Sadly Dorrie, who had just celebrated her 97th birthday, passed away suddenly but peacefully at her Vacy home on Saturday, August 7.

Mrs Brooker received the OAM for her community involvement, particularly with Red Cross and the Country Women’s Association.

Despite being a much loved member of the community, Dorrie felt she was not deserving of the award for service to the community.

“I don’t know why I have been singled out for this, I haven’t done any more than I think I should have,” Dorrie told the Dungog Chronicle.

”When you live in a district like Vacy you have to get involved in the community – it’s your duty to do something.”

And that something has included being an active member of the Vacy branch of the Australian Red Cross since 1943.

Dorrie was also president for over 18 years and vice president, secretary and publicity officer for three years.

She was also an active member of the Vacy branch of the CWA since 1949 and treasurer of St John’s Anglican Church ladies guild for 36 years.

On Wednesday last week Dorrie’s sons Ralph, Graham and Murray received her OAM from NSW Governor Marie Bashir AC, CVO, at the Order of Australia Investiture ceremony.

“Ralph and Graham gave me the great honour of accepting mum's medal,” Murray said.

“Words cannot describe the pride and emotion I felt especially it being only two weeks since mum’s funeral.

“I'm sure we will remember it for the rest of our lives.”