Years of community service have been recognised with Mount Gambier’s Margaret Winterfield awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to veterans and their families.

Ms Winterfield was born and bred in Mount Gambier and has been very involved within the community for many years.

She is a Life Member of several groups and has shown outstanding commitment to volunteering.

Ms Winterfield has been involved with the Mount Gambier RSL for 35 years, president of the RSL Ladies’ Committee since 1992, a Sub-Branch Member for 30 years and a member of the RSL Sub-Branch Management Committee.

Ms Winterfield said the RSL Ladies’ Committee catered for veteran’s wakes, birthday parties and luncheons and were involved with Anzac day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

Ms Winterfield said her late husband was a Vietnam veteran, which led to her involvement and service to veterans and their families.

She is also a member of the Mount Gambier Legacy Group and has been a member of the Caledonian Society of Mount Gambier for 50 years.

She remains the Chief of the Caledonian Society since 2010 and was previously the secretary.

Ms Winterfield has been bestowed Life Membership of the Caledonian Society of Mount Gambier, the Mount Gambier RSL Ladies’ Committee and Blue Lake Highland Pipe Band.

In 2018, Ms Winterfield received the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for outstanding volunteer service and has also received a National Certificate of Merit and a State Certificate of Merit from the RSL.

Ms Winterfield said she enjoyed giving back to the community and being involved.

“I just think you can give back to what you have had given to you,” she said.