Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) — After a long and stellar career in the disability sector caring for local families, Annamaria Wood has retired to spend more time with her own family.

Annamaria's retirement comes after 26 years at the helm of Disability Macarthur in Minto, and a further 46 years in the industry.

A passionate advocate for people with disability, Annamaria credits her migrant parents for instilling in her the value of hard work.

It is through her hard work and under Annamaria's leadership that Disability Macarthur established itself as a wonderful community asset.

When Annamaria arrived at Disability Macarthur, there were fewer than 10 staff and the annual funding budget was between $700,000 and $800,000.

Annamaria's ability to connect with local families and the wider Macarthur community helped the organisation grow exponentially until it had an annual budget of around $4 million (prior to the introduction of the NDIS).

Over the years, Annamaria has made a difference to the lives of local families and her enduring legacy will be one of upmost care and dedication to the local disability sector.

I wish Annamaria all the best in her future endeavours.