Mrs SALLY QUINNELL (Camden) (20:30): As part of the yearly Australia Day honours in Camden, one person is chosen and awarded Camden Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year award recognises a local, active member of the community who strives every day to make a difference. I acknowledge this year's Camden Citizen of the Year, Denise Pritchard. Denise is a hardworking member of the community and is a deserving recipient of the award. She has been a proactive member of the Camden-Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee for over 10 years, contributing to projects throughout that time. Denise was heavily involved in setting up Blue Wren House – Camden's Women's Shelter, and soon became chair of the board. Blue Wren House is a community-based, not-for-profit, non-government charitable institution that provides relief and support to women and children in need who are suffering, experiencing or escaping from homelessness due to domestic and family violence. Blue Wren House provides up to three months support, allowing vulnerable women and children to be supported and get back on their feet. Denise put it best when she described Blue Wren House:

A safe place, to rest, restore, recover. A safe place to take a breath and plan for a new life. A safe place with good people to hold the hand of women and children at the most vulnerable time of their lives.

As chair, Denise oversees the running of Blue Wren House to ensure it operates smoothly, while engaging local community volunteer groups to ensure support for vulnerable women and children. She has made sure that Blue Wren House is the best shelter it can be. Blue Wren House is holding its annual high tea on Friday 22 March between 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. at Camden Valley Inn, 290 Remembrance Drive, Cawdor. The event will include guest speakers, a silent auction, a raffle and a performance by acoustic duo the Honey Sippers. I encourage everyone who is able to attend this wonderful event and to support Blue Wren House and all the hard work that it does in public view and behind the scenes. I know Denise is very proud and has worked hard.

Denise is truly an inspirational role model because of the work she continues to do in the community. She has been described by others as patient, organised and as someone who gets on with the job. Denise shows us all that no matter who you are, if you work hard and dedicate yourself, anyone can achieve what they set out to do and make a huge difference in society. There are not too many people like Denise—people that are primarily there for others and will stop at nothing to ensure that the vulnerable are cared for, protected and have a place to go. For over a decade Denise has worked in the community, supporting the most vulnerable and providing invaluable work in our society. I was lucky to be sat next to Denise during our Australia Day luncheon. She is an incredibly humble and self-effacing woman who was quite shocked that she was receiving this recognition in the community. It just proves how much she deserves the recognition. It was lovely to meet her husband and son as well, and discuss with them the effort that she has put in. I once again congratulate Denise Pritchard, a true local legend, on all the fantastic work she does. She is a deserving recipient of the Camden Citizen of the Year award.

Mr JIHAD DIB (Bankstown—Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice) (20:34): I highlight the excellent work of the member for Camden and congratulate her on recognising people in our communities who are heroes. It was lovely to hear the incredibly inspiring story of Ms Pritchard. In particular, it was wonderful when the member talked about the sacrifices Ms Pritchard makes, particularly her line that it is not just what is done publicly to support women fleeing family and domestic violence but also what is done quietly. Just providing that support is incredible. Every single member would say we have so many unsung heroes across our electorates, but a great local member acknowledges those heroes. All strength to the member for Camden and her community.