Do you know a rural woman who makes your community a better place to live?
Nominations are now open for the 2018 NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll which recognises the outstanding efforts of women volunteers.
Rural Women’s Network Project Officer, Emma Reagan, said this year Ms Ann Weldon joins the initiative as Aboriginal Ambassador, to encourage nomination and recognition of indigenous women throughout the state.
“Ann Weldon is a proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation and was one of the founding members of the NSW Aboriginal Children's Service and Inner West Aboriginal Community Company to name just two of her achievements,” Ms Reagan said.
“As Aboriginal Ambassador for the Hidden Treasures program, Ann will be helping to highlight the huge contribution indigenous women make to our communities every day.
“There are countless women who dedicate their time to crucial community groups and charities such as emergency services, the arts, environment, social justice, education and sport organisation, and so many others within rural and regional communities.
“We’re encouraging people to nominate friends, family members and colleagues who donate their time to improving our rural communities and neighbourhoods.”
With a growing list of over 850 inductees, the Honour Roll has been a way to publicly thank rural women volunteers since 2010.
“The Honour Roll captures the inspirational stories and recognises the important and diverse roles women volunteers play within NSW rural communities.”
All rural women nominated will be included in the 2018 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, which will be launched at the annual NSW Rural Women’s Gathering being hosted by women from Merimbula on 19-21 October 2018.
There are almost 1.7 million volunteers, who give more than 241 million hours of voluntary work to the NSW community.
“It’s extremely important that we celebrate the valuable work of volunteers, from the provision of everyday services to their assistance in times of emergency, volunteers are the bedrock of our rural communities.”
To nominate a Hidden Treasures volunteer, simply complete a nomination online or download a nomination form and share a few paragraphs about why your nominee is worthy.
For more information contact the Rural Women’s Network on 02 6391 3612 or email rural.women@dpi.nsw.gov.au
