A steadfast and tireless contributor to the Gulgong community has been recognised as the 2021 Dubbo Electorate Woman of the Year.
Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders was joined by Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor on Monday to present this year’s award to Joy Harrison.
“This time last year I stood in Parliament to recognise Joy’s contribution to Gulgong through her work as a founding member of the Gulgong Gold Experience, and her efforts promoting the town as the correspondent for the Mudgee Guardian,” Mr Saunders said.
“So it gives me great pride to stand here today – International Women’s Day – to honour Joy as our Dubbo Electorate Woman of the Year!
“It’s people like Joy who make our country towns the best places in the world to live. Thank you Joy for everything you do!”
Mrs Harrison is a coordinator at the Gulgong Gold Experience, which she helped establish seven years ago, and has continued to volunteer at since it opened in 2016.
“I’m fourth generation Gulgong, and although I was born and bred in the city, I spent all of my holidays in the country and my grandmother was passionate about the history of Gulgong,” Mrs Harrison said.
“Right from when I was a little girl she instilled that passion in me and when we got the opportunity to move back here we just took it.”
Mrs Harrison said she was “completely humbled” by her award, but hoped her recognition would help inspire others – particularly younger generations – to volunteer for their communities.
“Gulgong’s attractions, including the museum, are run completely by volunteers and that’s why I think we do so well,” she said.
“Everyone is so passionate about the history of our town and so I’d say get out there and do it!”