Nymagee woman Di Roche has been recognised for her contributions to her community with her inclusion on this year’s Hidden Treasures honour roll.
Hidden Treasures is an annual initiative of the Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Women’s Network which recognises the outstanding efforts of women volunteers in NSW and to promote the valuable role of volunteering to the community.
This important tribute captures inspirational stories, documenting and celebrating the unpaid work of women who are ensuring the viability of so many important and crucial community groups and charities.
The growing list of nearly 700 rural women volunteers is a testament to the generosity and hard work of so many women who are publicly appreciated by their community.
The annual honour roll aims to improve recognition of the important and diverse roles women volunteers play as key participants within their NSW rural communities and it is hoped their stories will encourage others to take on volunteering roles.
According to her nomination, Di has lived in the Nymagee area for 30 years and her preparedness to volunteer is invaluable in ensuring the survival of many aspects of the village life.
“Di has been involved in Nymagee Progress Association (now secretary), Nymagee Public School P&C, Christmas Tree, Nymagee branch of the Cobar Town Library and now supervises monthly art classes for local women.
“For the past 20 years Di has been involved with the Voluntary Bus Drivers Scheme — committing one day a week to drive locals to Cobar for shopping and medical appointments,” her nomination reads.
“Trips to enable locals’ access to garden shows, Country Women’s Association events and expos are also organised by Di.
“She has always put her artistic skills to use for the benefit of others, designing backdrops, costumes and props for school plays.
“Di is always willing to share her knowledge to help others with their art projects, including card making, scrapbooking and the creative use of recycled materials.
“Whatever the function, she is always there with a cake or two or three.
“Di has spent countless hours making sure the old school building is maintained and cared for. In dry times she has even been seen carrying buckets of water to the small trees in the village park and school grounds.
“Locals are never forgotten on their special occasions or birthdays when a card or a gift or even a photo from Di and family arrives.
“Apart from her outstanding commitment to her community, Di supports her husband Terry in the everyday running of their property.”
Di’s nominator has describer her as “the volunteer extraordinaire”.
Di was humble in receiving the honour and told The Cobar Weekly she was somewhat “embarrassed” to have even been nominated.
