Surrounded by her family, some of whom flew out from Melbourne to surprise her, Jan enjoyed watching the street parade as the 25th Celtic Festival kicks into gear.

Not only has she got an Order of Australia – but she’s been president, secretary, treasurer and dedicated volunteer for many community projects around Glen Innes since she moved here from Lismore 64 years ago.

“I came here to do my nursing 64 years ago,” she said.

“I was spoilt and I had one look at the place and thought ‘I’m not going to stay here’.

“They [parents] got me out of the car and they made me go in and meet the matron.

“They said ‘you’re a spoilt brat Jan and you’ve been spoilt all your life and you’re doing as your told now.”

And perhaps it was the best decision of her life.

Community nurse Marie Williamson said together herself and Jan with a team of others ran a community program called Care for Carer for people with children with severe disabilities and people with dementia.

“When the Richmond Scheme closed a lot of people were put out of institutions and sent home,” Ms Williamson said.

“So we set up the program here in Glen Innes.

“We had the most wonderful volunteers and it ran for nearly 10 years.”