The NSW Government is celebrating the invaluable contributions of 80 outstanding regional women volunteers with the unveiling of the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Recipients were announced at a volunteer celebration event held in Albury, acknowledging the vital volunteer roles women and girls play in the state’s regional, rural and remote communities.
Each recipient was nominated by their peers, friends, or organisation they volunteer with. They receive a certificate and letter of acknowledgement for their service, inclusion on a digital honour roll and a Hidden Treasures digital Credly badge for professional use on social media or resumes.
Among the recipients, was 83-year-old Barbara “Barbie” Bird (pictured) who has selflessly volunteered her time in the Beresfield, Tarro and Maitland communities for close to 50 years.
Barbie began playing netball when she was 10. She has been involved in Beresfield Netball Club since 1980 and Maitland District Netball Association’s (MDNA) committee since 1983, holding numerous positions such as Recorder, Junior Vice President, Grader, Selector and Manager of Representative Teams.
Barbie has nurtured and supported generations of women in her roles as a coach, manager, committee member and supporter. She is generous with her time, enjoys interacting with members and their families and, as a result, is a vibrant and well-loved identity around local courts.
“Congratulations to the remarkable regional and rural women who have been recognised in the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll,” said Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
“Every nomination tells a story of commitment, compassion and quiet leadership. You all enrich the lives of so many people – young and old. You also help build stronger, more connected and resilient communities and we thank you for it.
“Volunteer work is truly the heartbeat of local communities across New South Wales, especially in regional, rural and remote towns.”
The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the Rural Women’s Network, aligns with our priority to uplift women across the state, in particular providing regional women with opportunities to connect and be recognised for their contributions, said Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.
“The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a wonderful way to recognise and thank the women whose volunteering strengthens regional, rural and remote communities across NSW,” said Minister Moriarty.
“Their generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others is invaluable and integral to community life.
“Thank you for making an extraordinary difference to so many people’s lives.”
Since its launch in 2010, over 1,300 regional, rural and remote NSW women have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Hidden Treasures recipient, Deputy Commissioner – Regional, St John Ambulance NSW, Helen Chant, Order of St John said she felt honoured to be included in this year’s Hidden Treasures roll.
“I see this as an opportunity to showcase the impact of contributions from rural women across the state,” she said.
“By hearing about the multitude of ways this year’s Hidden Treasures support our communities, I hope that many more will be inspired to volunteer.”
Find out who is on the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll and learn more about how volunteers are contributing to their communities here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll.
Nominate a volunteer for the 2026 Honour Roll: https://hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com/ Nominations for the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2026 are open until Thursday 31 December.
