Griffith just so happens to be home to one such recipient.

Deb Longhurst received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her tireless volunteer work around the community.

She was humble in speaking of the recognition.

“It was a very big surprise and a lovely surprise,” she said.

“I guess it was just some very nice people thought I needed it.

“I'm hoping to take the focus off the paid work that I’ve done.

“I don't think you deserve an award for paid work.”

Be it her work with Riding for the Disabled – where she’s taught a class once a week for years and years, or her efforts with the Griffith Carevan.

Even pitching in with Midnight Basketball, it seems wherever there’s a worthy cause, Ms Longhurst is there.

“I’m getting a lot more attention now than I usually would,” Ms Longhurst said.

“I don’t do it for the praise or for the awards though.

“You do it because you know you can make a difference in someone’s life.”

Nominated by her peers, this was the first award she had ever one.

What makes her get up every morning with the goal to help others?

Well, Ms Longhurst said it was pretty simple.

“You get a sense of pride from helping people,” she said.

“It’s about setting an example for young people about what you can create if you see something that needs help.”

She hoped to get others involved so as to bring people together for a good cause – no matter what it may be.

“It's just about promoting that there are other people out there who are willing to help,” she said.

“So people in need know that.

“It's about creating a sense of community that you can be proud of.”