It is this dedication to support, fundraise and look after the wellbeing of cancer patients that has seen Ms Rawlings recognised as one of Bathurst's seven Living Legend inductees for 2020.

"I was gobsmacked, I don't know who nominated me, but I'm honoured," she said.

"You don't volunteer to get accolades, so it was a big surprise and I feel very privileged."

OTHER 2020 LIVING LEGEND INDUCTEES:

Ms Rawlings first got involved with Daffodil Cottage through the Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre [formerly known as BINC], where she wanted to fulfil a desire to give back to the local community through volunteering.

"My early roles included sitting and talking with patients while they were undergoing treatment," she said.

"The role soon expanded into fundraising operations in order to improve facilities at Daffodil Cottage."

Ms Rawlings, along with her husband, Robert, were instrumental in raising over $700,000 in an 18-month period throughout 2015 and 2016 as members of the Daffodil Cottage Extension Fundraising Committee.

"We had a very small committee, but the support we received from the wider community was outstanding," she said.

"The state government gave us $150,000, which certainly helped, and Narellan Pools gave us a $37,500 pool to give away as a major prize in a raffle we drew at the Royal Bathurst Show."

"We had all sorts of people donate not just their money, but their time to ensuring we could achieve our goal; a lady in Kelso used to sit at the local shopping centre each week to fundraise for us."

READ ALSO: Daffodil Cottage fundraising is making a difference at the facility

The fundraiser also received sizeable contributions from the Kandos Community Centre and through a private bequest.

Ms Rawlings said it was important to extend the cottage in order to provide a more comfortable environment for patients and staff.

"There wasn't enough room to cater for a growing number of patients, and staff were tightly constrained as far as office space was concerned," she said.

"Even after the extension, the cottage is still limited for room, which is why it's important to continue campaigning for expanded services."

Ms Rawlings is a member of the Daffodil Cottage Advisory Council [DCAC], who work closely with the Bathurst Health Service and the wider community on the cottage's financial matters.

"DCAC essentially decides where money is spent within the cottage, and we have the capacity to provide financial assistance for cancer patients where needed," she said.

"Can Assist Bathurst also plays a major role in providing financial aid for Daffodil Cottage patients, and Bathurst Taxis have assisted in the past with transport vouchers."

"The cottage is not like a hospital; when you walk in, you're greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that allows patients to feel a strong sense of comfort in the face of a stressful situation."

Ms Rawlings has also held key education roles in the past, first as a counselling course coordinator at the Mitchell College of Advanced Education [now Charles Sturt University], then as a registrar at All Saints College.

"I worked at All Saints for 16 years, and it was the sort of job that involved all aspects of student and staff welfare," she said.

"During that time, Robert and I were guardians of 12 international students, and our children learnt so much about other cultures."

Ms Rawlings is also a foundation committee member of the Combined Bathurst Probus Club, which was formed last year.