Dierdre Landells of Narooma didn't expect to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) during the annual Queen's Birthday Honours.
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She said her services to the community is something she simply did under the radar.
"I am very humbled and grateful of the recognition," she said.
"I also pass on my gratitude to all who worked towards the presentation and put time into the submission," she said.
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When expressing her gratitude, Ms Landells' husband piped up in the background and said: "don't forget to thank me, I have had to put up with you".
Ms Landells laughed and thanked her husband for his support.
Before retiring, Ms Landells worked at Moruya District Hospital.
She provided extra support to Narooma patients as familiar face.
She was the first woman to join the board of the Narooma Golf Club. In the 1980s she became a committee member and president of the Ladies Club and has held various positions with the Far South Coast Ladies Committee.
She has organised many successful golf days and charity events which raised funds primarily for the Moruya Hospital.
Her main focus now is the Narooma Legacy Group.
"With my fellow legatees, we continue to support our local widows however we can," Ms Landells said.
"Our widows are mainly in their 80s and 90s now, the numbers are decreasing.
"I want people to know that Legacy extend their support to families of returned servicemen, those affected and are at times of crisis.
"I hope Legacy continues to be a worthwhile cause," she said.
Ms Landells also became Legacy vice-president of the Wollongong Board in 2018.