With a successful country music career dating back to the 1970s and now a gig as a presenter on local radio, the 83-year-old has dedicated herself to her craft and helping others in the process.

And now, all of her efforts have been recognised with a Council on the Ageing Victoria Senior Achiever Award at the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards this week.

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"I'm very humbled to be recognised by this award," she said.

"Everyone says it, but you don't do this sort of thing to get an award in the end, but knowing that someone in your audience has enjoyed your work enough to nominate you for an award is a great feeling."

A COTA Victoria Senior Achiever Award recognises Victorian seniors for their significant contributions to local communities and Victoria.

Mrs Forbes entered the country music industry with her late husband Wally after they created the Tumbleweed Band.

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The pair performed together for 24 years, up until her husband's death in 1984.

But she continued on with her career, influenced by Shirley Thoms, June Holms and Patsy Cline.

"During the course of learning the guitar and enjoying my music, I started working a lot with the senior citizens of that time," Mrs Forbes said.

"I used to go into the nursing homes and still do, I'd go to the senior clubs and do a lot of charity things.

"By the time you leave, they've got a smile on their face, and you feel you've done something for the community."

And in the past six years, she has run a fundraising concert to raise money for a genetic condition called Niemann-Pick, raising almost $20,000 through her sold-out concerts for this cause.

She has also raised money for the Salvation Army, bushfire appeals, farmers, and droughts.

"Giving back has always been something very close to my heart," she said.

"It's amazing to have the opportunity to be able to do something I love, which is playing country music, and being able to raise funds for people who need it."

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In 2006, Mrs Forbes was a foundation member of Phoenix FM and still hosts her country music program, where she plays country and bluegrass and interviews both established and emerging artists to this day.

"There are a lot of amazing artists out there and being able to promote them and get their names and music out into the world is a fabulous experience, Mrs Forbes said.

"Especially with the difficulties this industry has faced in the last few years because of the pandemic, I think it's a really important thing to do."

Even after all that, Mrs Forbes said regardless of her age, she isn't ready to give up the things she loves.

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"I don't let age define me," she said.

"I'm not aiming to give it up any day soon and I'll only be retiring when the day comes they say you can't do it anymore.

"I'm proud of the age I am, and I don't really want to hide it, because if you can keep doing the things you love, health wise and everything, then you'll stay young in mind."

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