Hillston’s Jennifer Rose recognised for her decades of compassionate community service and volunteer leadership across the Western Riverina.

Jennifer Rose, from Hillston has been announced as one of the NSW Government’s 2024 Hidden Treasures and named on the honour roll.

“Jennifer Laurel Rose was the much-loved Community Health Sister for Hillston, Rankins Springs, Carrathool, Goolgowi and Merriwagga from 1970 until 2003 when she retired,” Ms Rose’s ciation reads.

“She gave reassurance and practical advice to new mothers and to people of all ages. 

“In 1996 Jenny started a local branch of Can-Assist in Hillston as President then Secretary until October 2022. Jenny is now the Assistant President and Patient Liaison Officer. 

“Jenny also volunteered weekly hand and nail care sessions to frail-aged care residents in Hillston Hospital and Lachlan lodge for 19 years. 

“When the Hillston-Gunbar Parish of the Uniting Church in Australia could no longer support a ministry agent, Jenny became a volunteer lay leader in 2002. This is a multi-linked congregation including the towns of Hillston, Merriwagga, Goolgowi, and Gunbar. Jenny is still heavily involved in the church today, which offers regular worship services, the Sacraments, weddings and funerals.

“Jenny initiated Family Church in the Park, supporting several churches, which is gaining popularity with the community. Jenny has been an advocate for pastoral and end of life care and supports families going through crises and difficult times. Jenny has delivered hundreds of funerals with a personal touch. 

“Jenny is greatly respected in her community for the love and care she has bestowed on numerous families over the years. 

“Jenny was chosen as the Murray Local Woman of the Year for 2024 for her tireless involvement in her community over the decades, and the difference she has made to many lives.”

The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a recognition program that acknowledges the important volunteer roles women and girls play within NSW regional, rural and remote communities.

All nomination stories to celebrate the extraordinary women who make up this year’s honour roll have been written by their nominators in their own words. 

Joint ministers The Hon Jodie Harrison MP and The Hon Tara Moriarty MLC paid thanks to the volunteers named on the 2024 roll.

 “As we celebrate the 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, we want to thank the incredible regional and rural women who give so much to their communities,” The ministers said. 

“This annual tribute is all about recognising the time and effort you dedicate to making a difference by volunteering in your communities. The resilience you have shown has kept your communities thriving. Your strength and spirit have shone through even in tough times. 

“The stories behind each nomination highlight just how important your work is. Each year, we are inspired by the nominations from your peers—fellow community members—which honour you and the vital role you play in their lives. 

“It is a pleasure to present the 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. The Honour Roll celebrates over 1,300 amazing women nominated since 2010. 

“Thank you for your hard work and the positive impact you make every day across NSW. Your contributions truly matter, and together, we are building stronger communities.” 

Mrs Rose joins other women from across the Back Country, who have been recognised as Hidden Treasures: Hay’s Phyllis Jones and Ellen Townsend (2011) Kym Wooding (2014 and 2015) and Coleen Houston OAM (2015), Hillston’s Patricia Johnson, Thelma Mitchell (2012), Betty Scanlon (2012 and 2016) and Louise Fisk, (2015), Menindee’s Daphne Biggs (2014), Wendy Anderson (2014) Penny Black (2021-2022) and Dana Brighenti (2023) from Rankins Springs, Ivanhoe’s Ellen Pippin (2016) and Claire Butler from Balranald (2020).

Nominations for the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2025 are now open and will close Wednesday, 31 December 2025. Nominate here.