It was announced five months ago, but calamities such as bushfire, drought, flood and pandemic, combined with a state government minister's busy schedule, conspired against the actual presentation of Moira Franklin's award.
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In October, the Gleniffer resident was named on the 2019 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, but she received the official certificate from Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, on Friday.
Present for the occasion were Moira's husband Kevin, who joked that he's been well aware of this particular hidden treasure for 55 years.
Also there was 2018 recipient Violet Preston and the woman who nominated both of them, Barbara Moore.
Making the announcement last year, Melinda Pavey congratulated Moira and 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."
The 2019 nominees joined over 1000 volunteers who have been recognised since the first Honour Roll was launched in 2010. The tribute captures inspirational stories, documenting and celebrating the unpaid work of women who are ensuring the viability of crucial community groups and charities.
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. Her family moved to Parramatta when she was 10 years old, and Moira subsequently 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.