OAM for Cecily Prentice

Umina resident Ms Cecily Prentice has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the general division on the 2013 Queens Birthday Honours List.

Ms Prentice was awarded the OAM for her service to the Central Coast community.

Ms Prentice said receiving the letter from Government House was "a shock".

"I was very, very surprised because I've never done anything to get any reward from it," said Ms Prentice.

"I've only ever done it because I wanted to do it."

Ms Prentice was the events coordinator for the Central Coast Historic Car Club and organised events such as the October Rally, Gosford Swap Meet, transport for returned service people on Anzac Day and the Memorial Run.

She has been a member of the NSW Justices Association since 1979 and performed the roles of secretary, treasure and welfare officer of the Central Coast Branch in 2010 and 2011.

She was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for 30 years' service in 2009.

She was a volunteer driver and committee member of Woy Woy Meals on Wheels from 1984 to 2010 and awarded a 25 Years' Service Badge in 2009.

She was also president of Friends of Meals on Wheels and was an active member of the Woy Woy Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star from 1957 to 2013 and served as worthy matron, secretary and treasurer.

She was a volunteer at the Lymphodema Clinic in Gosford Hospital, a member of the Lady Lion's Club from 1979 to 2011 where she also served as president, secretary and treasurer.

She was the president of the Brownies for the Umina Local Association from 1972 to 1978 and president of the Umina Girl Guides Australia Branch from 1979 to 1984.

She volunteered at Gosford Senior Citizens Centre during the 1980s and 1990s, was a member of the fundraising Committee for the original Woy Woy Olympic Pool and was a member of the Umina Chamber of Commerce.

Ms Prentice was also awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001.

Kaitlin Watts, 4 Jun 2013

Interviewee: Cecily Prentice

Email, 3 Jun 2013

Susan Fischer, Honours Secretariat