Andrew Gee (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Homelessness is a growing issue across our region, and for many it's all too easy to look the other way. On any given night there are hundreds of people sleeping rough and homeless across central-western New South Wales. We need to care for our fellow human beings, particularly in a world full of conflict and strife.

An incredible group of Bathurst locals came together just before Christmas and launched a new initiative: gratitude packs for men experiencing homelessness. This inspirational project was spearheaded by Nichole Day from Joblink Plus, who distributes Share the Dignity bags to local women. Nichole saw a great need for similar support for men and acted fast.

In just one week, Nichole rallied support from Simon Ross from the Black Crow Cafe, Greg Sly from Loan Market Access and Dave Shawcross from the charity Men's Walk and Talk. Local businesses donated backpacks, clothing, caps, toiletries, first-aid kits, vouchers and other essentials. They made up 50 gratitude packs and distributed them in time for Christmas. I give a huge thankyou to everyone who worked with such enthusiasm and generosity to put the packs together, including Sam Forbutt from Forbutt's Pharmacy and Natalie Nixon from fifty8george.

I also acknowledge the team from Men's Walk and Talk, a great community group who enthusiastically helped to drive the project, including Paul Forbes, Daryl Grant, Paul Griffin, Chris Hagney, Kevin Hines, Chris McKay, David Shawcross, Greg Sly and Brett Taylor. As word spread, more organisations and companies are joining in, and they hope to roll this initiative out across the Central West, with the aim of distributing 300 gratitude packs next time. We need to be looking after each other, and that's why groups like Bathurst Men's Walk and Talk and the great work they do are so vital. Their motto is 'No man walks alone', and this is what humanity and kindness look like.

I'd also like to honour some more legends from Bathurst who do such great work caring for those who are experiencing disadvantage. Sarah Duffey from Dynasty's Rockabilly cafe is making our region a better place by regularly cooking up a storm for local charity StreetHeart. I give a huge shout-out as well to Kayla Beedon and the team at StreetHeart—they're also in Kandos—who do so much to help those experiencing disadvantage and homelessness, including Nancy Child, Lisa Churches, Chris, Bill Barling, Joseph Zhang, Louise Haworth-britt, Scott Nash, Jessica Holt, Samantha Edwards, Dean Whiting, Tracey Denton Seymour and Emily Baker.

I would also like to thank and acknowledge all of the community groups and volunteers who work so hard to feed and clothe those in need. I can't name them all here, as time does not permit, but I would like to convey the deep appreciation of our region to them. They all work hard to make the Central West and our country a better place.