Christine Erby’s first reaction when she learned she was to receive an OAM was to burst into tears.
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The Dungog woman has been recognised for service to the community in the Australia Day 2019 Honours list.
“I have a great love of young people and I like supporting those who don’t necessarily have the opportunities others do,” she said.
She was a founding member of the Primary Club of Australia in 1974, a charity which helps provide sporting facilities for people with a disability.
Mrs Erby provided administrative support to the foundation for 10 years, was on the charity committee for 15 years and is a former convenor of the ladies committee.
Mrs Erby said she was surprised to learn she would be on the honour roll and burst into tears on reading the notification.
“I said my dad would be so proud, officialdom was his life,” she said.
She is a member of the New England Angus Breeders Association and of the Australian Angus Society since 1995.
She has been a member of the Norman Lethbridge Award committee since 2002.
Mrs Erby has been a sponsor of the campdraft at the Dungog Show for 15 years.
While busy with the couple’s cattle farm Wycomb Park, Mrs Erby still finds time to volunteer. Together with her husband, Jon Erby AM, she has been involved in the Aspect Hunter School which is tailored for students with autism. Through the Primary Club they are helping to provide playground equipment.
