Serving the community runs in Margaret Primmer's family with the former Terang women being recognised on Australia Day 56 years after her mother was also honoured.
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Mrs Primmer, who grew up on a farm at Kolora, started a branch of the Country Women's Association in Terang in 1964.
She has been acknowledged for her lifelong charity work with an Order of Australia Medal for her services to women and the community.
Almost 56 years ago to the day, her mother was given an MBE.
"When they rang from Canberra, it just flashed back," Mrs Primmer said.
"She got a Member of the British Empire for her community service just like me and she was heavily involved in most organisations in Terang."
And just like her mother, Mrs Primmer said she didn't feel like she deserved it.
"I never expected for one minute I would ever get one," she said.
"I suppose if you sit down and look at what you've done over many years, it all adds up doesn't it.
"It started in Terang but I suppose I've kept doing it all my life."
In Terang Mrs Primmer also served on school advisory boards and was president of the high school mothers' club.
She served as president and secretary of the Terang CWA branch before moving to Geelong and taking up the same positions there.
Mrs Primmer has worked for the agricultural society for 50 years, judging at various shows including Noorat.
She has served as president of the Bareena Bowling Club, did meals on wheels in Terang and Geelong and made haggis for the Victorian Scottish Union dinners.
Mrs Primmer also still makes cakes for raffles for the Belmont Elderly Citizens club, and delivers meals to sick friends and relatives.
Meanwhile, Colac doctor Michael Connor has been awarded an OAM for service to medicine and the community.
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.
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