Helen Guthrie awarded Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia

The 77-year-old said it was mind-boggling.

Mrs Guthrie was recognised for service to the community of Port Macquarie.

Her voluntary service spans Garden Village Auxiliary Committee and Port Macquarie Meals on Wheels.

“To read in the letter I have been awarded this prestigious medal is mind-boggling to start with,” she said.

“Just to say thank you seems very trite but I mean it most sincerely.”

She stressed the important community contribution of all volunteers.

Mrs Guthrie is one of 641 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia who have been recognised for contributions and service to fellow citizens in Australia and internationally.

She started as a Meals on Wheels volunteer after moving to Garden Village with her husband Bob.

Mrs Guthrie devotes about 30 minutes each day delivering hot meals within Garden Village.

“It has become our home and if you’re asked to do something within your home, you do it,” Mrs Guthrie said.

She enjoys being a Port Macquarie Meals on Wheels volunteer.

“I just like meeting people and it’s a privilege to go into their homes,” Mrs Guthrie said.

“We have a chat and a laugh.”

She said the Meals on Wheels volunteers worked as a team.

Mrs Guthrie also volunteers at the village’s op shop in Findlay Avenue.

“It’s all once again a group of wonderful people,” she said.

“I love it.”

Mrs Guthrie said the op shop was also a team effort.

She helps at the op shop once a month in addition to regularly attending working bees.

The op shop opens every Wednesday and Thursday and the second Saturday of the month.

Money raised at the op shop stays within Garden Village.

Mrs Guthrie said she enjoyed the companionship and friendships made through her volunteer roles.