Ms Lyford said she was sharing the honour with those she has worked with over her 29 years in Gloucester.

“When someone receives an award such as this, it cannot be earned alone,” she said.

“I would like to share the honour of this award with everyone who has ever sat beside me, mentored me, was a team member, colleague or friend across the 29 years of our lives in Gloucester.

“It is the team spirit that gets things done- and this award honours all of you."

Ms Lyford’s love of Gloucester is evident in the long list of community projects and roles she has undertaken in her time in the town.

Some of her many accomplishments include that of becoming mayor (2007-2009) and deputy mayor (1999-2000).

There is also an almost endless list of committee roles that continue today through local groups and organisations.

“Gloucester is a wonderful community and always will be,” she said.

“People make a place. For me this has truly been the only place I really call home, which is why it has been a pleasure and an honour to have been part of positive teams of wonderful people who love this valley.”

Ms Lyford migrated from England at the age of 18 and is thankful for the opportunities her adopted country has provided.

It is that gratefulness that drove her into community work.

“I have always felt indebted to Australia for giving me such a safe, fascinating and diverse lifestyle where opportunities are there if you want to work for them,” she said.

“I shall always feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to make the choice to come to this country, indeed it is my gratitude that has driven me to give back to the community in whatever way is productive.”