Barbara Street has given her time and energy to a multitude of charities and community organisations over the years, but she says she is simply lucky to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) this Australia Day for service to her community.
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Mrs Street said she was overwhelmed to find out about the honour, and described it as a privilege.
"I'm just one of many, many people who do volunteering work," Mrs Street said.
The Albion Park Rail resident's volunteerism dates back decades.
After she married her husband John, she began working with the Red Cross, and later volunteered at her children's school canteens.
"It was sort of ingrained in you by your parents, you did something to give back to the community," Mrs Street said.
She has donated blood since the 1970s, and continues to volunteer with the Red Cross's Telecross service, calling vulnerable people to check on their welfare.
"That's a great service for people that are at home and on their own, and I enjoy doing it," she said.
Mrs Street currently serves as president of the Kiama Support Group for the Vision Impaired, and is on Shellharbour City Council's Australia Day committee.
Her volunteer work extends to knitting beanies for the homeless, even though she does not describe herself as much of a knitter.
Mrs Street and her husband belong to the Tongarra Heritage Society, which works to preserve local history.
"All our history is worth recording and preserving," she said.
The couple were also both stewards at the Albion Park Rail Show in the photography section, and encouraged people to enter their work.
Other contributions to the community include supporting and fundraising for charitable organisations.
When asked what spurred her on to keep giving to the community, Mrs Street said: "You don't get a second chance in life, you've got to do it".
Barbara Street's achievements
New South Wales Division, Red Cross Australia
- Blood/Plasma Donor, Wollongong Blood Bank, over 550 donations since 1979
- Volunteer, Telecross Program, since 2002
Community
- President, Kiama Support Group for the Vision Impaired, current
- Stewardess, Albion Park Show, Albion Park Agricultural Horticultural and Industrial Association, since 2005
- Member, Australia Day Committee, Shellharbour City Council, mid-2000s-early 2010s
- Supporter and fundraiser, range of charitable organisations including William Campbell Foundation, House with No Steps and Wollongong Symphony Orchestra
- Former Member, Kiama and Shellharbour Camera Club
- Former Knitter, Wrap with Love
- Knitter, Beanies for Homeless, 2020
- University of the Third Age, Shellharbour
- Fundraising, Pre-loved clothing rack, current
- Co-convenor, Photography for Pleasure class, 2000s
Tongarra Heritage Society
- Former Committee Member
- Member, since 2007
Awards and recognition include:
- Seniors Award, by Anna Watson MP, Member for Shellharbour, Parliament of New South Wales, 2014
- Torch Bearer, Olympic Games Sydney, 2000
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
