The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a publication released each year by the NSW Department of Primary Industries acknowledging rural and remote volunteers from across the state.

Of the 87 women to have been inducted in 2018, Vicki Wilson and Margaret Gaal are two that Bathurst can be very proud of.

Ms Wilson is the owner of Town and Country Rural Supplies, while Ms Gaal works as a senior ranger at Bathurst’s Small Animal Pound.

Both women have been honoured for their superb community outreach efforts and their inspiring acts of selflessness.

Ms Wilson was instrumental last year in helping promote the Thumbs Up for Farmers campaign to help collect valuable goods for drought-stricken farmers.

She also helped get together a barbecue at Town and Country each weekday for farmers to meet up.

“During the campaign, we saw about 500 hampers issued throughout the Bathurst area,” she said.

“When you have a business in the community, going that little bit further to help out your fellow person makes a big difference.”

In addition, Ms Wilson was named 2018 Citizen of the Year and was a finalist in the NSW Woman of the Year awards last year.

Meanwhile, Ms Gaal has been instrumental in introducing a pet desexing program for low income earners within the Bathurst community.

The program has been a joint operation between Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst RSPCA and local veterinarians.

“We desex a lot of animals from here in the hope that we reduce the number of unwanted pets,” Ms Gaal said.

“It’s all about helping animals find a better home."

Ms Gaal is also the president of Bathurst’s RSPCA branch, and is a key figure behind the annual Million Paws Walk along the Macquarie River.

As two inspiring women of the Bathurst community, both Ms Wilson and Ms Gaal agree that self-determination is key to making a difference.

“No matter what your pursuits are, just believe in yourself and have a go,” Ms Wilson said.

“Stay positive, always be proactive in your community and remember to respect others,” Ms Gaal added.