Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to honour another Canberra legend, Liz Dawson. Liz is a tireless and tenacious advocate for the homeless and disadvantaged in the ACT. She is one of the brains and drivers behind the Common Ground project here in Canberra which aims to provide permanent housing and structured co-located services for the homeless and people with drug and alcohol dependency and mental health issues. Until recently Liz also volunteered with the Salvation Army and was relentless in pursuing funding for a dental program for the homeless. Liz is one formidable woman and a great source of inspiration for many women here in Canberra. The side-effects of a recent operation seriously impaired her vision but that has not stopped her in her tracks. Instead, Liz is now advocating for the visually impaired in addition to the homeless and disadvantaged.

Liz Dawson's resilience, energy and selfless commitment to improving the lives of others are something to behold. She leaves people decades younger in the shade. In this National Volunteers Week and on behalf of the people of Canberra, particularly the disempowered, I want to thank Liz Dawson for her significant contribution to our community. I would also like to thank the thousands of Canberrans who serve their community through volunteering every day.

See this speech in context