Queen's Birthday Honours: Armidale's Ruth Ann Blanch awarded OAM for service to her community

This energy, enthusiasm, and commitment are recognised in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honour list.

Mrs Blanch has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to the Armidale community.

She has contributed to more than 11 organisations, including the NSW Country Women's Association (CWA), Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, the Ascent Group, church groups, and the region's Special Olympics branch. In many of those groups, she has held executive positions.

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While this is one of several awards Mrs Blanch has received during the last thirty years (including the Premiers Volunteer Award in 2017), it is the one that has surprised her the most.

"Armidale has been a wonderful place to live, and it has been an absolute joy to be part of the community," Mrs Blanch said.

"I think it is because of Greg that I have been involved with so many things."

Mrs Blanch moved to the town of Armidale from Wollun in late 1981 with her husband, who was dying of leukemia, and her children - including her six-year-old son, Greg, who has Down Syndrome.

"I've certainly enjoyed everything with which I have been involved," she said.

"I am not so involved with leadership roles as I used to be, but I am still a part of many groups, which is very special."

St Peters Cathedral and the Interchurch Women's Group have been important in her life, Mrs Blanch said, and as well as attending lectures at the University of the Third Age, she is still involved with the CWA and the Earl Page College.

"Fifteen years ago, I was invited to be on the Senior Common Room Committee," Mrs Blanch said.

"The students are delightful, and it just gives me great faith in Australia's future looking at these wonderful young people who may be our future leaders."

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