The former Sydney-based retiree has lived in Karuah for over 20 years and has been an integral member of such volunteer groups as National Tree Day, Clean-Up Australia Day and Meals on Wheels.

Mrs Simpson is also heavily involved in a number of local committees and is currently hard at work helping to organise the fiftieth birthday celebrations for the Karuah Bridge.

While Mrs Simpson is not one to shine the spotlight on herself, her work in the Karuah community cannot be underestimated.

Recently however, Mrs Simpson has been dragged into a political dogfight, after it was announced she would not receive a Premier's Community Service Award because she lived in a seat that was not held by the State Labor Party.

While Mrs Simpson was quick to play down her achievements, she said the thought of years of volunteer work being turned into a political sparring point was bewildering.

"It all came out of the blue as far as I'm concerned," she said.

"In all the year's I've been doing voluntary work I've always been assisted by others.

"And it hasn't been in any way, shape or form a political thing."

Mrs Simpson said she had never viewed her work as anything but a means of assisting others and the environment, both areas she is passionate about.

"It hasn't come into the equation what political party is running Port Stephens or the State," she said.

"There are a lot of good people in Karuah doing a lot of good work in a lot of areas and I'm sure most volunteers feel the same."

While it is likely that Mrs Simpson will be nominated for a Certificate of Appreciation to volunteers, signed by the Prime Minister, for now she is more concerned with the organistation of the Karuah Bridge celebrations.

"It's the same year as the Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrated its 75th birthday and while they've had their party we're still organising ours," she said.

"Everything's been set down for the weekend of December 1 and 2 and there are a lot of people hard at work to get that up and running."