Deanne Phillips has dedicated more than three decades to helping the disadvantaged and is a worthy winner of a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Mrs Phillips told the Central Western Daily she was a compassionate person who devoted enormous energy to the Orange community through OCTEC and aged care assistance.
“I have worked with an outstanding group of people, loyal and committed to the betterment of others,” she said.
“I am very proud of the thousands of people we have together assisted into meaningful jobs while assisting in setting them on a career pathway.”
Mrs Phillips has seen OCTEC grow from a small youth service in 1976 to a multi-million dollar organisation meeting the needs of thousands of people annually.
Along the way she has picked up many awards and accolades, and was described by honorary treasurer for a 23 year period Barry Jeffriess as a pillar stone of the organisation.
In 1998 she was nominated for an Australia Day citizen of the year award, and such was her dedication, OCTEC named the state of the art online training studio The Phillips Centre in her honour.
By any measure Mrs Phillips has demonstrated achievement at a high level, made a contribution over and above what might be reasonably expected through paid employment and made a contribution to the community that stands out from others.
“The most significant memory of my working life is to be aware that often it is the small acts of kindness that can and do have a profound effect on other people’s lives,” she said.
“I am humbled and honoured to be receiving this award.”