News

NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) member Marina Gray has been recognised for her incredible voluntary contributions to her local community on the 2023 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. 

 Hidden Treasures acknowledges the important volunteer roles women play within NSW regional, rural and remote communities.  

 Marina is currently based in Billywillinga where she is the Logistics Officer with the NSW SES Western Zone Capability Unit, but has donned the orange uniform for more than 24 years. 

 “I volunteered from a very young age. I was about 13 or 14-years-old when I first volunteered at the Police Boys Clubs in Sydney and then I moved to Bourke. It was a great community, and I volunteered my time to generate a connection with the local area and people,” Ms Gray said. 

 The women included on the Honour Roll are nominated by peers, friends, or their volunteer organisation for selflessly volunteering their time. That’s something that resonates strongly with Marina, having tirelessly supported her community in various roles over the years. 

 “I have a strong passion to assist others. I feel like I belong when I help my community. Volunteering gives me confidence and helps me stay active. It also brings me fulfilment by doing things that make a difference, no matter how small.” 

 As for what motivates her to continuously volunteer her time to help her community, often through difficult moments, Marina said she gets great personal satisfaction from helping others. 

 “I love to encourage people to volunteer and dressing up as Paddy the Platypus.” 

 “I love working with likeminded people. I believe that all volunteers are rare gems that step up to lend a hand. I have learnt and grown so much since joining the NSW SES. I am a very proud member.”'

Ms Gray joins more than 1,200 women who have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for their volunteering efforts since 2010.