Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke presented certificates yesterday to some important women whose work often flies under the radar.
Ms Cooke was at the Narrandera Art and Community Centre on Thursday to recognise inductees of the 2018 NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
The initiative highlights women who make significant contributions to society through their volunteer work.
“It was wonderful to spend some time here in Narrandera with some wonderful women who have been presented with certificates recognising their contribution to our local communities,” Ms Cooke said.
“Their contributions, particularly in regional NSW, are absolutely phenomenal and today was our chance to recognise that.
“Volunteers never ask for anything in return for what they do, their only wish is to help other people, and it’s this selflessness which makes our communities such rich places to live in.
“It’s fantastic to meet these amazing women and hear what sort of work they do – in their own time – to make our regional communities even better,” Ms Cooke added.
One of the women inducted to the 2018 Honour Roll is Tracey Lewis from Narrandera.
“I think it’s really nice for women in NSW to be recognised for the work that they do in the community,” Ms Lewis said.
“I am secretary of Bidgee Boxing, where we try to create an inclusive environment where people can feel safe to come and exercise, and I’m also chairperson of the Domestic Violence Committee in Narrandera and I want to bring awareness to the community about domestic violence and its effects on people of all ages.
“I also work with a suicide awareness group called Wellways to help train people to recognise where there may be issues and, maybe, save a life,” Ms Lewis added.
The certificate recipients were Beverley Absolom; Betty Bradney; Julie Briggs; Robyn Claibourne; Jenny Clarke OAM; Kathleen Foster; Joyleen Hutchins; Tracey Lewis; Narelle Payne; Melinda Riddell, all of Narrandera; Alison Rutledge of Woodstock and Cindy Smith of Gundagai.
For more information on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll visit the DPI website http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/rural-support/rural-womens-network
