Mother Hubbard’s founder OAM

Valmae ‘Val’ Stewart, OAM, has been recognised for ‘service to communities of Camden and Dubbo’.

Mrs Stewart moved to Camden with her husband, the then minister of Camden Baptist Church, it was in 2008 that an idea to set up a small op-shop – Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard – to raise money for women and children fleeing domestic violence, was formulated.

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard motto “the community working for the community” has done just that – in 2023 that small op-shop has grown and has helped raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the disadvantaged.

The most recent has been a $100,000 donation to Blue Wren House in the Camden local government area it was opened this year as a safe place for women and children leaving abusive situations.

“Our focus has been to fundraise for organisations which are already serving the community and also help with unfunded projects,” Mrs Stewart previously said.

Mrs Stewart has also been involved in: Women's Ministry, Camden Baptist Church; Bible Teacher/Presenter, Christian Women Communicating International, since 1979; Former board member, Westhaven Association, Dubbo, and founding member, Emmanuel Care Centre, Dubbo, 1988.

OAM for music teacher

For more the 50 years Heather Bieman, OAM, a longtime resident of Camden, has been teaching and sharing the pleasure of music. She was recognised for ‘service to music through teaching’.

Mrs Bieman was surprised to have been nominated, but extremely honoured.

Her love of music was formed in her early years in New Zealand and piano became her favourite instrument. Having migrated to Australia she settled in Camden where she taught music at Camden High School. After a few years she ventured out to further promote her passion for music and founded the popular AGAPE ARTS, formerly Amazing Grace Academy of Performing Excellence in 2004 at the Uniting Church in Camden.

AGAPE – means love in Greek – God love – “it was a great name under the banner of the [Uniting] church” where piano classes were taught and extended to more instruments, teachers and students.

Mrs Bieman was also the coordinator of the Combined Schools Choir, organised the annual Camden Community Carols for 20 years.

“Music is my way of being involved in the community; it give me a connection to people”, Mrs Bieman said.

She has also received acknowledgment from the community including: Camden Citizen of the Year, 2005; Australia Day Arts and Cultural Award, Camden Council, 2021, and; receiving the Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club of Camden, 2017.

OAM honours community service

Heather Bieman, Kim Hill and Val Stewart have all been recognised for their services to community receiving the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.

The three women from Camden and Wollondilly are among many to be acknowledged in the awards under the name of the newly crowned King.

Of the 1,191 Australians acknowledged – 919 received the General Division of the Order of Australia awards – six AC, 46 AO, 246 AM and 621 OAM. Since the awards were established in 1975 – this year the number of women recognised has reached parity.