Final call to celebrate Hidden Treasures

Communities across regional NSW have until Monday August 20 to nominate female volunteers for the 2012 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Community Engagement Unit manager, Sonia Muir, said the initiative formally recognises the contribution women volunteers have made to rural NSW.

"All nominees will be included in this year’s honour roll, which allows the whole community to celebrate the important roles women volunteers play in regional cities, towns and villages," Ms Muir said.

"There are many inspiring and dedicated women out there who support the community in a diverse range of volunteer activities and we believe it’s important to acknowledge their contribution.

"Every day women are volunteering their time and skills to sustain the health and education of the community through the State Emergency Service, Girl Guides, advocating for Aboriginal people, helping those with disabilities – the list goes on.

"Women are often the backbone of families and country towns and by recording their stories, the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll will capture the many ways in which they have enhanced our quality of life."

Ms Muir said the roll was open to all female volunteers living outside the metropolitan centres of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

"Nominations can be completed online or sent to us on a form – it’s a simple 10-minute process," she said.

"Last year we uncovered 140 quiet achievers and unsung heroes - we are hoping to get at least the same number of hidden treasures on the 2012 honour roll."

There are almost 1.7 million volunteers who donate more than 241 million hours of voluntary service to the NSW community and it is estimated that they contribute more than $2.4 billion to the economy.

The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a joint project of the DPI’s Rural Women’s Network, NSW Centre for Volunteering and Women NSW.

To nominate a hidden treasure in your community call (02) 6391 3620 or visit the DPI website, www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/rwn

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