Rosemary Leitch, mayor of Armidale City Council from 1988 to 1993, receives an AM in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
"I am truly humbled by the award, for I have learnt it is far more enriching to give than to receive," Ms Leitch said.
She is one of two Armidale residents named in the list.
Helena Smith was also honoured, with an OAM in the general division for service to community health and to social welfare organisations.
Ms Leitch is a current member and benefactor of the PLC Armidale Foundation.
She has also actively participated on various boards at The University of New England. She is a board member of the Physician Practice Management Ltd, a member of the Human Research Ethics Committee and former council member.
Ms Leitch is also current Chairwoman of the Armidale Branch of the National Party and has been a friend of the NSW State Library.
She was a councillor of Armidale City Council (now Armidale Dumaresq Council) from 1983 to 1997 and served as the city's first female mayor from 1988 to 1993
"I thank Brian Martin, former clerk and general manager of Armidale City Council for his unfailing support of me, the first and only woman mayor of the city," Ms Leitch said.
"I thank too some of the fellow councillors for their support, particularly Roger Patricks and the late Pat Dixson and Bruce McClenaghan.
"In agreeing to accept the award, my thoughts turned to the community in which I have lived since 1961 and where my five children grew up and which has enabled me to enjoy such a privileged and wonderful life.
"Without the friendship, love and support of so many people I would have achieved very little."
Mrs Smith was awarded the OAM for her involvement with Legacy for more than 60 years, starting with the Forbes branch.
She has served as president, vice-president, foundation treasurer and assistant secretary treasurer of the Australian Diabetes Council, Armidale and Uralla Branch as well as the president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer of Torchbearers for Legacy, Armidale Branch where she is a patron and life member.
She has been part of the Australian Diabetes Council for 18 years.
"I was told I wasn't to dare accept office, but I ended up as the treasurer for eight years," she said.
"It was a hard one because they had a few starts and finishes of the group and several problems, but this was to be a fresh start and I'm still involved with both organisations - I will be as long as ever I can. They are both very, very special parts of my life."
Mrs Smith said she did not expect to be honoured for her work.
"I'm a quiet sort of person, very devoted to anything I work for, and it never occurred to me that there would be a reward for the sort of things I was doing," she said.
"I'm a bit overwhelmed."
