My June 2024 road trip began with a memorable visit to Wagga to help launch the 2023 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. As a 2010 inaugural inductee who has been paying it forward by nominating others since 2011, it was a lifetime highlight to be part of this significant event.
Video Highlights from Rural Women’s Network Facebook page
The 2023 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll has officially been launched! And Team Jamberoo were special guests.
Since 2010, this initiative has recognised and celebrated the achievements and contributions of over 1,100 women throughout NSW. Hidden Treasures acknowledges the important volunteer roles women play within regional, rural, and remote NSW communities, providing a public tribute to the vast number of women who give their time and energy to help others within their communities.
I was particularly delighted to see my nominees Vivienne Marris, Barbara Adams, and Diane McParland from Jamberoo be invited to be special guests at the event.
As an inaugural inductee I joined 2023 Hidden Treasure Vivienne Marris, the Honourable Jodie Harrison MP Minister for Women and CEO of Centre for Volunteering Gemma Rygate on the panel, which was hosted by Jean Kittson.
The event took place in Wagga at the magnificent Riverine Club, which put on an impressive spread of food and the Rural Women’s Network who managed the event did an amazing job organising 100 volunteer attendees to be pampered.
The Honourable Jodie Harrison highlighted the immense contributions of volunteers: nearly 900 million hours of service each year, which equates to about 17 and a half hours per month per volunteer. The replacement cost of this volunteering effort is estimated to be $39.7 billion—equivalent to hiring the entire NSW Public Service twice!
The afternoon was full of fun and laughter as the volunteers relaxed and enjoyed the experiences provided, including a photobooth, art workshops, massages, and flower arranging from local service providers Unique State Art Space, Little Triffids Flowers, Studioevo, Riverina Photobooths, and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP).
The photo booth was a big hit and I had a lot of fun as did Team SES
To view the 2023 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll or to nominate someone for the 2024 Honour Roll, visit NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Special shoutout to Noreen and Elyse from the Rural Women’s Network they are superstars. It was a delight to work with this creative and responsive team at the Rural Women’s Network. Their authenticity and commitment to celebrating the achievements of women in rural communities was truly inspiring. The network’s dedication to fostering connections and supporting women’s contributions in regional areas made the event even more special.
#HiddenTreasures #VolunteerRecognition #WomenVolunteers #NSWCommunities #CommunityContributions #WaggaWagga #RiverineClub #VolunteerEvents #NSWVolunteers
Event Highlights and Stakeholders
Here are some of the organisations that were represented at the event:
- Jamberoo Red Cross
- Jamberoo CWA
- Jamberoo Valley Rate Payers and Residents Association
- Albion Park Show Society
- NSW Rural Fire Service
- NSW State Emergency Service
- Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW
- Bloss Riverina Pregnancy and Baby Loss Support
- Wildlife Information, Rescue and Information Service
- Wagga Wagga Little Athletics
- Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels
- Illaboo Show Society
- Can Assist Wagga Wagga
- Lions Club
- Rotary Club
- Centre for Volunteering
- Flourish Wagga Wagga
- AgriFutures
- The Bike Canteen
- The RAAF Army Navy Community House
- Carevan
- Australian Wildlife Society
- Roundhouse Rail Museum
- Australian Breastfeeding Association Wagga and Riverina Group