COUNTRY Women's Association life member and Strathfieldsaye resident June Reid has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
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The 84-year-old woman received the honour for her service to the community and said she was surprised.
"It's a great honour. It's something I never expected to receive," she said.
"I am just an ordinary, everyday sort of person."
Mrs Reid has been involved in the CWA for more than 50 years, holding many roles - including president of the Victorian branch in the 1990s.
She said it was the association's values and ideals which attracted her to join.
"It gave me great insight into the the living conditions of woman and children in rural areas," she said.
"When I was state president, you would travel around and stop and talk to members in their homes.
"I got to reach out to these women and children. It made me realise that we are bigger than our own backyards."
Mrs Reid was also involved in the Bendigo State Emergency Service for 10 yeas, was chairperson of the Strath-haven Home for the Aged committee for two years and is still heavily involved in various choirs.
Ian Reid, who has been married to Mrs Reid for 62 years, said she was a worthy recipient of the medal.
"She believed in what she was doing and I believed in what she was doing," he said.
"I think the award is very deserving. She had a vision and it has been a privilege to support her."
Mrs Reid is still an active member of the CWA and said she could never imagine not serving her community.
"I just wanted the best for everyone," she said.