Pam was listed on the 2012 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, which recognises the work of rural and regional women across NSW.

Pam was shocked to hear she had been nominated.

“It was a big surprise and a great honour,” she said. “I feel there are much more deserving people around than what I am.”

The Gunning woman was nominated for her tireless work in the community.

She has been involved with the Lions Club for almost 50 years. First as a Lions Lady and worked hard behind the scenes until her husband passed away, later she became a Lion in her own right and held many positions.

“It’s a long association and you get a lot out of it,” Mrs Lees said.

“I think you find it very rewarding if you’re helping out in the community. I get a lot of satisfaction out of it.”

The Gunning grandmother has been actively involved in P&C, canteen and mother’s club, as well as helping with the monthly Lions markets and other activities.

Pam has also been a member of the Gunning and District Garden Club for many years and is currently president.

She is always available for working bees at village gardens, pruning, weeding and mulching.

When asked why she volunteers, Pam said, “It’s just what you do, isn’t it?”

“Pam recently climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge which epitomises her positive attitude to embracing life full-on and being a terrific role model for a life well lived in service to her community and family,” the honour roll says.

Pam was born in Gunning and raised at the family property of Weroona, where she lived as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and widow.

She recently moved off the farm into Gunning which was initially difficult to get used to.

“That was a big change,” she said. “Fortunately I look out on the showground so I’m not closed in.”