Regional, Rural and Remote Women Recognised for Volunteer Work

Women from regional, rural and remote areas of Australia are being publicly recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for the important volunteer work they do in their local communities.

Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative created to recognise and elevate the invaluable volunteer efforts of women across regional, rural and remote NSW communities.

Ninety-one women were recognised at the Thank you NSW Volunteers event in Wagga hosted by the NSW Rural Women’s Network yesterday.

The event was held as part of National Volunteer Week, May 20 to 26, to celebrate the important role that volunteers play in building vibrant communities across NSW.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the dedication to volunteering by women in regional and rural NSW was remarkable.

“Whether it’s on the frontline with the RFS, on the fields of hte local sports team, saving lives with their local surf lifesaving club or providing friendship and support to those in need week in week out,” Ms Moriarty said.

“These remarkable women see something that needs to be done and they get out and do it.

“The work of women volunteering and leading volunteers in regional NSW is a key reason why our regional communities thrive and flourish.”

Coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network, the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll calls for nominations throughout the year from individuals and groups, charity organisations, and local members of parliament.

NSW Regional Woman of the Year Theresa Mitchell said women brought compassion to everything they did.

“We see the gaps and we have the courage to stand up and make a difference,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Regardless of where a woman volunteering lives, you can be guaranteed that she is adding value by sharing her skills, time and energy.

“I have the greatest respect for the women out there making a difference in their communities, and there are many of them.”

More than 1,200 women have been commended on the Honor Roll since 2010.

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said women in regional, rural and remote towns wore many hats and played many important roles in their communities,” Ms Harrison said.

“So the contribution women make through their volunteer efforts in their tight-knit communities is truly invaluable.

“The Hidden Treasures program is as it is a wonderful way to celebrate and commend women for their selfless dedication and passion in bringing their local community together, for uplifting society and for moving industry.

“By recognising these inspirational women, we want to continue to encourage more local regional, rural and remote women to take their future in their own hands to support and advance their community.”

Nominations for the 2024 Honour Roll are now open.

To nominate a woman as a Hidden Treasure and read the 2023 Hidden Treasures digital book, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll

• Topics:

• Women
• Volunteering