The 83-year-old who was born in Hinton received her accolade for years of volunteering at Sydney's Ronald McDonald house, in addition to fundraising for a number of other organisations including Camperdown Children's hospital and Westmead House (1984-2018).

"It was a total shock. But I feel very honoured in accepting the award not just for myself but in recognition of all those volunteers, staff, doctors, nurses and board members who have given their heartfelt love to make Ronald McDonald House a wonderful haven for sick children and their families," a humbled Wendy said.

"I never set out to win any awards ... I have always enjoyed helping the families of sick children and I have made some wonderful friendships through this work from all over the world."

Ronald McDonald House offers accommodation and support services to country families when life gets turned upside down due to a child's illness.

Australia's first House opened in September 1981, four months later Christie-Leigh, the first grandchild of Wendy and [husband of 63 years] Stan Purkiss, was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment in the Children's Hospital.

The couple who have two children and seven grandchildren were living in Kurri Kurri at the time and Wendy would make the journey by train and bus - she has never had a driver's licence - to lend a hand to her granddaughter Christie-Leigh and her mother Leonie.

Her support soon developed into something much bigger and Wendy became the hospital's first unofficial volunteer, which has continued for four decades.

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"In the early days Stan and I would stay in a motel in Camperdown which was very expensive, so Ronald McDonald House became our haven," she said.

The Purkiss family was grateful that Christie-Leigh responded well to her treatment, but Wendy couldn't forget the many families they had met along the way.

"I became aware that there would always be a need for a willing volunteer at the house."

Even though Wendy was still in the workforce, she arranged with her employer to take time off so that she could volunteer at the House.

"At the time there was only one house manager and she was run off her feet, so I would travel down to Sydney by rail and help out with the housework to give her some relief ... I would make the beds, clean, wash and iron." On some visits she would stay for six days a time.

According to husband Stan, Wendy has always had a gift for helping others without them feeling indebted to her, or anxious about receiving help.

"She is kind, wise and thoughtful and over the years she has made a tough time easier for hundreds of families. Unfortunately, she has slowed down in the last three years with deteriorating eyesight and hearing."

Wendy has also played the role of "counsellor" to many families at Ronald McDonald House.

"I like to listen to the stories of country people and offer them whatever support I can. It doesn't matter where they are from or how sick their child might be, I like to meet them all with an open mind and an open heart."

Asked what it has meant to have been able to help so many families, Wendy said: "Words just don't seem enough."

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