Three Narrabri women added to NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll

The names of three Narrabri women will be added to the NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll in acknowledgement of their dedication to the community.

Donna McKinstry, Kath Hamilton and Katie Polsoni have joined a list of awardees, located in regional and rural NSW, who have selflessly volunteered their time in their communities.

The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is an annual public tribute, with nominations submitted by community members.

Donna joins the honour roll for her dedication to the Country Education Foundation of the Namoi.

Donna joined the CEF Namoi committee in 2016 and has had a profound impact on the organisation thanks to her dedication and leadership.

Serving in multifaceted roles such as vice-chair and student liaison, Donna has been instrumental in shaping CEF Namoi into a reliable and essential resource for the local community, her nomination states.

“Under Donna’s guidance, CEF Namoi has achieved remarkable numerical milestones, supporting 137 school leavers and facilitating the distribution of a commendable $568,600 in financial assistance,” her nomination read.

For Kath, the honour pays tribute to her remarkable efforts with WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service).

The honour roll is a fitting acknowledgment of Kath’s remarkable efforts to rural, regional, and remote NSW, her nomination states.

Kath has volunteered for many organisations during her lifetime, but her nomination focused on what so many in the local community know her best for – her devotion to the selfless cause of rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife through her dedicated volunteer work with WIRES.

Katie was awarded for her initiative in starting Polished Silver, a social group for people 50 years and older to get together and socialise. Katie funds this entirely out of her own pocket and does this every Thursday, her nomination states.

“She has a different theme every week and the elderly absolutely love it. It gets them out of their house and communicating,” Katie’s nomination read.

When speaking with The Courier about the honour, Katie said it was a complete surprise.

“I’m humbled and honoured to be thought of and nominated for the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for 2023,” Katie said.

“My motto has always been ‘if I can put a smile one person’s face a day, then it has been a good day’.”

Katie said Polished Silver provides the over 50s within the Narrabri Shire and other local communities, memorable and enjoyable experiences.

“Polished Silver’s mission is to enhance quality of life by connecting people within the community through dedicated, positive social interaction in an attempt to combat loneliness, isolation, depression and suicidal idealisation within the over 50s, as well as address any social, physical, emotional and mental needs that may be discovered.

“Polished Silver is an inclusive group that welcomes any person over the age of 50 regardless of social, financial, cultural, health, cognitive or disabled status.

“Polished Silver is free for all those who attend, to encourage participation and ensure accessibility without restriction to all those over 50.”

As reported by The Courier last year, Polished Silver was required to find a new home.

Katie was determined to see the group continue and found a new venue with the support of management of Club Narrabri.

For Donna, a local high school teacher, the Country Education Foundation is a cause close to her heart.

As a teacher, she sees the benefits firsthand with students able to pursue post-secondary school education thanks to support they receive from the foundation.

The CEF Namoi’s education grants are more than just financial support.

It serves as a reminder to students that people believe in their potential.

“That is important for the foundation,” Donna said.

The grants also aren’t restricted to university education. CEF Namoi supports students across a range of tertiary and vocation education pursuits.

For the students, having a familiar face like Donna on the education grants panel is also reassuring.

And for the volunteers, one of the greatest gifts is seeing the confidence boost it gives to students as they pursue their career aspirations.

“It’s such a great group to be a part of,” Donna said of the CEF Namoi.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the team … the hours they put into it.

“Anything that brings awareness of the committee’s work is important.

“We’re always looking for new members.”

Kath’s remarkable journey into wildlife rescue started six years ago when she was presented with an orphaned young wallaroo by her son-in-law Darrell Tiemens, prompting a pivotal question: ‘What should we do with this?’

This inquiry sparked an extraordinary odyssey that ultimately led to the establishment of an animal sanctuary at the foothills of Mount Kaputar near Killarney Gap, Kath’s nomination read.

“A defining feature of Kath’s volunteer efforts is her steadfast commitment to continuous improvement. Recognising the significance of proper accreditation, she undertook and completed the WIRES registration course, staying abreast of safe rescue, handling, feeding, and care practices. Her dedication to upholding legal and ethical standards in wildlife rescue stands as testament to her profound commitment to the wellbeing of the animals under her care.

“Despite the challenges inherent in her responsibilities, Kath works tirelessly, responding to WIRES calls 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

“Notably, this dedication is even more admirable given her age, emphasising her remarkable energy and resilience.

“Her efforts extend beyond mere rescues; she meticulously documents each case in the WIRES database, providing invaluable insights for ongoing recommendations and training sessions.”
What sets Kath apart is not only her technical proficiency but also her authentic love and care for the animals she rescues.

From kangaroos to magpies, possums, galahs, and joeys, Kath creates a nurturing environment for these creatures, ensuring their wellbeing until they are ready for soft release or independence.

The bonds she forms with animals like Spider, the kangaroo who returns to her front door, reflect her compassionate and caring nature.

“Kath’s quick thinking and dedication were notably exemplified when she promptly responded to the rescue call for a joey named Brandon in Moree. Her collaboration with local law enforcement ensured the safe transfer of the joey, showcasing her commitment to providing optimal care,” her nomination read.

“Additionally, her resilience in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by an incident where she was trapped under her car during a rescue, further underscores her unwavering dedication to her cause.”

Kath described the Hidden Treasures accolade as a great honour and her role as rewarding.

“There’s nothing lovelier than seeing an animal you care for, released and able to be self sufficient,” she said.

Kath remembers her first animal losses and the initial devastation it brought.

“I grieved. It was terrible,” she said.

“You do learn to detach.

“When they come into your care, you have no idea what has happened to them.

“You just do your best.”

Kath praised local veterinarians for their support.

“Our veterinarians here are just wonderful,” she said.

Many in the district would be familiar with Kath from her years of teaching, and many of her experiences in education resonate now as she dedicates her time to WIRES.

“It’s much broader than I initially anticipated,” she said of her involvement with WIRES.

Kath now serves on the executive for Central Northern and plays an important role in the organisation, particularly when it comes to training.

As a long-serving WIRES volunteers she is seen by many as a central point of contact.

While community awareness continues to increase about WIRES and the important role it plays, Kath has reminded the community the service cares for native animals.

And like all community services, the organisation can always do with more volunteers.

“We are desperate for someone in Moree,” Kath said.

For interested volunteers, Kath praises WIRES as a great service to give your time.

“We all support each other,” she said.