But she’s not a a gardener or a removalist.

Mrs Irwin has just received Orange’s Local Woman of the Year award for her dedication to supplying needy families with practical help.

Her Pay It Forward (PIF) organisation stated out in her garage before expanding to a community shed with a community crisis accommodation centre set to open next in Peisley Street.

The social care network has helped about 4000 needy Orange families in the past 15 months.

“Certainly it wasn’t my intention to turn my garage into a community facility,” she said.

But, that’s what happened when she needed somewhere to store and manage goods, food and clothing to distribute to needy families.

Families needing food, clothing and household items plus services including work around the home are referred to PIF.

Mrs Irwin and her team of 25 volunteers then deliver the goods and provide the services.

They have provided complete furniture packages to needy people move into a new home and workers to mow grass to help some people avoid being evicted from rental accommodation.

“I’m all about community. It is an open access service.”

She received her award from local member Phil Donato.

“It’s a tremendous support that you provide,” he said.