TRISH DOYLE MP

Member for Blue Mountains

COMMUNITY AWARDS

The community is the backbone of the Blue Mountains.

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle, recognised members of the community in speeches to parliament and then thanked them at a morning tea held in Springwood on June 18.

Ms Doyle acknowledged police officer Garry Sims, who runs the Walk 'n' Talk for Life community group in Blackheath. The group meets regularly to walk and talk about what is happening in their lives.

“Garry is helping people to make connections in the Blue Mountains so that they feel less isolated and lonely and to improve their mental health. His aim is to prevent suicide,” Ms Doyle said.

She also paid tribute to mother and daughter Elly and Becky Chatfield – whose stories have moved and inspired the MP.

“Elly, nothing can erase nor excuse the heartbreak of your loss as a child of the stolen generation. Mother, grandmother, artist - you are a beautiful human being. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to glimpse your journey through your art,” Ms Doyle said.

“Becky, field officer with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, dancer, firefighter, single mother extraordinaire – the world would do well to have more people like you in it.”

Ms Doyle also acknowledged carers like Fran Elston from Winmalee, who is a carer for her son Josh, who lives with Down syndrome.

“Fran is nothing less than exceptional and is also a carer of the highest order. She is a capable and strong woman who has lived an extraordinary life. Thank you Fran for all you do and for being who you are.”

The extraordinary efforts of Blue Mountains paramedics were also recognised by Ms Doyle.

“The strains and pressures placed on all of us have been exceedingly high throughout the crises of fires, flood and COVID-19, and particularly for the hardworking paramedics of NSW,” she said.

“My deepest respect and thanks to those paramedics from Katoomba and Springwood Ambulance stations. You are heroes – covering such a large geographical area and housed in archaic locations. You deserve better.”