A resident of Glengara Retirement Village on the New South Wales Central Coast has received the highest award for Highly Commended Community Service and Activity during a community Australia Day Awards presentation.

Winner Margaret Smith earned the title after dedicating three years of village life as head of the village’s social committee, in which she organised countless events and activities and raised thousands of dollars for charity through various initiatives.

In nominating Margaret, fellow Glengara retirement village resident Janice Thompson described her as someone who always puts herself last, loves giving back to the community, and loves doing things for other people.

For Margaret, the awards ceremony was a wonderful, humbling experience.

“I felt very honoured because I was in such incredible company with people who have done so much,” she said.

“There was a big luncheon for Australia Day and it was announced to the residents.” The nomination and award is a win for more than just her, Margaret said.

“I had a wonderful team of ladies working with me, and it’s also for the Glengara residents, who supported us at all the functions and activities we put on.”

Margaret has recently stepped down from her social committee duties to focus on spending time with her husband Ian.

“We’re very fortunate here, that Glengara is a fantastic village and there are a lot of residents that do a lot to keep the village happy and active,” she said.

“It’s a pretty great place to live.”