Unsung Heroes: 74 inspirational women honoured
The Minns Labor Government is celebrating the volunteering efforts of 74 women from across regional, rural and remote New South Wales by including them on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll has been launched as part of National Volunteer Week, 19-25 May. This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is “Connecting Communities” and is about how volunteering creates lasting relationships and strengthens communities.
Our Hidden Treasures embody the spirit of volunteering with their invaluable contributions. Whether it is in health and medical research fundraising, volunteer firefighting or coaching students as a volunteer, they have, through their efforts, created vibrant, connected and inclusive communities.
Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network. Honourees receive a certificate and letter of acknowledgement for their service, a Hidden Treasures digital Credly badge for professional use and listing on the online Honour Roll for their achievement. There is also a booklet that includes the volunteers’ stories, outlining why they volunteer and who they volunteer with.
In the last 15 years since its launch, more than 1,300 women have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Nominations for the Honour Roll take place throughout the year from individuals and groups, charity organisations, and Local Members of Parliament.
Nominations open for 2025
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Whether you are a family member, friend, colleague, community leader or nominating yourself, now is the perfect time to nominate unsung heroes who go above and beyond.
Apply to nominate a volunteering woman for the 2025 Honour Roll here https://hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com/
To find out more about the program and read the digital 2024 Hidden Treasures booklet, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll
Minister for Women and Minister with responsibility for Volunteering Jodie Harrison said:
“Thank you to the inspirational women who selflessly volunteer their time in our regional, rural and remote communities. You truly are the glue that connects us.
“Your efforts do not go unnoticed. The Hidden Treasures program is our way of shining the light on your immense contributions and elevate the otherwise unseen work you are doing to drive social connection, strengthen and build resilience in regional communities.
“The NSW Government is committed to strengthening the volunteering sector through initiatives that help grow participation, supports for volunteers and recognition of your valuable contributions.”
CEO of the Centre for Volunteering, Gemma Rygate said:
“Women who volunteer in regional communities play a particularly important role in strengthening local networks, and supporting essential services, which often lack the resources of the same services in the city.
“Our research shows that women contribute approximately $87 billion to the state’s economy through volunteering and they are generally driven by a desire to help others.”
“National Volunteer Week is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the vital efforts of the more than 4.3 million volunteers across NSW. The week is a perfect time to give volunteers the thanks and recognition they deserve.”
2024 Hidden Treasures recipient Ellen Crepaz said:
“I never imagined my path would lead here. Helping others gave me purpose in my darkest moments, and to now be honoured for that is incredibly humbling.”