26th June 2026
Across regional, rural and remote New South Wales, countless women give their time, skills and energy to support the communities they call home. Often, their work happens quietly, without recognition or reward.
In 2010 the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll was established to acknowledge and shine a light on the vital role women and girls play as volunteers in these communities. It is unlike traditional awards programs as it is not a competition; nominations are made by friends, colleagues, community members or volunteer organisations and over the past 15 years, has honoured 1,348 women and girls.
Their stories reflect the diversity of volunteer experiences across NSW and demonstrate the powerful impact one person can have when they choose to give back.
As part of this year's celebrations, volunteers were recognised during the 2026 Volunteer Thank You Event, "She Gives Back - celebrating women who volunteer", hosted by Kristie Ivone the 2026 Rural Women's Award NSW/ACT State Winner and National Finalist. WIRES is proud to have had three remarkable volunteers acknowledged at the event. While their journeys are unique, they share a common commitment to creating a positive change for wildlife.
Three WIRES Hidden Treasures Making an Impact on Wildlife in Regional NSW
Janine Green, Merimbula
For more than 25 years, Janine Green has been a driving force behind wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. As a long-serving volunteer with WIRES Far South East Branch, she has been involved in more than 4,100 native animal rescues, rehabilitations, releases and welfare interventions, helping countless animals affected by vehicle strikes, habitat loss, bushfires and other environmental challenges.
Janine is often called upon to respond to the most complex and emotionally difficult situations. Since 2014, she has served as an authorised wildlife shooter, a role requiring both technical expertise and immense sensitivity. In these challenging circumstances, she provides support not only to injured animals but also to the carers and community members involved.
Her impact extends well beyond frontline rescue work. As a dedicated trainer since 2017, Janine has completed extensive specialist training and delivered numerous macropod and wombat care courses, helping build the skills and confidence of volunteers throughout her region.
Jane Wilson, Young
Jane (far right) with other local volunteers also celebrated in the Honour Roll
For more than two decades, Jane Wilson has quietly dedicated herself to the welfare of native wildlife, combining hands-on care with environmental action and volunteer leadership. Since joining the WIRES Weddin–Lachlan Branch in 2009, she has helped rescue, rehabilitate and release hundreds of native animals.
Jane's passion for wildlife extends beyond individual rescues. Through extensive training and mentoring, she has played an important role in strengthening the knowledge and capability of fellow volunteers.
Throughout her years with WIRES, Jane's expertise has also been recognised at a state level through her contribution to the Small Mammals Management Team, where she helps develop resources, training and support for wildlife carers across the organisation.
Outside of her formal volunteer work, Jane's commitment to conservation continues. She has transformed her own property into a wildlife-friendly release site and has worked with local Landcare initiatives to remove kilometres of barbed wire fencing, helping protect vulnerable squirrel glider populations.
Jane's dedication reflects a deep belief that caring for wildlife also means caring for the environment and the community.
Dianne Nicholson, Holbrook
Energy, determination and generosity define Dianne Nicholson's approach to volunteering. Since rejoining the WIRES Murray River Branch in 2020, she has become a tireless advocate for native wildlife, contributing to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of more than 1,050 animals.
In 2025 alone, she has responded to more than 100 wildlife alerts, ensuring injured and orphaned animals receive timely care across the Murray River and Snowy Mountains regions.
Dianne's influence reaches far beyond the animals she helps directly. She is a trusted mentor who supports and encourages new carers, sharing her knowledge with patience, warmth and humour. Her willingness to guide others has strengthened volunteer networks and helped build a culture of confidence and collaboration within her branch.
Committed to continuous learning, Dianne has completed extensive training across a broad range of species and has also stepped into training roles herself, helping introduce new volunteers to wildlife rescue and care.
Above all, Dianne is known for her unwavering readiness to help. Her positivity, resilience and generosity make her an invaluable member of her community and a true Hidden Treasure.
Watch the video of her acknowledgement in local parliament - Justin Clancy MP acknowledges Dianne in parliament
Together, Janine, Jane and Dianne represent the extraordinary commitment shown by women volunteers across regional New South Wales. Through thousands of hours of service, they have protected wildlife, strengthened volunteer networks and enriched the communities around them. Their stories are a powerful reminder that behind every thriving community are individuals who quietly dedicate themselves to making a difference.