GISBORNE resident Christine Unsworth has dedicated her working life to improving the Royal Children's Hospital.
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Ms Unsworth started working at the hospital in 1984 and in the following 28 years she worked in a number of senior positions - including public relations manager, hospital auxiliaries and volunteers manager and chief executive.
Between 1996 and 2012 she was the director of the Good Friday Appeal, during which time $160 million was raised for the hospital.
This is more than half the total $240 million raised in the appeal's 81-year history.
Ms Unsworth said she was thrilled to be made a Member of the Order of Australia - a prestigious honour that is bestowed on a maximum of 300 people per year.
"It's a very humbling thing and many people made (her achievements) happen - I could never have done it on my own," she said.
"I had the privilege of being the custodian of the appeal for six years and worked with the most amazing people.
"The generosity of Victorians was astounding.
“I had the privilege of meeting many families who had sick children … It was really a very rewarding experience working with the hospital and the Good Friday appeal.”
She said a big part of her role involved forming relationships with people from all walks of life, to encourage them to support the hospital's fantastic work.
Ms Unsworth grew up in Melbourne but moved to Gisborne about 30 years ago.
She is married to Ric Comber and has four children, two step-children and nine grandchildren.