Carolina Merriman from Good Hope has been recognised as a hidden treasure in this year's honour roll.
An active member of the local farming community, she is the chair of the NSW Farmers Yass branch and has made a big effort to get the community behind her various drought, mental health, skills training on weed management, and other initiatives.
She was elected as the first female chair of the NSW Farmers Yass branch in 2019 after long-standing chair Ed Story stepped down.
"I feel extremely humbled to be acknowledged in Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2020. I do my work without expecting to be recognised so this came as a big surprise," Ms Merriman said.
She feels that the recognition would encourage more women to be a part of the agricultural industry. "Seeing other women being acknowledged and having a voice would encourage the younger generation, including women, to be a part of the agricultural industry," she said.
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Ms Merriman feels that there is always room for more women to take on the leadership role in the agricultural industry and have a voice.
"I would encourage more women to take the opportunity and be more involved in the communities and building a future for the generations to come. I feel that there isn't enough recognition for our women and their contribution in the agricultural industry," she said.
An annual initiative of the Department of Primary Industries' Rural Women's Network, Hidden Treasures recognises the outstanding efforts of women volunteers in NSW and promotes the valuable role of volunteering to the community.
Ms Merriman is one of the many rural women who have been recognised for volunteering in their communities across NSW.
