Beris is a true Hidden Treasure

A Terrigal woman is one of 69 people who have been added to the 2021-22 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll which pays public tribute to the girls and women across regional, rural and remote NSW who have given their time and energy to helping others in their community.

An active member of Terrigal Surf Club for more than 30 years, Meldrum said she was “very honoured and excited” to be added to the Honour Roll.

She first joined Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club in 1989 when her children were Nippers and has been involved in the movement ever since.

In 1994 she became involved with Surf Life Saving Central Coast and was granted life membership last year.

In 2016 she received her 15 years national patrol service award and in 2020 she received her 20 years officiating, trainers and assessors certificates from SLSA.

“I decided in 1996 to train to be a trainer and give instruction on oxygen, defibrillator and radio,” she said.

“I felt I wanted to give something back to the organisation – my children got so much out of Nippers.”

While she did some paid work for the Terrigal club office for 16 years, most of her involvement over the years has been voluntary.

“I retired from the office when I turned 70 but then became Director of Finance, which voluntary position I still hold,” she said.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said women like Meldrum play an important role in community development and making rural NSW a great place to live.

“It is so important we honour their contributions to ensure that voluntary work is valued and respected,” he said.

“Beris is a well-known community member in Terrigal.

“Day after day, week after week and year after year, Beris is down at the surf club volunteering her time as a trainer, official, first aider and almost every other role you can think of.

“She truly embodies a local hidden treasure.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said more than 1,000 women from across rural and regional NSW have been enshrined on the honour roll since 2010, each nominated by a member of theirlocal community.

“Women play an important role in community development and making rural NSW a great place to live and it is important we honour their contributions to ensure that voluntary work is valued and respected,” she said.

“Whether it’s supporting individuals or groups within their communities through volunteering in aged care, emergency services, environmental management, health, sport, education and tourism, women are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes who keep our communities connected.

“They do this freely and without fanfare but they are the backbone of our communities and our society simply wouldn’t function effectively without them, so it’s incredibly important to take the opportunity to sing their praises and celebrate their significant contributions.”

Hidden Treasures is a project of the Rural Women’s Network, a state-wide initiative of Women NSW which is funded by a $3.7M investment from the NSW Government.

Terry Collins