Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains)—I extend my warm congratulations to Springwood writer and poet, Cynthia Hallam for being awarded a Writing Fellow Degree by the Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW. The Fellowship of Australian Writers Blue Mountains branch celebrates 50 years in 2023 and Cynthia is the first member to receive this prestigious award. Cynthia has an impressive body of work, including eight volumes of poetry published by Ginninderra Press. Her ninth volume has been accepted for publication in 2022. Her poems, short stories and articles have appeared in magazines and anthologies and her poems have been read on ABC radio as well as performed on stage. Cynthia's poetry has been described as 'gentle acute and frequently wry observations on the foibles of contemporary life'. She has been an active and integral member of the Blue Mountains Fellowship of Australian Writers since August 2012. Cynthia is always willing to share her expertise and in 2019 conducted a mini poetry workshop for the group which members found inspiring. When Cynthia has a new publication she generously gives every member a copy. Congratulations Cynthia on this hard-earned award and thank you for sharing your gift of observation, poetry and storytelling with others.