A small number of rural women are recognised for their contribution to the community, and Yenda Producers is delighted to see two local women acknowledged for their many years of generosity and dedication.
Barbara Jefferies and Yenda Prods very own Kay Pellizzer are two of the 104 women added to the 2020 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, launched on Thursday 15 October by The Honourable Adam Marshall MP, Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales.
Kay and Barbara have been an integral part of the Yenda community for over 50 years, volunteering their time across all facets of the local township. We appreciate their devotion to our township and congratulate their well-deserved recognition on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Here are their stories.
Kay Pellizzer
Throughout her life, Kay Pellizzer has been a passionate member of the Yenda community. She has devoted her life to the improvement of her district and has given generously of her time and skills. After finishing high school, Kay worked at the Yenda telephone exchange before taking on a position at Yenda Producers Cooperative Society Ltd, where she has worked for 59 years, and continues to this day. Volunteering has always been a priority for Kay. Her love of sport, particularly rugby league, resulted in her taking on the position of secretary/treasurer of the Yenda Rugby League Football Club. Not content with this, Kay accepted the position of treasurer for Group 20 Rugby League, which she held for 25 years. Kay’s interests also extended to education, and while her daughter attended St Therese School, Kay accepted the position of secretary of the P&F Committee. Kay’s tireless efforts also included secretary of the Wade Park Management Committee, a 35-year membership of the St Therese Parish Committee, membership of the ladies committee of the Yenda Diggers Club, and chairperson of the Yenda Progress Association; a position she has held for 40 years. Through her stewardship, the township of Yenda and its citizens have been a beneficiary of Kay’s dedication and unwavering pursuits. Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and recognition should be made of her selfless contributions to Yenda.
Barbara Jefferies
Barbara Jefferies was born in Leeton, the daughter of a shearing contractor. As such, the family moved around a lot. She attended school at Yoogali Public School, finishing her schooling at Griffith High. After leaving school, Barbara met and married her husband. Their friendship initially grew after a series of learn to drive lessons. They have now been together for 63 years and raised three daughters. Now with nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, their family has grown. Barbara has spent the majority of her married life in Yenda and her dedication to the community has spanned more than 45 years. Barbara has always had the community at heart. She is a proud member of Country Women’s Association, which has exceeded 50 years. After her youngest daughter enrolled in the Yenda Public School, Barbara’s interest and passion in the school motivated her to accept the position of Yenda P&C secretary. In the late 70s Barbara and a friend, Jane Udy, started Meals on Wheels in Yenda, however, this has since folded. For 34 years, Barbara was secretary of the Yenda Retirement Village. Through dedication and hard work, they raised funds to build units for elderly and vulnerable members of Yenda. Barbara continues to support the Yenda Progress Association and is President of Fellowship of the Uniting Church at Yenda. Barbara has loved working with people but is now stepping back to care for her ill husband.
The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is an annual initiative of Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Women’s Network that acknowledges the incredible efforts of women volunteering in NSW and encourages the valuable role of volunteering to the community.
The Honour Roll is a tribute that captures the inspiring stories of our rural women; the community heroes who are ensuring the viability of so many important and crucial community groups and charities such as emergency services, the arts, environment, social justice, education and sport organisation, and so many others within rural and regional communities.
There are now more than 900 rural women volunteers on the Honour Roll, a testament to the generosity and hard work of so many women who are publicly appreciated by their community as part of this project.
The Ministers’ forward acknowledged that the last year has placed immense pressure on rural and regional women, families and communities and that despite the tough seasons, it is the volunteers who have lifted their communities spirit and contributed to their townships resilience.
‘This year has tested our Australian spirit as we have dealt with devastating droughts, fires and floods, and a global pandemic that will change the way we live. While we go through this time of change, our country will continue to be held together by our resilient volunteers who dedicate their time to the community.’
‘This year we have called on our volunteers to go above and beyond in recovery roles across the state. Our small gesture of appreciation through their inclusion in this honour roll is a tribute to these rural and regional women, as we continue to focus on building resilience and a rewarding future for the next generation.
‘Despite the tough times we find ourselves in, it is important for us to take the time to thank and recognise the volunteers who have stepped in to support their communities. We encourage you to join these celebrations by reading these stories, and perhaps taking inspiration to start, or continue, your own volunteering journey.’