In a combined event at Uniting Church Hall, with friends and family of both women in attendance, Beverly Rankin was recognised as Local Woman of the Year 2021, and Robyn Livermore was presented an award for her inclusion on the 2020 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

The Local Woman of the Year awards is a program that provides MPs with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate contributions of a local woman.

"Mrs Rankin has dedicated years of service to her community which reaches all the way back to the late 70s. Since then Beverly's contribution to her community has only increased, with her undertaking several projects to improve the lives of children," Mr Donato said.

Mrs Rankin's most recent contribution to the community was the creation of the Hot Meals Outreach in 2020. While many sources of low-cost or free meal services were shut down due to COVID-19, she initiated the weekly food drive for the city's most vulnerable.

Mrs Rankin and her husband also host young people in need of out-of-home care, and she is actively involved in the Orange Uniting Church.

Hidden Treasures is an initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries' Rural Women's Network, which aims to formally recognise and thank inspiring rural women volunteers within NSW rural, regional and remote communities.

"Mrs Livermore is being recognised today through her inclusion on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for her commitment over the years to working with the mentally and physically disabled and disadvantaged," Mr Donato said.

"Mrs Rankin and Mrs Livermore have volunteered considerable time to several important community groups and charities to serve their communities, and their work really does make a difference.

"Their contribution does not go unnoticed, and on behalf of the local community I'd like to thank Mrs Rankin and Mrs Livermore for the remarkable work they do to serve our community.

"It is truly an honour to be able to celebrate these two outstanding women who give so much of their own time, effort and dedication."

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