Mrs Rainbow was recognised for service to the Wauchope community.

"I like to think nobody can work alone really but to get an award it does mean others have contributed to your journey," she said.

"It is important to share and care."

Mrs Rainbow said she was very honoured and privileged to be awarded the OAM.

"I always feel so many people deserve the honours and I feel like it is a shared honour for the people who support you and your pursuits.

"I always like to refer to "we" because I think the sign of a good leader is to acknowledge others."

Mrs Rainbow has contributed to a range of organisations from Wauchope District Historical Society to Wauchope Community Progress Association, Wauchope Lasiandra Festival and Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Add to that list the Pembrooke Hall Management Committee, Radio 2Way FM, Wauchope Show Society, Wauchope Centenary of Rail and Wauchope Junior Rugby League Football Club.

Mrs Rainbow has also been a longstanding scripture teacher at Wauchope Public School and Beechwood Public School.

"The reward for me [with scripture classes] is sharing my faith and the children having somebody they know is going to be reliable and always there," she said.

Other community organisations have also benefited from Mrs Rainbow's volunteer efforts.

The sense of belonging and community support are some of the reasons why Mrs Rainbow loves living in Wauchope which she describes as the "mother of the valley".

She has been a community volunteer in Wauchope and Pembrooke all her adult life, and is also involved in the Pappinbarra community.

"I'm a people person and I want to be somebody who makes a contribution," Mrs Rainbow said.

That contribution also resulted in Mrs Rainbow being named Port Macquarie-Hastings Senior Citizen of the Year in 2016 and receiving a Premier's Community Service Award in 2015.

"I believe when you look outwards in life you can see where you can help," Mrs Rainbow said.