WHEN Stacey Whittaker first received word she had been nominated for an Order of Australia award, she said she was humbled to even be considered.
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So when she was announced as a recipient, she could hardly believe the news.
“When I found out I was like, ‘My god, really?’,” she said.
“It was incredibly humbling; even to be considered for the award was honour enough. When I found the committee selected me, I literally couldn’t believe it.”
Mrs Whittaker, who along with her husband Mick is principal/director of Bathurst Real Estate, said she had no idea who nominated her, but thanked them for considering her worthy.
She received the OAM for service to the community, including her involvement with the Bathurst Chamber of Commerce, where she was president from 2014-2017 and is also a former secretary.
She is also a board member for Bathurst Meals on Wheels, a former consortium member for headspace Bathurst and founding member of the Bathurst Women's Business Network.
She has also received a Women Out West Award for outstanding integrated family and business, NSW Central West Most Outstanding Woman award and John Grigg Community Service Award from the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
Mrs Whittaker said she loves to be involved in the community and gets a lot back from what she puts in.
“Bathurst is my home, my two daughters are growing up here, my parents live here, it’s a great community to be part of.”
She said people often joke about her not having a “no” button.
“I just think it’s nice to be able to give something back. So often people put their hand out instead of putting their hand up.”
But for her its all about being part of the local community.
“Mick and I have been in in small business for 15 years and we love being involved in the local community.”
She said she wouldn’t have been able to be so involved without the support of Mick, her staff and family.
“The support I’ve received has been amazing, without Mick or my parents I couldn’t have done it.
She said she would love to see everyone get a bit more involved in the community.
“If everyone could do just something of a volunteer nature, it would make such a difference to the community.
“Even if it’s just showing up on the day to help out, it makes such a difference.”
