For most of us, Thursday evening is a night of socialising with friends over a drink, as we start thinking about the freedom we’re about to have at the weekend.

However, for some estimated 50 million people across the world, including tens of thousands of people living in Australia, freedom is something far from their minds. Because for they don’t have any freedom, as a result of living a life of modern slavery!

While we all thought slavery was a thing of the past, the reality is that it isn’t.

Freedom for Humanity is committed to changing this, and to fight this scourge on society, we are holding our Thursday for Freedom Cocktail event to raise funds for our new scholarship program to help Australians who find themselves in modern slavery escape.

It promises to be a great networking opportunity over drinks and canapes, and to help us help those in modern slavery escape through education and training.

Don’t miss out on this important opportunity to be part of the discussion. It’s in our hands to free the world of modern slavery. Will you join us? Let’s end human trafficking!

Speakers:

Patricia Garcia AO
Human Rights Advocate
Patricia Garcia AO is a respected humanitarian and 2016 Australian of the Year State Finalist. For over 20 years Patricia has lived and worked in war zones. She has managed and coordinated humanitarian relief and recovery programs to assist refugees and IDPs in the world’s longest-running conflicts, including Afghanistan, Sudan and Burma.
In 2011 Patricia received an Australian Federal Government award for services to the humanitarian sector. Patricia is also the recipient of a State Finalist Australian of the Year 2016 award (NSW).

Dr Geoff Lee
Member for Parramatta
Dr Geoff Lee is the local Liberal Member for Parramatta, as well as a member of Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, and continues to champion small business as a key driver of innovation, economic growth, and local jobs. Dr Lee is currently the Minister for Corrections and has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Western Sydney and Multiculturalism and Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans.

Shayne Mallard

Government Whip in the Legislative Council | Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney
Shayne Mallard was elected to the New South Wales Parliament Legislative Council at the general state election in 2015. He is currently Government Whip in the Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and the Aerotropolis.
Prior to entering Parliament, Shayne had an extensive career in local government and policy development in the areas of land use planning, infrastructure, transport and social engagement. He also has a successful small business background in horticulture and hospitality. He has a Bachelor degree from Macquarie University majoring in Australian History and Australian Politics.
Shayne served over 12 years in local government and was first elected to South Sydney Council in 2000 and subsequently to the City of Sydney Council in 2003.
In June 2021 Shayne was elected as Government Whip in the Legislative Council and appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and the Aerotropolis.
In December 2021 Shayne was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney.
Shayne is a strong advocate for Western Sydney. He grew up in Penrith and attended local state schools and currently lives in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains.

About Freedom For Humanity

Freedom For Humanity is working with businesses and governments to end modern slavery. Founded by a group of volunteers in 2017, our purpose is to raise funds to fight Modern Slavery both in Australia and overseas. We aim to contribute directly to organisations at the coal face that achieve results in freeing innocent people from the tyranny of slavery. Our core goal is to bring together the people who can make Modern Slavery a thing of the past: Working with organisations that rescue and support those still in slavery; Raising funds to empower rescued slaves with education and job slavery; Partnering with corporations who can ensure that Modern Slavery is removed from the supply chains; Promoting Australia's success with the Modern Slavery Act; Raising awareness around the globe to inspire global action against Modern Slavery.

Visit the organisation's website at: https://freedomforhumanity.org.au/