Maureen Hearn has received an Order of Australia Medal for services to Eldorado, a place best known for having Victoria’s smallest pub and a gold-mining heritage reflected in its giant old dredge.

But it was the townsfolk and their friendliness who sold Mrs Hearn on Eldorado after she arrived from Melbourne at Christmas time in 1982.

“I found it quite welcoming and that is why I try to engender feelings of warmth with my little paper, The Eldorado Star,” Mrs Hearn said.

Each two months Mrs Hearn produces 1200 copies of the 20-page Star, with the most memorable story in recent times a bee infestation at the Anglican church, which forced the visiting bishop to be hosted at the nearby hall.

“I like to make it an interesting read,” Mrs Hearn said.

In addition to her publishing work, Mrs Hearn has been president of the Eldorado Museum, secretary of the town’s senior citizens club, chair of the Red Cross branch, on the hall committee and part of the Wangaratta Players and ladies guild of St Jude’s Anglican Church.

“I consider one needs to do something for the community,” Mrs Hearn said.

“I think it’s essential people try and help where they can and I thought there needs to be somebody that tries to assist in all facets of the community and life in Eldorado.”

Mrs Hearn’s husband John, who died in 2008, was a prospector and the sapphire fields of outback Queensland figured in their plans when they were looking to leave Melbourne. But Mrs Hearn deemed they were too remote and Eldorado has been the beneficiary.

“I was amazed when I got the first letter (announcing the OAM),” Mrs Hearn said.

“I couldn’t believe it, I thought ‘good heavens it can’t be me’ and I read it over and over again thinking it can’t be me.”