The 58-year-old has given more than 2000 hours in the past year to St John Ambulance.

On top of this, she also volunteers as a netball coach and helps out in local schools — because “that’s just what I like to do”.

The modest volunteer of 24 years has become the first person at St John’s Albury branch to receive a silver single gilt bar for long service.

She was a founding member of the Albury branch horse race meetings, football games, mountain bike races and the Black Saturday bushfires.

Regional superintendent for NSW southern region Chris Chant was glad to see Ms Whittaker receive recognition.

“You’v e got uniform, the people who are in the black and white, then those who provide training and then the community care arm, who helps in schools,” he said.

“Margaret’s a volunteer in all three of those areas, which is fairly unique.”