They did not perform their outstanding community service for the accolades but Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters was thrilled to honour seven of Kiama’s Hidden Treasures this week.

The awards ceremony at Kiama Council on Tuesday honoured and celebrated the outstanding volunteer contributions of seven exceptional women from the Kiama LGA.

They were each nominated for the NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for their dedication to community service, leadership, and generosity of spirit.

Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative that celebrates the invaluable contributions of women and girls who volunteer in regional, rural and remote communities across the state.

Established in 2010, the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll offers a public tribute to recognise those who give their time and energy to support others.

“We had a really lovely morning tea,” Cr Matters said.

“The common thread from those women was that they said this is what my parents did - they gave back to the community so that’s just what I do. I stepped up and followed what they did.

“That’s what I really loved about those women.”

One of the recipients, Antoinette Raynal, and the other members of the Katandra Women’s A Cappella Choir performed for the gathering of family, friends and well-wishers with a stirring rendition of Paul Simon’s Love Me Like a Rock and California Dreaming by the Mamas & the Papas.

“It was just beautiful,” Cr Matters added.

Kay Brennan with Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.

The magnificent seven are:

Kay Brennan: A lifelong volunteer, Kay has quietly supported the Jamberoo and Kiama communities for more than five decades. Inspired by her father’s legacy, she has nurtured young riders through the Kiama Pony Club, stewarded at the Kiama and Sydney Royal Easter Shows, supported school programs, church activities and local hockey clubs, and served in the Jamberoo Bush Fire Brigade.

Jenny Judd with Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.

Jenny Judd: Her community service spans early childhood, education, the arts, and social justice. She has taught scripture for 33 years at Jamberoo Public School, co-founded the Jamberoo Playgroup, and helped establish the town’s Youth Hall.

As CWA President, she created Opera in the Valley, a celebrated local fundraiser. She also supports Meals on Wheels and donates essential items to SAHSSI, assisting women and children escaping domestic violence.

Joelie Robson: At 20 years old, Joelie exemplifies courage and commitment. A Type 1 Diabetic and a trailblazer for young women in emergency response, she volunteers 20 to 30 hours per week across the RFS, St John Ambulance, Disaster Relief Australia and the Volunteer Rescue Association.

Joelie Robson with Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.

She was recognised in the Youth category at the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Judi Sandilands Cincotta: After a 50-year career in nursing, Judi chose to give back by raising guide dog puppies and supporting therapy programs in local schools.

Her dogs bring comfort and calm to children facing adversity, helping them feel safe and seen.

Judi Sandilands-Cincotta helps raise guide dog pups.

Sue Eggins: A historian, researcher and advocate, Sue has spent over 30 years preserving Kiama’s heritage and honouring the lives of notable Australians like Orry-Kelly and Charmian Clift.

As president and secretary of the Kiama and District Historical Society, she has led preservation projects, curated exhibitions and secured landmark recognition.

Sue Eggins with Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.

Antoinette Raynal: The founder of Katandra Women’s A Cappella Choir, a musical community rooted in inclusion, empowerment and joy.

What began as a single vocal workshop has blossomed into a choir that supports charities, mentors young singers and creates a sense of belonging.

Antoinette Raynal with Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.

Boni Maywald: Since retiring, Boni has used craft, creativity and compassion to bring comfort to people in need.

As coordinator of Wrap With Love in Kiama and founder of the PeaceKnits initiative, she creates and donates handmade blankets to those facing hardship.

Boni Maywald with Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.