Throughout the years, Mrs Estens has been involved with numerous charities and organisations, most notably Variety – the children’s Charity, for which she has raised more than $1 million during her 16 years of participation in the annual Variety Bash.

“It stems from having a child that had a serious illness when he was young. I always made a promise to myself that if we come out the other side, I want to do something to make a difference to other children and families,” Mrs Estens said.

This dedication and service to the community has now earned Mrs Estens one of the highest honours – an Order of Australia Medal.

“It’s a huge honour but totally unexpected,” Mrs Estens said. “I feel very humbled by the whole thing.”

Mrs Estens has also been involved with Moree Mobile Preschool, Moree Preschool fundraising committee, Gwydir Valley Cotton Growers Association community relations committee, Moree’s sesquicentenary celebrations, Moree Pastoral and Agricultural Society, and Moree on a Plate.

While she has been a tireless volunteer, Mrs Estens is modest and said most of what she does is just a result of being involved in the community.

“Being a local, born and bred in Moree, I guess I know a lot of people and I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to help out in lots of things,” she said.

“I have my passions in the community, such as Variety - the Children’s Charity, the bash that I do has brought a lot of things back to Moree. I can’t reach my goals without lots of friends helping me. My friends have lots of passionate charities as well and I help them, they help me.

“I think that’s how communities work, it’s sort of like an evolving circle sort of thing; we all hop in, help one another.

“And when you’ve got children in schools and little community groups, you get to know people and what they’re really good at.

“Some people are really good at selling raffle tickets, some people are really good at washing up and cooking cakes; we all have our special talents and that’s what I think makes our community.

“We’re very privileged to live in this country and if we can help make a difference it doesn’t matter we’re just raising money for a piece of equipment, for a school, for children, it all helps.”

Mrs Estens said she couldn’t have raised more than $1 million without the support of the people of Moree.

“I’m sure when people see me coming they think, ‘what does she want now’,” she joked.

“I’m constantly amazed at the generosity of this town and people.

“I raised $100,000 for Variety last year but the little charity that raised $300 at a sausage sizzle is just as important. They’re doing it for their community and their cause and I think in life when we are so lucky, doing things for other people, you receive more back as you know you are helping.

“You receive back tenfold what you give.”

While there are many people who have supported her along the way, there are a few that Mrs Estens said deserve particular mention for their involvement in the Moree Charity Golf Day (her major Variety fundraiser) such as Peter and Julie Taylor, Peter and Mary Weal for helping organise celebrities, and Anthony Diprose from Dipper’s Home Timber and Hardware who is the auctioneer at the golf day.

“On behalf of many charities in this town, he has raised thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars,” Mrs Estens said.

“My golf day won’t happen without lots of volunteers and sponsors.”

Mrs Estens would also like to thank her wonderful friends and family, particularly husband Dick, for all their support of her endeavours over the years.