MOREE volunteer Kam Wheeler has been added to the 2025 NSW Hidden Treasure Honour Roll in recognition of her volunteerism across north-western New South Wales and wider areas.
The award comes on the back of Kam being named NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year late last year.
Kam, who attended the Moree Volunteering Connection Hub and Expo at Moree Community College last Thursday as part of National Volunteers’ Week, has been a rescuer, trainer and leader with NSW SES for nearly 40 years.
Volunteering has also become a family tradition – Kam’s grandfather, Hugh, was one of the original civil defence members, her father, Eric, also served, and her son, Jack, currently serves.
Kam volunteers as a cluster support officer in the Moree Plains Shire, assisting multiple SES units with operations.
She devotes countless hours each week, often daily, to visit local units and provide hands-on support, as well as training and administrative guidance.
Kam’s work behind the scenes ensures units remain well-resourced, compliant and prepared for any emergency.
She also volunteers with Red Cross Emergency Services.
Kam said volunteering for organisations like the SES and Red Cross creates friendships that last a lifetime.
“One of the best aspects of volunteering is the camaraderie – people just don’t become friends, they become family. It’s amazing,” Kam said.
She said Moree, like many rural towns across Australia, stands up in times of need.
“Moree is a very supportive town. If something goes wrong, the whole town is there to support one another,” Kam said.
“It doesn’t matter what hat people wear, or what nationalities there are, we all come together in times of need.
“The town is amazing and I’m so proud to represent the Moree Plains when I go on deployment.
I’m proud to be born and bred here in Moree – it’s where my heart is,” she said.
Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative co-ordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network.
Since launching 16 years ago, more than 1400 women have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Nominations for the Honour Roll take place throughout the year from individuals and groups, charity organisations, and Local Members of Parliament.
The award acknowledges and thanks women and young ladies who give their time and energy to help others.
“I try to bounce off these awards; I don’t do what I do for the accolades – I do it for the love of doing it,” Kam said.
