NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson unveiled the 2014 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll at the 2014 NSW Rural Women’s Gathering in Coolamon in southern NSW.

She said 153 women have had their names added to the roll, which acknowledges their volunteer roles and valuable contribution to NSW rural communities.

“These inspiring women have been formally recognised in a unique annual honour roll known as Hidden Treasures,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“This 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. 

“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.”

DOROTHY Turner has lived in Oberon for more than 40 years and in that time has made an incredible contribution to many different aspects of the community. 

She moved to the area from the Blue Mountains with husband, Geoff, and three children in the 1970s. Through the family’s involvement with horses, Dorothy became secretary of the local Pony Club and the Oberon Show  Society.

Her exceptional contribution was later recognised with life membership of both organisations.

Dorothy was also a board member of the local Showground Trust. 

While the children were growing up, she was an active member of the school  community as a member of the P&C and canteen committee.

She also worked on the Meals on Wheels program and was involved with the  annual Anglican Flower Show.

Dorothy has continued her commitment to the local community and is an avid bowler who enjoys the companionship of the local and regional bowling communities.

She has held executive positions at the district and club level for nearly 20 years and is a qualified umpire. 

Dorothy believes in staying busy and active and is also a volunteer for the local community craft shop and has recently become involved in University of the Third Age.

ROSEMARY Harris was born in Australia and grew up as a war orphan following the death of her father in Singapore during World War II.

Her mother and four siblings were exposed to the great support and  assistance of Legacy, which influenced Rosemary to become a Legatee after the death of her husband.

As a Legatee, Rosemary visits five war widows and takes them on visits, out to lunch and for medical appointments if necessary.She also attends family welfare meetings in Sydney four times a year and monthly business meetings at Bathurst to identify and manage maintenance issues for widows and veterans and initiate fundraising activities.

Prior to her retirement, Rosemary was a special education teacher in early childhood development, teaching hearing impaired children at the Shepherd Centre in Sydney.

She subsequently opened and managed the Bathurst branch of the Shepherd Centre for the Hearing Impaired until her retirement.

Rosemary is a long-standing member of the Hospital Auxiliary, holding the position of president for 12 years. 

She bakes and knits for the monthly stall where her damper is in great demand!

In addition to these commitments, Rosemary has been a member of the Oberon Health Council since 2006, holding the positions of secretary and then chair for two years respectively.

Her background in Legacy and early childhood development has been a useful adjunct to the Heath Council.