Ann-Maria Martin

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—Domestic violence is a scourge on our society and unfortunately in Lake Macquarie the rate of domestic violence is higher than the State average. I'd like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of one woman who not only lived through domestic violence and found the strength to leave her abuser, but also used her experience to help others. Ann-Maria Martin from Cardiff is the founder of Survivor's R Us Incorporated. A Cardiff-based charity which has helped more than 12,000 people since opening its doors in 2017. Survivor's R Us offers a range of services for those escaping domestic violence such as counselling services, training services, clothing, as well as access to discounted groceries and furniture. In a truly innovative move, Ann-Maria is also in the process of turning part of the charity's headquarters into a training space where people can gain trade and employment certificates to help them gain employment. The charity has also partnered with Orange Sky to provide homeless people with laundry and shower facilities, and provides those in need with a free breakfast twice a week. I applaud Ann-Maria's efforts and those of the volunteers at Survivor's R Us.