Margaret Fuller says she's only doing ordinary, everyday work " but her humble service has singled her out for national recognition.
Mrs Fuller is one of six Sydney Anglicans who have earned a mention in this year's Australia Day Honours for conspicuous service to a grateful nation.
Mrs Fuller has received an Order of Australia medal for service to the community as a social worker and counsellor.
"I was very surprised when I actually heard," Mrs Fuller says.
The Wollongong-based mother of 2 and grandmother of 2 says she's not used to being anything other than ordinary.
"When I received the letter it was an unreal feeling because most of the work I do is not rewarded that way. It's rewarded by watching people's lives change," she says.
"This medal is really all about being ordinary " ordinary people who do ordinary things that make an extraordinary difference."
Mrs Fuller is a member of the national board of Kairos Prison Ministries Australia.
She says the women she visits as part of the program are valuable people despite the way the rest of society might view them.
"I think prisoners are the forgotten people " out of sight out of mind " but the experience of being in prison can be profoundly traumatising. Most would think society had forgotten them," she says.
"I've felt led to be part of that because I want them to know that God hasn't forgotten them."
Mrs Fuller has a slew of other titles to her name, pointing to her involvement in a wide range ministries.
Apart from working for Anglicare Counselling in the Illawarra region for the past 20 years, she is also a member of the Illawarra Grammar School Council, the University of Wollongong Ethics Committee, and sits on several Diocesan committees.
Other Sydney Anglicans honoured this year include:
"¢ The Rev Roy Wotton, formerly the rector of St John the Evangelist Church, Gordon from 1951-1979, commended for service to the Anglican Church in Australia, particularly through the pastoral care of veterans and their families
"¢ The Rev Dr Geoffrey Bingham, formerly the rector of Holy Trinity, Miller's Point from 1953-56, commended for his service to the community through Christian ministry and as an author
"¢ Joyce Thorn, of Cobbitty, commended for service to the community of Camden through a range of welfare, church, historical and craft groups.
"¢ Ann Dooley of Mosman, commended for service to the community of Mosman through ex-Service, historical, educational and church organisations, and to support for rural communities in areas affected by drought.
"¢ Jack Kasses of Maroubra, commended for service to the community through a range of organisations, particularly in relation to fundraising for cancer research and support for families of children with cancer.
Mrs Fuller is a little embarrassed by her sudden elevation, but she believes the Australia Day honours are something everyone can get behind.
"Valuing the medal is valuing ordinary deeds that impact lives and give people hope," she says.
