The couple have each received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their service to the community of Canowindra.

Anne said they feel humbled and honoured to receive the unexpected accolade.

"Everything we do, we enjoy doing, and we don't ask for recognition," she said.

For Anne, her volunteer work includes chair of the Canowindra Garden Club sub-committee, church reader and singer for 40 years at St Edward's Catholic Church, Meals on Wheels, St Vincent's De Paul and Canowindra Swimming Club.

Mark meanwhile was both a board member and chair at Lyndon House and Canowindra Showground Racecourse Land Managers.

He too has been actively involved with St Edward's Catholic Church, as well as Canowindra Squash Club, Canowindra Men's Lunch, Canowindra Jockey Club, Apex and Canowindra RFS.

However both agree their greatest achievement was "Raising for the Read Triplets Incorporated - Canowindra", a campaign to build a purpose-built home for Gideon, Anwen and Mahalah Read who have Merosin Deficient Muscular Dystrophy.

Anne said while it was nice to receive recognition, there are many people working just as hard as them in communities across the nation.

"I actually heard the Prime Minister speak the other day and he said, "This award is for ordinary Australians who've done extraordinary things", but I think it's recognising ordinary Australians who do ordinary things," she said.

"I can think of lots of people who work equally as hard as we do and they never get recognised, this is for all of them as well."

She said Canowindra has been kind to their family over the years.

"We've lived in this community all our married lives, which is 52 years now and it's been very, very good to us," she said.

"My husband said, even last year, he came out in 1965 as an immigrant from England and he's always been made to feel so welcome in Canowindra."

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