SURPRISED and humbles was how Barbara Finch and Helen Garske received their Orders of Australia in this year's Australia Day honours list.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They were two of 613 recipients of the awards, bestowed for a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields.
Ms Finch was awarded the OAM for service to the community of Armidale through reconciliation and social justice organisations.
She is convenor of the Armidale branch of Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, committee member of Armidale Rural Australians for Refugees and coordinator of Women in Black since 2003.
"I am of course pleased to receive this award, but the real credit is to the Armidale community with its strong social fabric," Ms Finch said.
"There have always been community organisations in Armidale that have focused on social justice. There are many people involved in the groups I’m part of, groups such as the local reconciliation group ANTaR; Armidale Rural Australians for Refugees; Sustainable Living Armidale and and over the years various feminist and anti-war groups."
Mrs Garske was awarded the OAM for service to the community.
She has been a member of Rotary Club of Armidale Central; volunteer exchange student host and a volunteer of the annual Rotary Book Fair for more than 15 years.
Mrs Garske is also past president of the Inner Wheel Club, three terms, past secretary, four terms, past club historian, two terms and a member from 1991 to 2011.
She is also a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship.
"I was totally surprised and very humbles by this honour," Mrs Garske said.
"I have a wide group of friends who I enjoy, baking a cake, or preparing a meal for when they need a helping hand.
"Thank you to those who contributed to my receiving this honour and I will continue to help out and give support wherever and whenever possible."
Council of the Order of Australia chairma Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC (Retd) said the awards recognised service across a broad range of endeavours.
“They are public recognition of people who provide outstanding community service and whose achievements enhance national identity," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
“By their actions they demonstrate the qualities of positive role models. The recipients are not only worthy of respect but encourage emulation.
“These awards also recognise the ‘quiet achievers’ in our midst. They are people who serve the community, but do not seek accolades."