2012-Hidden-Treasures-Honour-Roll

Western NSW Local Health District Board. Joan is
the Yawarra Meamei Women’s Group President
and was instrumental in setting up a safe house
in Lightning Ridge. She works tirelessly for
reconciliation and keeping safe some of the most
vulnerable women and children in our isolated
Indigenous communities such as Walgett and
Brewarrina. Joan has a strong drive to improve
education and health outcomes for the region.
sheila turnbull [Cessnock]
Sheila is an advocate for women’s equality. She
dedicates her time to helping women and girls
achieve their full potential and getting their voices
heard. She is a 25 year member of Business
& Professional Women Australia and current
Cessnock Club President. Sheila was a much-loved
Teacher for almost four decades. Her final role
was Head Teacher Student Welfare at Chatham
High School in Taree where she organised
workshops for teenage girls to improve their selfesteem
and empowerment to set and achieve
goals. Sheila also ran the successful Girls Can
Do Anything expo for Year Nine students. Sheila
has been a dedicated volunteer for decades and
given her time to more than 40 organisations,
including NSW National Council of Women,
Coalfields Parkinson’s Support Group, Red Cross,
Telecall, Lower Hunter Dementia Support Group
and many others. She has also volunteered on
the Board of Northnet Community College and
Cessnock Community Transport for the past 20
years. Sheila is a mentor for the local Young
Achievers and Beacon Programs in high schools.
She has organised the International Women’s Day
Breakfast for the Newcastle and Hunter region
since 2002. Even though retired, Sheila remains
passionate about giving back to her community
and continues to organise many fundraising
events for breast cancer, and domestic violence
encouraging others to get involved, particularly
women and older people. Sheila was recognised
in 2004 by the National Council of Women with
a certificate of Achievement for her work in
promoting the status of women. In 2012 Sheila
was a finalist in the NSW Woman of the Year
Community Hero Award. Sheila has inspired
hundreds of girls and women to realise better
futures. When asked why she does what she does
Sheila replies, ‘Because I can’.
louise turner [Willow Tree]
Louise is a key person involved in the King
of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge and
Bush Festival held at Murrurundi run by a
small group of dedicated individuals. She is
responsible for coordinating the bar license.
Louise also organises the cross country event
and merchandising as well as competing in
events herself. Her contribution involves a lot of
responsibility to ensure the success of this huge
regional event that attracts thousands of people
to the Upper Hunter every year.
hilary turner [Willow Tree]
Hilary has volunteered as an Executive member
of the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge
and Bush Festival Committee held at Murrurundi
NSW HIDDEN TREASURES HONOUR ROLL 2012 | 47