Mrs Kelly was awarded the medal is this year's Australia Day Honours List.

The accolade is yet another feather in the cap of a woman who has dedicated the past 20 years of her life to the community of North Arm Cove.

While the nomination took her by surprise, Mrs Kelly admitted she works hard for the community.

"I like the challenge and if I can make a difference in even the smallest way it counts," she said.

Since moving to the area in 1990, Mrs Kelly has been an avid fundraiser, establishing the area's community hall and library, and lobbying for funding for the creation of its arts and cultural centre.

She has also single-handedly produced the area's local paper Cove News for the past 15 years.

"It's important because North Arm Cove is a fragmented community and the paper brings everyone together and keeps us in touch," she said.

Mrs Kelly, who worked at the Examiner, is also dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research and other women's charities. For 12 years she has held a fundraising breakfast for International Women's Day.

Australia Day round-up: Pages 13 and 14.