Mrs Johnson volunteers every day to the United Hospital Auxillary (UHA) at the Moree Hospital and coordinates the daily operation of the UHA kiosk. 

“I do quite a bit over there,” she said.

“I’m the treasurer on a committee, been in it for about 10 years so we run the kiosk mainly, raise money to buy equipment for the hospital.

“I’ve been in the Moree Day View Club which is affiliated with the Smith Family for 20 odd years, can’t remember how many now, but I’ve been on the committee for many years.”

She didn’t quite know how to react when she found out she had won the award.

“I’m a bit floored by it actually. I’m honoured but very humbled by it. You don’t do these things for rewards,” Mrs Johnson said.

Mrs Johnson moved to Moree in 1973 with her husband and she wanted to give back to the community that has been her home for many years.

“When I left work I just wanted to give some time to the community, to give back,” she said.

“I just think it’s a great community. I feel you get more out of volunteering than you give because you meet some amazing people and you make lots of new friends so it works both ways.”

Mrs Johnson was also thrilled to see the UHA win Volunteer Group of the Year.

“They’re a bunch of older ladies and a lot of them are in their senior years and they give up their time so it’s really good,” she said.

“It’s great and I’m pleased to be with them. I’ve been volunteering in a lot of things for many years but as I say, you don’t expect those sorts of things. 

“I certainly didn’t expect Citizen of the Year.”