Outstanding volunteers: Nine women recognised for their exceptional work

The member for Orange awarded the Nationals’ likely state election candidate Kate Hazelton on Friday.

The Nationals aren’t due to decide whether to approve her until February 2.

Mr Donato presented Hidden Treasure awards to nine women from the Orange electorate on Friday – including Mrs Hazelton who is aiming to take Mr Donato’s job should she be given pre-selection.

“This is above politics, this is about recognising all these women who have done such an amazing role in their communities,” he said.

“She’s done amazing work in her community in Cudal and she’s one of many.

“Nearly 20 per cent of the total Hidden Treasures [in NSW] come from the Orange electorate which is amazing,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to be able to acknowledge these nine woman who have done some amazing things,” he said.

“They are the backbone of their communities.”

Mrs Hazelton said she did not want to discuss politics but was “really honoured and very humble” to receive the award.

“Since I’ve been at Cudal I’ve been involved with the school, our local school, the show society, with the Autism and Aspbergers support group in Orange and the RSA in Orange,” she said.

Mrs Hazelton said she was impressed that nine of the 46 women across NSW to be recognised with the 2018 Hidden Treasures awards came from the region.

“I think that says a lot for our electorate, the women really do step up to the mark and often they are not recognised so this is a terrific award for them to be recognised for all the hard work they do,” she said.

Also recognised were Michelle Hinchcliffe and Louise Krieger of Orange, Lyn Frecklington from Peak Hill, Di Gill from Canowindra, Margot Jolly of Parkes, Joanne Lewis of Lidster and Joan Stevenson and Carmel Yelland from Manildra.

READ MORE: From Beirut to Cudal: Nurse and farmer Kate Hazelton nominates for Nationals

READ MORE: Five jobs to flow from $158,000 funding for disability services

Hidden Treasure is an initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Women’s Network.