But she was most pleased because the award gives her the opportunity to spread awareness of ROC Inc and raise funds for ovarian cancer research.

Ms Armour established Rare Ovarian Cancer Incorporated (ROC Inc) after her daughter was diagnosed with a rare ovarian cancer in 2016 aged just 16.

In the 18 months since the inception of the not-for-profit ROC Inc, Ms Armour has coordinated events that have helped raise $50,000 for vital research.

"I'm happy to say we've created the world's largest and first research for juvenile granulosa cell tumor, which is a rare ovarian cancer that my daughter was diagnosed with," she said.

"It had no research whatsoever. It's survival rate is very poor due to there being no national screening test but also the symptoms are quite vague and not everyone is aware of them.

"We are actually lobbying at the moment trying to get the Australian Government to fund the research for granulosa cell tumours, which they've never ever funded."

Tamieka Garcia, the youngest boxing promoter in Australia, was also acknowledged during Shellharbour's Australia Day celebrations.

The 20-year-old was named Shellharbour's Young Citizen of the Year for 2020.

Read more: Meet the Illawarra's Australia Day honours recipients

Tamieka has had Type 1 diabetes since she was 13 but still manages to accomplish great things, including running her own gym, where she trains young and old alike.

She also works with the youth of the Illawarra, including students from St Joseph's Catholic High School and Warilla High School.