The mother of two is happiest when she’s busy at work, or volunteering as the case may be.

She might be the perfect advocate for National Volunteer Week, May 11 to 17.

“My parents have always been involved in volunteering so I naturally followed in their footsteps,” she said.

“Dad was a volunteer fire fighter and captain so I used to cook the barbecue on open days.

“And when I was 17 I became a cub scout leader.”

If Ms Burton looks familiar then it could be for the above reasons or, several others.

Maybe it’s because she was the Port Stephens Young Person of the Year in 1998.

Or perhaps because she’s on the P&C for Irrawang Public School.

No? Then it could be through the Raymond Terrace Parks, Gardens and Reserves council committee.

“Between being a mum, working and volunteering it is a busy life,” she said.

“But I enjoy helping others.”

Such is her focus that her paid employment in part time childcare and cleaning rates only a passing mention.

“My partner and I spend a lot of time at Boomerang Park near the cemetery cleaning up lantana for Tidy Towns,” she said.

“Actually, we’ll soon partner with the Green Army to remove some more lantana and camphor laurels before we plant some natives.”

Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers and to say thank you to the more than 6 million Australians who volunteer.

The week also encourages more people to sign up.

“It would be great to have more help on our projects,” Ms Burton said.

“There’s this perception that its for older people – it can be just as good for single parents, and to get the kids involved, and make new friends at the same time.”