Stalwart honoured

THE volunteer work of NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Community Relations Committee member Judy Singer has been recognised by Leichhardt Council as part of its 2016 International Women’s Day Honour Roll.

Every two years, women from the local area are nominated for the honour based on their contribution to social justice and equality in the local community or beyond.

Singer was selected for her work in advocating for the rights of tenants in social housing, as well as for disability inclusion and support.

As a social housing tenant herself, Singer has been a voice for other social housing tenants in various forums, including on Housing NSW’s Divisional Tenant Forum for six years, as a delegate for Sydney to the Social Housing Tenants Advisory Committee, and as an elected director of Shelter NSW. Singer, who has a family history of Asperger syndrome, has also contributed to disability advocacy for many years, including serving as secretary of the Inner West Autism and Asperger Support Group, and co-founding a social club for teenagers with Asperger syndrome called Asteen.

“It is lovely to get recognition for volunteer work and I think a lot of people in our community do an awful lot that doesn’t always get noticed,” Singer told The AJN.

“There are a lot of quiet achievers in the Jewish community and it’s nice to be visible.”

Singer added: “Our society is becoming harder and colder towards marginalised groups, and it’s very important to realise that working towards the welfare of marginalised groups benefits the whole of society.”

Leichhardt Council also acknowledged Lesley Seebold Freedman and her daughter Sylvia Freeman. The pair established EndoActive Australia & NZ, a Facebook page connected to their website which spreads awareness about endometriosis, a disease affecting around five to 10 per cent of women. The pair were honoured for their contribution to social justice and women’s health.

ELENORE LEVI