Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke presents Jennifer Sturrock with her award. Photo: Supplied.
A Jugiong grandmother and hotelier has been added to the 2025 NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for supporting people who need to travel to Wagga for medical care, and other charity work.
Jennifer Sturrock, who owns and operates the Jugiong Motor Inn alongside her husband, employs around a dozen locals and still finds time to give generously to her community.
“Probably the most important thing we’ve done is raise money for people who can’t afford transport or accommodation when a family member has to travel to go to hospital in Wagga, through a raffle we run,” Ms Sturrock said.
“It’s like [cancer charity] Can Assist, but for our small town of 200 people.”
The 66-year-old, who moved to the town 12 years ago from Sydney for a tree change, said she was “embarrassed” by being added to the roll, which recognises women who do extensive charity work.
“The loveliest part about living here is you really feel like a part of the community,” she said.
”I don’t miss Sydney, apart from my children and my three grandsons. We all help each other here, it’s not just me that does the work, it’s a team effort.
That’s why I’m embarrassed. We have also opened a coffee shop in town just to keep the post office going.”
State Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Ms Sturrock was also noted for helping out when 12 different groups were stranded in Jugiong during COVID-19 lockdown.
“We were in a position, running a restaurant, bar and motor inn, to get supplies for people who needed them, given we were able to go out and get stuff for work,” Ms Sturrock said.
”We could get shopping for people and drop it off to their rooms.”
Ms Sturrock also supports a wide range of community causes, including sponsoring the local public school, running a charity book drive, facilitating art and craft workshops, and backing youth football in Harden.
Ms Cooke said: “From helping cover bills for travel, food and accommodation to delivering groceries and prescription medication during COVID lockdowns, Jenny has consistently stepped up for others.
“Jenny is one of those remarkable people who simply sees something that needs doing and gets on with it. She doesn’t ask for praise, but her community sees and values everything she does.
“The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is about recognising women like Jenny, who are the quiet achievers behind so much of the good that happens in our country communities.”
The NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll celebrates the outstanding contributions of regional women who volunteer their time to support others and strengthen their communities.
