Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP has called for the public to nominate women in rural, remote and regional New South Wales who volunteer their time to make their communities better places to live.
Nominations for the 2020 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll have now opened and women recognised will have their names added to the prestigious annual list.
Ms Aitchison said now, more than ever, the brave and selfless contributions of volunteer women deserved recognition and praise.
“We’ve been through an unprecedent spell of tough times, right across our State, and they aren’t over yet,” Ms Aitchison said.
“From the ongoing drought, catastrophic bush fires, floods, and a global pandemic, 2020 has been a roller coaster of a year. In every situation, giving generously and courageously, we’ve seen women working hard for their communities, caring, leading and volunteering to help others.
“As volunteers in the Rural Fire Service, community group leaders, or members of service organisations such as Blaze Aid, WIRES and the Country Women’s Association, women in our rural, remote and regional communities have been on the front line going above and beyond throughout these difficult times.”
“Others women work quietly in the background, helping their neighbours, volunteering in their local schools and hospitals, delivering Meals on Wheels. The daily work of all of these women, sometimes over decades, is an inspiration to all of us.”
Ms Aitchison said that, despite the tough times, women were continuing to work tirelessly and, in many cases, leading the charge to recovery.
“I have had the great fortune of meeting so many hard-working women throughout NSW and I am constantly overwhelmed by their incredible generosity and capacity for giving, often in the face of great adversity,” Ms Aitchison.
“The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is one way to let these women in our communities know that we appreciate and value the sacrifice they make for their communities.”
To nominate a rural or regional woman for inclusion on the 2020 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, visit:
Nominations close on 24 July 2020. Women from all over the state, outside Metropolitan Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong,are eligible for nomination .
