2012-Hidden-Treasures-Honour-Roll

kate thompson
[Gooloogong, near Cowra]
Kate was born in Rockdale and grew up in
Kingsgrove. Her family’s dairy was at Baulkham
Hills with milk runs in the Kingsgrove area. Kate
grew up with her extended Italian family, working
with her cousins who owned footwear shops in
Sydney. Even now when they all come together
you can see the beautiful family relationship they
have. Her father brought the family to Gooloogong
to farm in 1961. Kate soon became involved with
her new community and developed a passion for
the rich history of the local area. She and husband
Brian have two sons who have kept the tradition
of farming. Kate’s entrepreneurial skills led to a
craft, gift and coffee shop in the village and with
Margaret Fazzari, created Liberty Lady clothing.
She was very involved in organising fantastic
gymkhanas which attracted thousands annually.
Kate was involved in the Gooloogong Progress
Association bringing all the committees together
to work as one and formed The Gooloogong
Historical Society. She has been President for
15 of its 24 years. Kate wants Gooloogong to
be a welcoming community which showcases
the district’s pioneers and their stories. She
has lots of community visions such as creating
a Pioneer Wall, Memorial Walkway, along with
having railway interpretations and stories in the
Park. Kate has organised many events such as the
Back to Gooloogong Weekend and the Australian
Women’s Land Army Reunion – attracting 500–
600 people at each event. Everyone loves Kate.
She is a real hidden treasure who has given to our
community for over 50 years.
michelle thornley
[St Georges Basin]
Michelle joined the NSW Rural Fire Service as part
of the St Georges Basin Rural Fire Brigade in 1984.
In 1988 she became Senior Deputy Captain and
then in 1996 Captain of the Brigade – a position
she has held ever since. Michelle became a Life
member of the Brigade in April 2005 and is
currently part of the Shoalhaven District Liaison
Committee. She was the first female member of
the Remote Area Fire Fighting Team in 1992 and
has attended numerous out of area deployments
and major fires and incidents. Michelle has offered
tireless hours to the Rural Fire Service and whether
attending a fire call or training fellow volunteers
her commitment level is always at 110 per cent
which we feel makes her worthy to be a nominee
for the 2012 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
cheryl timmins
[Croppa Creek, near Moree]
Cheryl joined the NSW Rural Fire Service in 1998
and is an active member of the Croppa Creek
Rural Fire Brigade. The Brigade is this small town’s
primary source of fire protection. As well as being
an active Fire Fighter and attending a majority
of the Brigade’s emergency incidents, Cheryl is
also the Brigade Secretary and Treasurer and
ensures that all aspects of the Brigade function
smoothly. She also plays a big part in assisting
with community education, often attending school
and community meetings to help promote fire
safety. As well as her extensive commitments to
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