19 September 2024

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) — It is small acts of charity by people with big hearts that can make all the difference in our community. The Ingleburn Rotary Club's Hidden Homeless Project demonstrates just that. Hidden homelessness is a sad reality for too many Australians, especially women and young people escaping domestic and family abuse, who are forced into temporary accommodation like refuges, motels and couch-surfing. Unfortunately, it is a situation that happens behind-the-scenes. But it is not overlooked by the generous volunteers at the Ingleburn Rotary Club who have set up the Hidden Homeless Project to support those experiencing homelessness in the Campbelltown area. Rotary Club members donate items and put together care packs, providing essential toiletries and clothing. Since the initiative started in December 2023, some 195 care packs have been delivered to more than 100 recipients, including single-parent families. The focus of the project is giving dignity and respect to those who are without a stable home. I commend everyone involved in the Hidden Homeless Project for their hard and generous work in caring for our community.