Jo Gibson of Ellalong, along with Cessnock residents Jean Watson and Joan McNaughton have been recognised for their community volunteer work.

And the word “treasure” doesn’t even begin to describe them.

Jo’s travels have taken her to as far as the Middle East, where she volunteered with young Bedouin children in Egypt and Israel.

Jo has studied as a life coach and helped many young people, some with mental health issues.

After moving to Ellalong, Jo has been helping young children with issues through workshops involving her horse Judy.

She has volunteered in fundraising projects for disability service organisation Mai-Wel and a number of other charities, including Rotary – all of this while battling cancer for the past three years.

“You’ve got to share the love,” she said.

“We’ve got a lovely community here, and when things go wrong, everyone joins in and helps.”

She was nominated as a Hidden Treasure by members of Maitland Sunrise Rotary Club and said she was shocked when told she had made the honour roll.

“I do it for the enjoyment, but it’s nice to have someone say thanks for what you do,” Jo said.

Jean and Joan are both active members of St. John’s Anglican Church, the Mothers‘ Union and Cessnock VIEW Club.

Jean opens the church each Sunday for the 6.30am service, organises hymnbooks and gets things ready for the day.

She volunteers in the church book shop each week and takes pride in cleaning the brass for the church.

Jean has taken a great interest in family support organisations such as the Smith Family, raising funds for families in need.

Along with her church and VIEW Club duties, Joan also volunteers for Meals on Wheels and is a Pink Lady at Cessnock District Hospital, and whenever called upon provides baked goods without hesitation. 

During the April 2015 floods Joan provided meals for affected residents.

Like those who have been named Hidden Treasures before them, these ladies never seek any recognition for their hard work.

“We do what we do because we love it,” Joan said.

“It’s a real honour.”

Developed by the Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Women’s Network, the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll records and pays tribute to women who devote their time to improve the lives of others in regional, rural and remote communities in NSW.

Almost 700 women have been named on the Honour Roll since its inception in 2010.

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Do you know a Hidden Treasure? Click here to find out how you can make a nomination.