Connecting Communities - Thank You NSW Volunteers!

This National Volunteer Week 2025 (19-25 May), the Rural Women's Network want to thank YOU for the vital role you play in your community. Without volunteers, many charities and organisations would struggle to survive. You've spent countless hours helping others and we want you to feel special. 

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with a drink on arrival, delectable food, entertainment, gift bags, wellbeing and recreational services, a panel discussion on the benefits of volunteering, and the announcement of the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2024, with the NSW Minister for Women and Volunteering, the Hon. Jodie Harrison. 

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to be honoured, appreciated, and celebrated.

Meet your MC, Jean Kittson AM

Jean Kittson AM is a beloved author, public speaker, actor, and comedian known for her sharp wit and engaging presence.

She rose to national fame on The Big Gig and has since starred in iconic shows like Let the Blood Run Free, Good News Week, and Mother and Son. Jean's humour and intelligence make her a regular on ABC Radio's Thank God It's Friday, and she is also a successful columnist and bestselling author of 'You're Still Hot to Me: The Joys of Menopause' and 'We Need to Talk About Mum and Dad: A Practical Guide to Parenting Our Ageing Parents'.

Her work in aged care and women's health is profound - she recently co-created and presented aged care modules for Carer Gateway (Federal Government) and regularly delivers keynotes and panels for aged care, carer, volunteer, and women's health care sectors for local, state, and federal governments. Jean is also a frequent presenter at schools, inspiring young minds with her wit and wisdom.

In addition to her advocacy, Jean recently created her own one-woman comedy show, 'Jean Kittson Bangs On', which premiered at the Sydney Comedy Festival and is now on tour, further solidifying her status as a beloved figure in Australian comedy. Her contributions to entertainment and social causes earned her the appointment of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2023.

What is the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll?

The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll acknowledges the important volunteer roles women and girls play within NSW regional, rural and remote communities.

It is a way to acknowledge and thank women and girls who volunteer through a public tribute to recognise the vast number of women and girls who give their time and energy to help others. Women and girls are nominated by peers, friends, or their volunteer organisation and those over the age of 18 can also self-nominate to be included on the digital Honour Roll. 

Hidden Treasures has recognised 1,348 women and girls volunteering in regional, rural and remote NSW since 2010.

Find out more about the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll

Last year's event

View the photo album from our 2024 event in Wagga Wagga, 2024 Something for Everyone.

This venue is wheelchair accessible and includes accessible amenities. There are multiple transport options for travel to the venue and off-street parking is available. To plan your trip visit, https://transportnsw.info/trip...