Two Myall Coast residents have been honoured with Order of Australia Medals for their unwavering community commitment.

The prestigious Order of Australia Medal is awarded by the Australian government for outstanding achievement and service.

North Arm Cove resident Kate Milford said it was a “buzz and honour” to be recognised for her 30 year history of volunteering.

“I’m grateful and appreciative of all who travelled this road with me over the years,” she said.

Kate started her volunteering in 1986 as the fund-raising co-ordinator for Hunter Prelude Early Intervention Centre, caring for young children.

She was a foundation member of the Kurri Kurri Neighbourhood Watch and the Kurri Kurri Tidy Towns Committee. In 1992 she was awarded the Apex Kurri Kurri Citizen of the Year.

In 1992 she joined the Lions Club and has held several leadership positions in the Lions Club of Kurri Kurri including president for three years.

She received the Lions highest award, The Melvin Jones Fellowship for “dedicated humanitarian services” along with other district recognition awards.

In 2014 she was selected as Port Stephens Local Woman of the Year.

Bulahdelah recipient Arthur Baker was awarded for his service to the community and in particular his work on the Pacific Highway Upgrade Committee over more than a decade.

“I’ve been trying to make Bulahdelah a service town and survive after the bypass, he said.

“And I think it is surviving.”

Arthur was a driving force behind getting an RV park set up in Bulahdelah which now works to keep drawing visitors into town.

“The park is really benefiting the town. We’re renowned Australia-wide for it now,” he said.

Arthur  is the president and a charter member of the Bulahdelah Lions Club and is actively involved in bettering Bulahdelah.

“It’s not hard to help people. My drive behind my work has always been to work together so everyone can benefit from it,” he said.

Arthur said he draws his inspiration from his grandfather who fought in the war.

“My grandmother explained to me that he did what did so that we could have a better future. I don’t like this ‘me, me, me’ thinking. I believe in trying to enhance things for everyone.”

North Arm Cove resident Kate Milford. (Inset) Arthur Baker from Bulahdelah