That is why when she found out she was among this year's recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia, she had mixed emotions.

"I was honoured but very humbled," she said.

"I haven't done the things I've done to get an award, I just wanted to make the world a better place."

Mrs Chapman lived in Orange back in the 1970s before moving down the coast. Then 28 years ago she moved to Cowra where she had lived up until a few weeks ago when she made the move back to Orange once more.

She was awarded the OAM for her service to the community of Cowra.

Her roles included work with the Cowra Community Chest where she was a committee member since 2003, as well as her work as a volunteer grief support role at the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre for 16 years.

Last year she was even named 'Local Woman of the Year' in the electorate of Cootamundra.

"It's been years of hard work but I've loved every minute of it," she added.

"People ask how I do this and I say basically that I'm selfish because I get so much back. I was never considering an award but to have this honour is just amazing

"The world's hard enough, if I can make it a little bit better for someone I do."

Now that she is back in Orange, she will look to keep trying to help the community in a slightly reduced role.

"I've got some ideas about volunteering, but not being totally responsible," she said.

"Just doing what I'm told to do and come home."

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