There are people in every community who are considered hidden treasures. They are the people who volunteer or make a difference to keep the community spirit alive.

Recently Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP announced nine women from the Central West as hidden treasures in a ceremony which recognised their efforts and work.

The award is an initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Women’s Network and the recipients in the Orange electorate were: Lyn Freklington (Peak Hill), Dianne Gill, (Canowindra), Katie Hazleton (Cudal), Michelle Hinchcliffe (Orange), Margaret Jolly (Parkes), Louise Krieger (Orange), Joanne Lewis (Lidster), Joan Stevenson (Manildra) and Carmel Yelland (Manildra).

“The Hidden Treasures award recognises the women volunteers who ‘give a little but change a lot. These women ensure the viability of so many important community groups and charities; without their contribution many of the local initiatives we take for granted would just not be possible.

“The number of local women volunteers is astounding; I would like these women to know they are publicly appreciated by their community. It’s an honour to be able to celebrate women volunteers who give so much of their own time, effort and dedication to their community.

“Thank you all for your invaluable contribution by taking on volunteering roles,” said Mr Donato.

A recipient of Orange Louise Krieger is a fulltime mental health nurse and the WIRES chairperson for the Central West.

“I am receiving this award today on behalf of everybody who does this work for animals. There are so many people putting in so many hours and it is hardly ever recognised so I feel very humbled by it.

“You can see other recipients here who have dedicated their life to their community, and I am sure people say thanks on a personal level, but it is really nice when the community officially recognise that,” said Louise.

Michelle Hinchcliffe also from Orange is passionate about exposing regional youth to different opportunities and challenging them to be the best version of themselves. Michelle is an active member of VIEW Club and Scouts.

“I am very honoured.  It is nice to be recognised for the good work that I do but I feel that I am accepting this on behalf of all of the ladies at Youth Club and the Scout leaders in our region. I think this award is important because it is definitely the hidden treasures who don’t do it for recognition or fame, we do it because we see a need and we feel that we can be of benefit to our communities so it is nice to be recognised for that and hopefully encourage other women and people to do the same thing and be role models for the younger ones in our community,” said Michelle.

All of the recipients of the Hidden Treasures Award are very deserving and they are all now officially on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2018 to celebrate women volunteers who give so much to their rural communities.