Speeches

Some of the most important community work happens not in boardrooms or council chambers, but around a table covered in fabric scraps, sequins and half-finished projects — and that is exactly where Ryder Spankie has been showing up, month after month.

The Ferncourt Family Fair is a genuine Inner West institution — and this year's event on Saturday 9 May 2026 proved exactly why.

PRIVATE MEMBERS STATEMENT

BY JO HAYLEN 

12 May 2026

Safety for everyone on and around our roads is one of the issues raised with me consistently by members of our community.

Community sport is so much more than just the competition — it is a community, and thriving communities need people who show up, year after year, doing the work that nobody sees.

Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026

SECOND READING DEBATE 

I am pleased to speak on the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026. I do so as a proud inner west local speaking about a place that means more to the inner west community than almost any other piece of public land in New South Wales—that is, Callan Park. Callan Park is more than a big green open space; it is actually a shared backyard for the inner west.

Congratulations to an absolute legend of Australian journalism and a proud resident of Dulwich Hill, Peter Manning, on receiving the 2025 Walkley Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Don Readett a dedicated educator whose life was defined by service, compassion and an unwavering commitment to learning.

The Little BIG House community extends its deepest gratitude to the outgoing Volunteer Leadership Committee, whose dedication over the past 18 months has been nothing short of extraordinary.

I'd like to congratulate the organisers of the Muddy River Festival, held on Saturday 28 March at Marrickville Golf Club.

The Marrickville community mourns the passing of Murray Sinclair, a long-term resident, valued member of the Marrickville Heritage Society and a man of remarkable creative talent.