Women of Warren Shire - Jacqui Lomas
03 November 2023
What was meant to be a six-week stay in Warren turned into 38 years and counting for Jacqui Lomas, who fell in love with the people and the “feel of the town” back in 1985.
Since then, Jacqui has dedicated her time to countless local organisations, including Fire and Rescue NSW, Warren Central School Breakfast Club, the Warren Squash Club, and Warren Museum and Art Gallery.
A selfless volunteer and truly community-minded woman, we celebrate Jacqui’s contributions as this month’s Woman of Warren Shire.
Quickfire questions…
A usual morning looks like…
I wake up at 5.15am every morning and do a 10 minute meditation before heading out to the bus at 6am. When I get back to town, you will see me walking my rescue greyhound, Summer, around town.
I’m most proud of…
My three children.
On the weekend you can find me…
Visiting my kids and grandkids, or in my garden.
A quote or piece of advice you live by…
“There’s always somebody worse off.”
What is your favourite place in Warren Shire?
My favourite places in the Shire are Macquarie Park and the river.
Some more about you…
What do you love most about Warren Shire?
The people and the town itself.
I came to Warren after two years travelling around Australia. I was only going to stay six weeks and that was 38 years ago! I loved the feel of the town and volunteered at the hospital to meet people; I have also worked at numerous businesses around town.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey, including some of your most significant achievements?
Some of my greatest achievements include reaching Deputy Co-Captain status at Fire and Rescue NSW, as well as receiving the Community Services award at the Warren Shire Australia Day Awards.
You recently retired from Fire and Rescue NSW after 13 dedicated years of service. What did you enjoy most about giving back to the community in this role?
I enjoy doing the home fire safety visits to keep the community safe.
Now, you can often be found volunteering your time at the Warren Squash Club and Warren Museum and Art Gallery. Why do you think it’s important to support these types of organisations within our community?
I think it’s important because if nobody volunteers, these things will just disappear. We need to keep these organisations going for the next generation.
And of course, you’re known for your tireless support of the Shire’s youth. From 21 years spent serving breakfast at the Warren Central School Breakfast Club, to driving the school bus and putting up Christmas light displays, Halloween trick-or-treating and ‘just because’ baking - what motivates you to put a smile on the faces of local kids each and every day?
Because they make me laugh every day in return. I overhear stuff that would probably make most parents’ hair curl, but rest assured, it stays with me!
What advice would you give to other women living in rural communities?
Get out there and join things to meet people, even if you have young kids or babies. I joined the play group, and it was a great way to meet other parents.
To nominate a Warren Shire woman to be featured in this series, email media@warren.nsw.gov.au
Download this profile as a PDF.