newy.com.au – Four Cessnock-area women have been recognised on the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for their volunteer work and community service across education, health, emergency services, sport, sustainability and the wine industry.
Bethany Dwyer, of Cessnock, Mellissa Gibson, of Stonebridge, Sabine Jamieson, of Mount Vincent, and Elizabeth Riley, of Nulkaba, were among 80 women named on the statewide honour roll, which recognises the contribution of regional, rural and remote female volunteers in NSW.
The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is coordinated by the Rural Women’s Network and has recognised more than 1300 women since it began in 2010. Recipients are nominated by peers, friends or volunteer organisations and receive a certificate, letter of acknowledgement, digital honour roll listing and a professional digital badge.
Ms Dwyer, a proud Aboriginal woman born and raised in Cessnock, works as a school learning support officer at Mount View High School and volunteers across several local organisations. She is vice-president of Cessnock PCYC, a NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer and a soccer volunteer, while also supporting police-led youth engagement programs including Fit for Life.
She is also involved with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and helps prepare backpacks with school supplies for students in need.
Ms Gibson was recognised for her ongoing service to the Cessnock community, including volunteering, supporting local initiatives and being a dependable presence for others.
Ms Jamieson, a retired registered nurse with a counselling background, volunteers with Riding for the Disabled at Raymond Terrace and visits Kurri Kurri Hospital with her Delta Therapy Dog, Monty. She also operates Hillview Equine Assisted Learning, using horses to support children who have experienced trauma.
Ms Riley, known to many as Liz, is a national viticulturist, consultant, educator and board director who has spent decades contributing to sustainability and oenology. She established her business Vitibit in 2000 and has held roles with Wine Australia, Freshcare Ltd, SAAFE CRC, Landcare NSW and several wine industry groups.
Her past volunteer work has included the Cessnock District Netball Association, Cessnock Multipurpose Children’s Centre and Hunter Valley Wine Country Landcare. She has also received multiple industry honours, including Viticulturist of the Year awards and recognition for her contribution to the Hunter Valley wine sector.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the honour roll was an important way to thank women whose volunteering strengthened communities.
“The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a wonderful way to recognise and thank the women whose volunteering strengthens regional, rural and remote communities across NSW,” she said.
“Their generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others is invaluable and integral to community life.
“Thank you for making an extraordinary difference to so many people’s lives.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said every nomination reflected community leadership.
“Every nomination tells a story of commitment, compassion and quiet leadership. You all enrich the lives of so many people – young and old. You also help build stronger, more connected and resilient communities and we thank you for it,” she said.
“Volunteer work is truly the heartbeat of local communities across New South Wales, especially in regional, rural and remote towns.”
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said the four local recipients reflected the strength of volunteering in the area.
“The 2025 Hidden Treasures Roll confirms Cessnock’s reputation as a generous community and highlights the achievements of four incredible local volunteers,” he said.
“Bethany, Mellissa, Sabine and Elizabeth have been recognised because our community have seen first-hand the positive difference they are making.
“Volunteers don’t just generously give their time, they also share their skills and varied experience which enriches our lives and helps build stronger, more connected communities across New South Wales.”
Nominations for the 2026 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll are open until Thursday, 31 December 2026.
