Five Glen Innes women have been included in the 2014 Hidden Treasures honour roll, officially launched by minister for primary industries Katrina Hodgkinson MP last week during the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering at Coolamon.
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Among the 153 women recognised this year are Glen Innes women Kay Arthur, Linda Bruce, Lyn Cregan, Shirley Donald and Karen McAllister.
“These inspiring women from across NSW have been formally recognised in a unique annual honour roll known as Hidden Treasures,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“This honour roll provides a long lasting legacy to tireless women volunteers, who are the backbone of many rural and regional communities. With more than 500 women now enshrined on the honour roll, this is our way of saying thank you and honouring what you do.”
Ms Hodgkinson also announced a $30,000 sponsorship package for the next NSW Rural Women’s Gathering, to be hosted in Glen Innes from October 9-11 next year.
Honour roll inductee Kay Arthur has played a key role with her 23-year involvement with the Glen Innes Lioness Club, following in the charitable footsteps of her mother and grandmother. A cancer survivor, Kay has been involved with many organisations to raise both funds and awareness including Relay for Life, the Royal Blind Society and many others.
Linda Bruce is a local business owner, mother and volunteer for many community groups and associations. Her enthusiasm is much needed and welcomed in town as she takes on supportive roles throughout the community she calls home.
Lyn Cregan has a long history of involvement with sports and rural organisations, particularly the northern district exhibit at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Her dedication to local and rural activities has kept many groups active.
Shirley Donald has shared her love of music and singing with several generations. It is her form of music therapy that is credited with enhancing the lives of people of all ages in the local community.
Karen McAllister has been successfully involved in local basketball in various roles for many years, encouraging new generations to enjoy the sport. Through this sport she has managed to instil a level of pride, loyalty and honour in those she nurtures.
“Women are doing a great job across regional centres and small villages, playing an important voluntary role by providing support to community organisations, local businesses and of course families,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“These women’s gatherings provide opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds to come together to build resilience, learn, share experiences and support each other while gaining access to decision-makers, information and service providers.
“The theme of the Glen Innes gathering will be ‘Gather in the Glen’, capturing the essence of the New England shire, which embraces the history of the region and when faced with adversity and the cohesion of a community to work together.”
Nominations for the 2015 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll open in May 2015.