Kathy Selwood boasts an impressive track record.

Five years with the Rural Fire Service, 26 years with the Orange Lapidary Club, plenty in horticulture and 40 years working full time.

It’s her craftwork and teaching others that give her most satisfaction.

“Carving, I have always carved. Its satisfying to take a bit of rock and turn it into something,” she said.

Miss Selwood is highly skilled in older crafts including carving, scrimshawing, silver smithing, lost wax carving and enamelling and is keen to impart her knowledge to younger generations.

“I work at home and I teach at the lapidary club in Sale Street. We try to teach some of the old crafts that we hope will carry on.”

She has taken months to create intricate and highly-detailed designs and judges at national competitions.

Miss Selwood is involved in communications and programming with the Ophir RFS and instructs volunteers.

She says Australia Day is important. “It’s about being Australian, helping people. You end up meeting people you don’t normally see the rest of the year,” she said.