2012-Hidden-Treasures-Honour-Roll

annual Mountains to the Sea environmental and
Landcare community conference. Marlene’s skills
have been recognised by the State Landcare
organisation and she is now State Treasurer. In
2005 Marlene was appointed to the Tuggerah
Lakes Reserve Trust, which manages the Central
Coast Wetlands and Pioneer Dairy site at
Tuggerah. The site consists of a former dairy farm
which contains significant freshwater wetlands.
She was the energy behind the restoration of
the Dairy Cottage, a unique 1906 building in
danger of falling down. The cottage has now been
restored through the hard work of volunteers, a
Council Grant and community donations. The Trust
became the recipient of a large grant, to construct
visitor facilities at the cottage which will open
late 2012. Marlene’s determination, enthusiasm,
ability to stretch every dollar and get the very best
outcome, has seen these facilities come together
for the benefit of all.
noelene phillips [Bathurst]
Noelene was born in Cowra and educated
in Bathurst. She worked as the first female
Administration Officer for the Southern Mitchell
County Council from 1955–1983. Noelene
married Geoff in 1966 and has lived in Bathurst
ever since. She has been involved in volunteering
in the local community in a number of ways
during this time and continues to this day.
Noelene joined Quota International in 1985. She
has served on all Bathurst executive positions
and from 1998–2000 was Lieutenant Governor
for District 26 and Governor from 2000–2002
and again in 2006–2008. Noelene was named
Quotarian of the year for 1997/8. The most recent
project that Noelene is very passionate about is
a weekly volunteer reading program to increase
children’s literacy levels and encourage a love of
books. The Program engages local Police Officers
with four local schools (including Corenne — for
young children with special needs) in a bid to
break down barriers between the Police and
children. Sponsors such as Quota provide the
books for the children and the school library.
Noelene is indeed a Hidden Treasure in the
Bathurst Community.
shalini pratap [Tamworth]
Shalini is a Hidden Treasure for many reasons
but most importantly for her ability to inspire
others. A third generation Fijian Indian, she
moved to Australia (initially Alice Springs) with
her husband 13 years ago. Shalini grew up in
Fiji but has deep ties to her Indian heritage. She
loves traditional dance, dress and language —
which she enthusiastically has nurtured in her
daughter. The Tamworth region benefitted greatly
when circumstances of uncertainty regarding
permanency in Australia resulted in Shalini and
her family moving to Tamworth in 2003. Their
settlement story is full of challenges, frustrations,
uncertainty and at times distress. She knows
what it is like to relocate to a new country,
experience social isolation and displacement,
and has a strong desire to help others in similar
positions. Importantly Shalini is able to speak
of her experiences with great insight, awareness
and very often humour. She has a great love and
appreciation for the country she now calls home.
NSW HIDDEN TREASURES HONOUR ROLL 2012 | 33