Heritage award winners with Dr Refshauge, Deputy Premier, at the State Library of NSW. Photograph by Paramount Studios

"There is a long and illustrious history of volunteering in heritage conservation work and without volunteers like these many of the hundreds of community heritage projects run each year in NSW would not be possible," said Dr Refshauge, Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Heritage, in presenting the awards at the State Library of NSW in August 2002.

The awards recognise the outstanding performance of individuals and community groups who have significantly improved the profile of heritage management in their local communities, successfully motivated and managed heritage projects, and promoted the value of heritage.

The NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Awards winners were:

Mavis Barnes - for her work with the Kendall Heritage Society and commitment to the promotion of heritage within the Hastings local government area.

Barbara Hickson - for her promotion work and efforts for heritage in the central west of NSW, particularly in the Cobb & Co. Trail project.

Shylie Brown - for her work with the National Trust, Parramatta branch; and her contribution to the development of the Parramatta REP.

Wendy Hucker- for her contribution to the conservation of movable heritage, and particularly for the National Quilt Register.

Paul Budde - for his commitment, drive and enthusiasm in establishing the Great North Road Convict Trail Project.

Uncle Warner Saunders - for his contribution to the identification, protection and conservation of his culture and heritage in the Taree region through both his Aboriginal community and the NPWS.

Aunty Maggie Morris - for her lifelong commitment to the conservation and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage, particularly in the Nambucca region.

Ted Fields Snr - for his work in the conservation of cultural heritage in the Walgett area, including traditional language and use of traditional plants for food and medicinal purposes.

Coral Peckham and Will Burns - for their work for Aboriginal culture in the Dubbo area, particularly the conservation of stone axe grinding grooves at Terragungamine Reserve and their work for the Native Title Claim.

Johnny Blackwood - for many years service to the Geurie community in the conservation of cultural heritage (both historical and cultural) in and around Geurie.

Dennis Brown - for 10 years of service to the Berrima branch of the National Trust, particularly fund-raising for Harper's Mansion and Wingecarribee River conservation.

Elizabeth Lipscomb - for 12 years of committed and tireless service to the National Trust and as an active member of the Southern Tableland Regional Committee.

Diana Nelson - for 15 years of service to the National Trust, particularly for her work for the S.H. Ervin Gallery, the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Everglades in the Blue Mountains.

Dr Bruce Mitchell - for 21 years of service to the National Trust, particularly for his work at Saumarez and Booloominbah and in establishing an effective partnership with Armidale Dumaresq Council.

Ada Mumford - for ten years of exemplary service to the National Trust, particularly for her work at Old Government House, Parramatta.

Dr Bruce Mitchell at the National Trust's Saumarez Homestead. Photograph courtesy of The Armidale Express

Volunteers working on the Old Longworth Logging Tramway project organized by Mavis Barnes. Photograph courtesy of Kendall Heritage Society

Ted Fields snr. Photograph courtesy of Wendy Spencer, Dharriwaa Project, Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service 2001

Quilt owned by Lurine Lydiard, part of the National Quilt Register contributed to by volunteer Wendy Hucker. Photograph courtesy of the National Quilt Register