Three local and well-deserving ladies have been named on this year’s NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
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Bellbird’s Judith Wright, Kurri’s Nell Workman and Ruth Gorton from Keinbah have all been recognised for their volunteer positions within the local community and their tireless and often hidden achievements.
At 86, Nell Workman has become somewhat of an institution for the local area.
After 39 years of marriage to her beloved Keith which included years working together at Buena Vista Boys’ Home in Orange, Nell became a widow at age 58.
It was then that she said she threw herself into a long line of volunteer work, including but not limited to positions with Rural Aged Care, the Association of Civilian Widows, Coalfields Neighbour Care, Weston Senior Citizens and Kurri Community Centre.
She is also an active fundraiser for the Kurri Retired Mineworkers and most recently, women’s refuge Jodie’s Place.
Nell said that it was a lovely surprise to be named on the Honour Roll, a Department of Primary Industries initiative which acknowledges the important volunteer roles women play within NSW rural communities.
“I suppose it means that a lot of people don’t realise what we do,” she said.
“But I don’t do it for recognition, only to help people.
“The reward is seeing the smiles on people’s faces,
“My grandmother told me from a young age that you have to help people while you still can.”
Similarly Judith Wright has a long list of community services under her belt, and said that she was very humbled by the Hidden Treasure recognition.
“It was definitely a shock but a nice surprise,” she said.
“I love being a part of the community.
“I don’t think I would enjoy half the things I do as much, if it wasn’t for my involvement with other people.”
After developing a love of needlework in her school years, Judith continues to encourage women throughout the community to express their creativity.
An active member of the Cessnock Anglican Church and the Mothers’ Union, Judith formed a craft group which has created countless items for Newcastle’s Ronald McDonald House and local nursing homes.
She is also a member of Cessnock View Club, an enthusiastic supporter of The Smith Family’s ‘Learning for Life’ program and a volunteer at Cessnock’s Marthaville Arts and Culture Centre.
The third local inductee onto the honour roll is Keinbah’s Ruth Gorton.
Also a member of Cessnock View Club, Ruth is a strong advocate for mental health care, working in support of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW and its Sunflower Centre service for the past 17 years.
In 2009 she was awarded life membership in recognition of services as the Cessnock support group leader and in 2011 she also received an Australia Day award for her services to mental health.
A founding member of the Cessnock Carer and Consumer Mental Health Support Group, Ruth has been leader for the past 10 years.
Beyond this she is also regularly contacted by families of people with mental health issues, supporting them through their journey and accessing services for their family member.
“I am thrilled to have been nominated by my peers, my friends at Cessnock View Club,” she said.
“To be included on the honour roll is a wonderful surprise and I am humbled and honoured.
“We all know country towns survive by the community’s involvement promoting the city, caring, assisting and supporting each other.
“It’s just something you do, without expecting return.
“I hope that from my inclusion on the roll that the citizens of Cessnock in future seek to nominate others who work so hard for this great city.”
Other Cessnock-area residents to be included on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll include Judy Clark, Janette Jackson and Marj Wotherspoon in 2011, and Pam Bothwell, Robyn Gill, Gillian James, Beth Masterman and Sheila Turnbull in 2012.
