Noelene Murdoch is familiar with proving women can be a force in the returned services movement and yesterday received more recognition.
She became the first Clutha Returned and Services Association (RSA) associate member to be awarded the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services certificate of merit award.
An emotional Mrs Murdoch said she had always enjoyed her involvement in the RSA and was overwhelmed to receive the award: ‘‘You've made my day,'' she said.
Clutha RSA president Daryl Forrest said Mrs Murdoch's background was a record to be proud of and her service had been of the highest order, which made her a very worthy recipient.
She joined in 1991 and her most notable contribution to the Clutha RSA has been leading the local Poppy Day appeal - a role she filled for 20 years. She has been responsible for organising volunteers, banking the money and other duties.
