THE invaluable contributions of 80 outstanding regional women volunteers is being celebrated with the unveiling of the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, which includes Moree SES and Red Cross volunteer Kam Wheeler.

Recipients were announced at an event in Albury recently, acknowledging the vital volunteer roles women and girls play in regional, rural and remote communities.

For Ms Wheeler, being added to the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll comes on the back of being named NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year late last year.

She has been a rescuer, trainer and leader with NSW SES for nearly 40 years and volunteers as a cluster support officer in the Moree Plains Shire, assisting multiple SES units with operations.

She also volunteers with Red Cross Emergency Services.

“I’m very honoured to be added to this honour roll,” Ms Wheeler said.

“One of the best aspects of volunteering is the camaraderie – people just don’t become friends, they become family. It’s amazing.”

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.

Kam Wheeler with her NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year award. She has also been added to the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, a NSW Government initiative co-ordinated by the Rural Women’s Network, aligns with the priority to uplift women across the state, in particular providing regional women with opportunities to connect and be recognised for their contributions.

Since its launch in 2010, more than 1300 regional, rural and remote New South Wales women have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

NSW Government and the Rural Women’s Network encourages communities across regional, rural and remote NSW to nominate outstanding woman volunteers and ensure their contributions are recognised.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a wonderful way to recognise and thank the women whose volunteering strengthens regional, rural and remote communities across the state.

“Their generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others is invaluable and integral to community life,” she said.

“Thank-you for making an extraordinary difference to so many people’s lives.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated the women recognised in the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

“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,” she said.

“Volunteer work is truly the heartbeat of local communities across New South Wales, especially in regional, rural and remote towns.”