Not only did Mrs Galloway survive, over the past 25 years Sureway has grown to 90 sites across NSW, Victoria and South Australia and employs close to 350 people.

Mrs Galloway has been named Wagga's Woman of the Year and in accepting the award this week said she was pleased to do so on behalf of all women who worked and raised families at the same time.

"There are some fantastic stories of women out there who are full-time mothers and who are successful in their own businesses," Mrs Galloway said.

"It's great to see the contribution of women within the business community is being acknowledged."

The award was presented to Mrs Galloway by Member for Wagga, Daryl Maguire, who nominated her for the title of NSW Premier's Woman of the Year.

The title was won by Turia Pitt, who has fought back from horrific burns suffered in a bushfire while marathon running in Western Australia to raise money that helps burns survivors.

Mr Maguire said Mrs Galloway displayed outstanding leadership qualities.

"She has built a successful business and yet she is the most humble person you could meet, and I think that says a lot about her as an individual," Mr Maguire said.

Mrs Galloway stepped away from day-to-day running of Sureway about two years ago to become founding chairwoman of Committee 4 Wagga.

The committee was formed by businesspeople to enhance the Wagga community.

It's achievements so far include raising more than $100,000 for the planned installation of security cameras in Wagga's main street and organising the successful Wagga Live 2013 New Years Eve celebrations that attracted more than 10,000 people.

"Business has a role to play in the future of our community," Mrs Galloway said.

"People say council should be doing this and the government should be doing that.

"We are equal partners.

"That is the philosophy behind the Committee 4 Wagga."

Mrs Galloway thanked her family - husband Paul, eldest son Paul, daughters Elizabeth and Alexandra and youngest son David - for all their support.