Local community volunteer and Gleniffer resident Moira Franklin has been acknowledged on the 2019 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey MP, made the announcement on Saturday, congratulating Moira Franklin and the other women across NSW recognised for their valuable volunteer roles and the outstanding contribution they provide to local communities.
"These women provide an enormous amount of support to our community and are true treasures," Ms Pavey said. "They have been nominated by others who have seen first-hand how their important work has enabled those needing assistance, or local groups requiring help, to flourish.
"Mrs Franklin thoroughly deserves this recognition and should be extremely proud of her nomination and in joining this roll of highly-regarded rural women."
This year's nominees join a growing list of over 1000 volunteers who have been recognised since the first Honour Roll was launched in 2010.
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.
Volunteering has been shown to not only boost the local community, but also to provide opportunities for people to connect and to gain personal and practical benefits.
Hidden Treasures is an annual initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries' Rural Women's Network.
Moira Franklin
In 1975, Moira, Kevin and their three children arrived in the Gleniffer Valley, Bellingen to build a home on their property.
Born in Lithgow, it was only natural that Moira would be drawn to a community where she could immerse herself in country life. At 10 years of age, her family moved to Parramatta and Moira trained as a primary school teacher at Balmain Teachers' College.
On arrival in Gleniffer, Moira volunteered to be the secretary, organist and chief organiser at the Gleniffer Community Church (current to this day including becoming a trustee). Moira is driven to help others, use her musical skills and thrives on being challenged to bring fulfilment and pleasure to all.
Moira has a broad interest in the community, volunteering as a Venturer Scout leader for 15 years (awarded a merit award for service), SES, Pony Club, swimming club coach, secretary Gleniffer Progress Association, catering for functions at Gleniffer Hall and ongoing fundraising events.
Moira has been a breastfeeding counsellor with the Australian Breastfeeding Association and was the group leader of the Bellingen branch for 20 years.
She is a volunteer pianist for the Bellingen Choral Group and Bellorana Aged Care singalongs and secretary of the NE NSW Hunting Club.
With her husband Kevin, she visits schools on behalf of the RSL to teach children about Anzac Day and assists in conducting services for Anzac and Remembrance Day at our nursing homes.
Moira also volunteers with Landcare in our public reserves and this is all done silently - a true hidden treasure.