For Anne Conway, being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia this Queen's Birthday holiday is one of her greatest achievements.

The Bendigo resident said she remembered saying a long time ago that it would be "such an honour" to achieve, but never thought it would happen.

"It's something I admire and have great respect for," Ms Conway said, adding she was "overwhelmed but thankful and happy" for the accolade.

Ms Conway's contributions to the Bendigo community span a number of areas.

She was a foundation member of community radio station Phoenix FM, part of a group who established the outlet after recognising there was a gap and a need locally for community access radio.

The station went on air in the mid-2000s and acquired a full-time licence and its own frequency in 2010.

Ms Conway said Phoenix FM provided a space for various genres of music, ethnic broadcasting, Indigenous broadcast, the LGBT community, youth shows, and specialised topics.

"Phoenix has made a big difference because we give a voice to people who might not have a voice otherwise," she said.

Today, she is the station's secretary, business manager and Indigenous broadcasting team leader.

While not an Eaglehawk resident - she lives in Long Gully - Ms Conway is also a member of Empowering Eaglehawk, which she describes as a "great organisation".

Ms Conway is also instrumental in organising events that celebrate the area's Aboriginal community.

She has been a member of the local NAIDOC Week committee for 20 years, and is now deep in preparations for this year's occasion.

Ms Conway has also served on the city's Reconciliation Committee and helps organise the Nara Dreaming art exhibition.

Following the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, she was involved in Eaglehawk's Our Place bushfire recovery eforts.

A former singer, Ms Conway had a long-running showcase at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, was inducted into the city's Hands of Fame in 1997 and won a number of awards.

She also used to perform at aged care facilities and fundraisers.

Now retired, Ms Conway said her contributions to the community were an extension of her working life and social life: it was only natural she used her contacts and knowledge for the good of the community.

"If I wasn't doing it all, I think I'd have a pretty empty life," she said.

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