The NSW Government is celebrating the volunteering efforts of 74 women from across regional, rural and remote New South Wales by including them on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, including Lismore's Jenny London.

The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll has been launched as part of National Volunteer Week, 19-25 May. This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is “Connecting Communities”, and it is about how volunteering creates lasting relationships and strengthens communities.

Our Hidden Treasures embody the spirit of volunteering with their invaluable contributions. Whether it is in health and medical research fundraising, volunteer firefighting or coaching students as a volunteer, they have, through their efforts, created vibrant, connected and inclusive communities. 

Jenny London is the Lismore Electorate 2024 Local Women of the Year Award and is now on the Honour Roll as a Hidden Treasure in NSW.

Jenny was one of the key stakeholders to establish Lismore’s Red Inc, an organisation servicing and advocating for people with disabilities. Jenny has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of people living with disabilities, after recognising a need locally for support services when her own daughter was born with a disability in 1976.

She is passionate and tireless in working towards equal rights and recognition for people living with disabilities. Not only this, but she also donates her time to the community on many levels to friends and strangers alike.

Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network. Honourees receive a certificate and letter of acknowledgement for their service, a Hidden Treasures digital Credly badge for professional use and listing on the online Honour Roll for their achievement. There is also a booklet that includes the volunteers’ stories, outlining why they volunteer and who they volunteer with. 

In the 15 years since its launch, more than 1,300 women have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Individuals and groups, charity organisations, and Local Members of Parliament nominate women throughout the year.

Nominations open for 2025

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Whether you are a family member, friend, colleague, community leader or nominating yourself, now is the perfect time to nominate unsung heroes who go above and beyond.

Apply to nominate a volunteering woman for the 2025 Honour Roll here https://hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com/.

To find out more about the program and read the digital 2024 Hidden Treasures booklet, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll.

Minister for Women and Minister with responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison, said, “Thank you to the inspirational women who selflessly volunteer their time in our regional, rural and remote communities. You truly are the glue that connects us.

“Your efforts do not go unnoticed. The Hidden Treasures program is our way of shining the light on your immense contributions and elevate the otherwise unseen work you are doing to drive social connection, strengthen and build resilience in regional communities.

“The NSW Government is committed to strengthening the volunteering sector through initiatives that help grow participation, supports for volunteers and recognition of your valuable contributions.”

CEO of the Centre for Volunteering, Gemma Rygate said, “Women who volunteer in regional communities play a particularly important role in strengthening local networks, and supporting essential services, which often lack the resources of the same services in the city. 

“Our research shows that women contribute approximately $87 billion to the state’s economy through volunteering, and they are generally driven by a desire to help others.” 

“National Volunteer Week is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the vital efforts of the more than 4.3 million volunteers across NSW. The week is a perfect time to give volunteers the thanks and recognition they deserve.”