She accredits the award to the hundreds of women who have supported her or she has advocated for over the past 25 years.

Mrs Armstrong moved to Oura in 1987 to work and live on a farm with her husband.

She had no daughters or sisters and her three sons had grown up.

Farm work was a world away from the life she was used to in Wollongong and she craved some interaction.

She came across a female neighbour and invited her to morning tea.

From this meeting, she eventually started the Country Women’s Association Oura Branch in 1992.

“I lived in a man’s world for so long,” she said. 

“I’ve never laughed as much as I have with them.

“When I joined, I thought I’d just have a social contact group.

“It really gelled with me that it was women helping women.”

The CWA provides disaster relief funds, funding to community groups and the Royal Flying Doctor Association, $1000 for a scholarship at Charles Sturt University, money for medical research and assists with international aid in the South Pacific.

Plus they make a phenomenal cup of tea and scones.

“I had no idea of the depth or outreach of our association,” she said.

“We do so much.”

Mrs Armstrong was told in October that she was receiving the award, which she was delighted to accept with great honour.

While she is flattered by the personal recognition, Mrs Armstrong said this is also recognition of the organisation as a whole

CWA of NSW​

CWA Riverina Group

CWA Oura Branch​