A WOMAN who has dedicated the majority of her adult life to helping others in the Taree community has been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
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Lynette Macinnis, from Taree, is naturally modest and prefers to stay out of the limelight, so the recognition on such a level for her contributions has been "quite overwhelming".
"I've been blessed with good health and that has enabled me to do all the things that I enjoy doing," the 80-year-old said.
"You don't expect to get recognised for doing things that you get lots of satisfaction from."
As news of her award spread on Monday morning, Lyn fielded many congratulatory phone calls and spent time celebrating with family members who were visiting for the weekend.
Lyn's OAM was for service to the community of Taree.
That service includes 36 years with the Red Cross, and more than 40 years with Meals on Wheels, the women's auxiliary of the Bushland Place Retirement Home, the Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Women's Association and 45 years in the Taree Saleyard Canteen (which ran up until only a few weeks ago).
For Taree Red Cross, she has been secretary since 2003, an executive member for 15 years, a life member since 1994 and has received a long service award for 20 years service and two bars (10 years).
She has been a Telecross volunteer since 1990 (Telecross is Red Cross's telephone support service).
Lyn's passion for volunteering began when she started helping at her children's school canteen.
She was still helping at Chatham High School long after her children had left and has devoted much of her time to helping others ever since.
Her interest in the Red Cross and its important role in Australia and around the world was first sparked as she watched her mother volunteer with the Mount George branch, including in the role as treasurer.
"My mum was a member of Red Cross for many years and I always said that when my children were old enough I would get involved.
"You do get a lot of satisfaction out of it."
Taree Red Cross has a number of fundraising activities throughout the year and this Friday (June 14) will have a street stall in Manning Street.
In September, Lyn and her husband Don will again host their annual fundraising garden party at their home which features a fashion parade and, this year, musical entertainment.
About three years ago the organisation became a club instead of a branch, which means they do not have an executive committee but still have regular meetings.
As a Telecross volunteer she makes calls to the elderly and housebound clients every morning that she is rostered on.
This service is a shared passion for herself and Don, who is also a volunteer.
She finds it a very rewarding role and values the service of Telecross but said things are more difficult now that the government has cut funding for the service.
She joined Meals on Wheels in 1971, and along with Don, delivers meals on a regular basis once a month (or more if required).
"It takes about an hour of your day and it really is appreciated by clients.
"Its' a a wonderful service and it keeps people in their homes longer."
She said the Taree Saleyard canteen was run by the Presbyterian Women's Association which used it as a main fundraiser.
Lyn was responsible for buying the food and the volunteers would be there by 6.30am on the day of the sales to serve breakfast to the working men.
She says making such a contribution to her community is part of the joy she gets out of life.
"I wouldn't do it if I didn't enjoy it - it's all fun and you get far more out of it than what you give.
"It's just what you do. It's important to help other people."
Lyn plans on continuing to volunteer for as long as she can.
