A NSW Government program that gives public recognition to women in regional, rural and remote areas, the Hidden Treasures initiative aims to support and promote volunteering to enrich the lives of volunteers, strengthen local communities and ultimately benefit the state.

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This prestigious recognition highlights Dee’s exceptional voluntary contributions to the UHA branches on the Mid North Coast and her unwavering support for hospital patients.

Dee retired to Nambucca Heads and immediately joined the Bowra Macksville branch of the UHA in 2010, where she has been an active member ever since.

Soon after joining, she was on the hospital café roster, working in the UHA-operated eatery every week.

The café has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of medical equipment to Macksville District Hospital over the years, generous support only possible due to volunteers like Dee working a daily shift behind the café counter, and providing a much-needed service to staff, visitors and patients.

Dee has brought her special skills in administration and leadership to the role of ‘Regional Representative North East’ for the UHA of NSW, which means she is part of the central committee representing twelve UHA branches on the Mid North Coast.

She has held this role for the past six years, and this year was elected State Treasurer of the organisation, all while continuing to give of her time as a local volunteer in the hospital café, regularly doing more than one shift a week to fill vacancies in the roster.

This past financial year, her branch donated $100,000 in medical equipment to Macksville Hospital, an enormous donation made possible by the hard work of Dee and her fellow volunteers.

Dee told News Of The Area, “I am honoured to be added to the 2023 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

“My volunteering work with the United Hospital Auxiliary is very rewarding and gives me the feeling that I am making a difference by helping others.

“When I’m working in the Macksville Hospital Café it’s a pleasure to share a smile and have a conversation with patients, visitors or staff members and feel like I’ve brightened their day a little.

“And at the same time, we’re raising funds to purchase equipment for the hospital which really allows us to give back to our community.

“Imagine our sense of achievement when we were told that an item of equipment we donated last year saved a patient’s life.

“Engaging in volunteer activities at the café and serving on the State Executive of the Auxiliary affords me the opportunity to meet numerous kind-hearted individuals.

“It’s truly gratifying to be part of such a community and to contribute positively in these roles,” she said.

Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick said Dee’s recognition is a testament to her hard work, compassion, and the positive impact she has had on the lives of many.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dee and express our deepest gratitude for her continued service and dedication,” said Stewart.

“Her work not only uplifts the spirits of those she helps but also inspires others to contribute to their communities.”

By Andrea FERRARI