Diana was educated at the Pymble Ladies College in Sydney, and attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Sydney University.

In 1972 she married long time friend Colin Rose.

In 1974 they moved to Taree where Colin joined an established Taree Medical Practice. From the outset, Diana became actively involved with the administration/business side of the practice.

During the 1980s Diana was instrumental in establishing a Neighbour Soup Kitchen in Taree for disadvantaged people.

Between 1975 and 1982 Diana and Colin had three children, son Andrew, daughter Alexandra and another son, Tim.

Both Diana and Colin are devoted parents and grandparents who recognise the importance of being involved in their children’s activities.

Diana was a member of the Taree West Public School P and C, worked in the canteen and assisted with various school events and activities.

Long after her children had moved on from public school, Diana volunteered her time on a weekly basis as a remedial reading teacher for a total of 22 years.

She has been personally responsible for helping countless children gain a better start in life.

When her children became boarders at The Scots College and Pymble Ladies College in Sydney, Diana joined the Boarders Parents Association for both PLC and the Scots College.

While all of these activities were going on, somehow Diana still made time to be involved with many community activities.

Right from her early years in Taree, these activities have included some 12 years as a regularly rostered volunteer information provider with the now superseded Citizens Advice Bureau and 40 years as a volunteer meal deliverer, board member, long serving treasurer and current president with Manning Valley Food Services Inc (Meals on Wheels).

She also worked for many years as an advocate for the establishment of Taree Family Day Care service and subsequently was a member and long serving president (10 years plus) of the management committee.

Additionally, she was a very active fundraiser and advocate for a new Taree and District Preschool, and long serving president or more than 10 years.

She has always been a strong supporter of the arts and cultural development.

Diana is renowned for her tremendous support of Colin’s Rotary membership and all the various Rotary activities, particularly the International Exchange programs.

They hosted no less than 14 youth exchange students.

On each occasion, Diana was the nurturing “Den Mother” counsellor, homemaker, hostess, transport organiser and social secretary - roles she undertook selflessly and sensitively.

For the past 25 years, Diana and Colin have also hosted Friendship Exchanges, members of Group Study Exchanges.

A strong promoter and advocate for the establishment of the Manning Valley Anglican College in Taree, Diana worked tirelessly to see this dream come to fruition.

The college was opened in 2003.

Prior to that, Diana and Colin spent many hours landscaping the grounds, planting, watering and maintaining them. They continue this maintenance today.

Diana and Colin are parishioners of St John`s Anglican Church in Taree where they support activities, including helping to maintain the gardens.

When in 2009 Colin received an OAM for: “Services to the community of Taree”, he was quick to say: “There is no doubt that the service delivery of a country doctor relies on a supportive spouse. For close to 40 years Di has always been that. Much of my personal and professional success can be attributed to Di.”

In the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellow, Diana was described as a remarkable lady who is the classic “quiet achiever”.

She is tireless in her efforts to build a better community and to invest much of her time in caring for the aged as well assisting children, young people and families, both locally and overseas.

A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Diana is an approachable, caring person who is highly respected for her commonsense, compassion, reliability, integrity and strong work ethic.

Diana has dedicated the past 40 years of her life to helping others.

She is a calm, warm, and gracious lady who always has a smile for everyone. She is a self effacing person who never seeks the limelight, but simply just gets on with the job.

Just recently, she attended a dinner thanking her for her many years as a blood donor.

She received a Medal in the Order of Australia in 2015.