Chantelle’s surprise recognition

The 2024 honour roll was released at the end of May, and nominations for 2025 inductees are now open.

Mrs Shevels has been specifically honoured for her involvement with the Deniliquin Pastoral & Agricultural Society, but also as a Rural Fire Service volunteer and business leader as owner of Grass Roots Finance.

She was nominated by her fellow P&A Society committee member Erika Heffer.

While she is one who prefers to “fly under the radar”, Mrs Shevels said it was a “lovely surprise”.

“I'm honoured to be included on the 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, a program that celebrates the remarkable contributions of rural women in New South Wales who volunteer their time and skills to support their communities, and a special thankyou to Erika for taking the time to complete the nomination.

“As someone deeply committed to regional resilience, community engagement, and holistic financial support, this recognition reaffirms the values I bring to both my professional and volunteer roles.

“Whether it’s through my work as a finance broker / business advisor, or my long-standing involvement with local organisations like the Deniliquin P&A Society and the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, I’m passionate about creating lasting impact in rural Australia.”

Mrs Shevels was president of the P&A Society from 2000 to 2024, and remains on the committee, and has been a volunteer firefighter since 2005.

“Under her leadership, the show committee navigated two challenging years of COVID-19 and a major flood event,” Mrs Heffer said in her nomination.

“Chantelle’s tireless dedication earned the Pastoral & Agricultural Society the Outstanding Community Organisation Award at the 2023 Deniliquin Business Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards.

“Thanks to Chantelle’s collaboration with the local council, the showgrounds received significant upgrades, including a new amenities block with toilets, showers, and changing facilities.

“Following the major flood in September 2022, which inundated the entire showgrounds, Chantelle worked diligently behind the scenes to replace and repair essential equipment and infrastructure.

“Through grants, she also replaced an enormous amount of equipment to ensure a safe working environment for all volunteers.

“Chantelle’s volunteer work is driven by her passion for ensuring that the local show continues for generations to come and so the local community thrives.”

Mrs Shevels was quick to point out that she has had help every step of the way.

“Realistically, I would not have achieved what I have without the support of my husband, Matt.

“I have also been well supported by the existing show committee, the Rural Fire Service and my Grass Roots Finance team.”

Mrs Shevels’ efforts to secure the P&A Society and its work for future generations has also seen her invited to sit on the panel about intergenerational knowledge sharing for the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation's Drought Ready Network seminar this Friday.

“The ongoing success, and indeed survival, of rural and regional communities is largely reliant on individuals stepping up to lead,” Mrs Shevels said.

“This includes working with others to preserve our community spirit, values and industries that underpin economic and cultural success.”

The ‘Passing the Batton: Sharing Intergenerational Knowledge in Your Community’ forum is open to network members and ARLF alumni. Go to www.rural-leaders.org.au for more information.

To nominate for the 2025 Hidden treasures Honour Roll, go to hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com.