with Philip and Adrian from Appetite Cafe, who help to make our community more inclusive. They have a pay-it-forward coffee system and provide low-cost catering for community organisations. Andrew Pelizzari runs Motiv8sports, a school holiday program, and has partnered with a local disability organisation to also get them involved.