For Sharon Hoogland, a former general manager of Mission Australia and former chair of what is now Jobs Australia, the call to public service came very young.

"I learnt the volunteer ethic from my parents," Mrs Hoogland, 75, said.

"My family were Christians and I felt a call on my life to do something worthwhile.

"I felt that God had a purpose for me and I should do something for others."

Growing up in Port Kembla and then studying theology at the University of Sydney, Mrs Hoogland was thrust into a different world when she went to work among disadvantaged communities in South Sydney.

"It was a culture of need, a culture of dependence - it was a culture shock for me," she said.

"I did court work with delinquent girls, and in the 60s it was a different time, very rough."

Mrs Hoogland went on to work in welfare and social justice roles, mostly with Mission Australia, and cites the roll out of what was intially called Skillshare (now Jobs Australia) nationally as a highlight, as well as the development of the Tallong Wilderness Program, where children were directed by the juvenile justice system.

"We were working with all these kids who had grown up in a horrible situation," she said.

"It was a very challenging time."

She has lived in the Mittagong area for 47 years, serving on several local educational bodies when her three sons were young, and taking on a number of roles at the Bowral Uniting Church, where she still coordinates the church markets and weekly food and meal ministry.

She credits her husband Jon for his long-standing support, as well as the people she has worked alongside.

"I need to point out that no one works alone - it has been a great privilege to work with some amazing teams," she said.

"And I must pay tribute to my husband of 53 years, who's supported me in every whacky thing I've wanted to do."

Although she has 'failed' at retirement a few times, this attempt is sticking, although she keeps extremely busy serving the community, as she always has.

"Life is very full," she said.

"I have a saying that God gave each one of us gifts and we can use those to enrich the community.

"I look around Bowral and see all that grey hair and think of all that wisdom there, and so many opportunities to use it to help others."

A lifetime spent coaxing the joy of singing from people of all ages has been recognised for Heather Tredinnick.

The choir conductor for the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Bowral, also well-known for her crucial musical input to the Highland Singers, Southern Highlands Choirfest and Bowral Uniting Church, said she couldn't have been more shocked by the award.

"I was completely surprised and deeply honoured," said Mrs Tredinnick.

"I have no idea who nominated me - it nearly bowled me over."

Mrs Tredinnick has been involved with music her whole life, beginning with church and community choirs, and continuing into a career as a music teacher for over 30 years.

She subsequently lent her talents to small choirs and large, taking school choirs to venues such as the Sydney Town Hall and becoming involved in a number of festivals in the Kuringai area, where she lived.

"I fell into training choirs in whatever school I was at, and at church and community groups as well," she said.

"To share my love of choral music has always been a joy and delight.

"Choral singing at its best brings not only joy to listener, but to the singer - it's an intensely human thing that makes you feel alive."

Mrs Tredinnick moved to Bowral 11 years ago with her husband Bruce. They have three sons, one of whom - the well-known poet Mark Tredinnick - also lives in the Highlands.

She said she has loved sharing music with older people in her years here.

"It's been a particular being involved with retired people who may not have sung since school," she said.

"I hope I've been able to share the pleasure it has brought me."

Daniel Gauchat said education changed his life, and he has been determined to give others, especially people in regional areas, the same opportunity.

The Woodlands resident arrived in Australia from Switzerland at the age of 14, and worked across the globe in business before he returned to Australia to work in professional services for over 30 years.

The UNSW commerce alumni received a scholarship to continue his studies full-time, and is passionate about paying that forward with his wife Helen.

"This is my principle home and country I relate to, [it's] great to be a part of the fabric of Australia," he said.

"Anything with education is a common thread with the giving we've done in the last years."

He was surprised, but honoured upon discovering his nomination as an AM recipient.

"It's a terrific surprise and also a wonderful thing to be thought about, you feel a bit overwhelmed," he said.

The Highlander has been involved at his former university in a variety of ways.

He has been a director of the UNSW Foundation Limited since 2007, an Honorary Doctorate for services to the university, the founding chairman of the Medicine Advisory Council, and has been involved with various committees.

The couple also set up the Daniel and Helen Gauchat Residential Scholarship for Rural Medical Students, and involved with the Indigenous Leaders Scholarships.

Mr Gauchat has also been involved with other institutions such as the Australasian Advisory Council and Winifred West Schools Limited Foundation.

He was also the founding partner of The Adelante Group, an advisory group for business leaders, and was a foundation director for the Ascham School.

The Highlands local has also been actively involved with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Youth Orchestra and Art Gallery of NSW.

"The arts have always been a strong interest, particularly visual arts and music," he said.

He has also been a benefactor for the gallery, Bush Heritage Australia, Country Education Foundation, Girls and Boys Brigade and Korn Ferry International.

His involvement with businesses and not-for-profits is also extensive.

Mr Gauchat has worked with Amrop International, Global Consumer and Life Sciences Markets (Australasia), the Swiss-Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and the Australian Club.

Mr Barkell ws not available for comment but his citation is included below:

Sydney University Regiment

University of New South Wales Regiment

Sydney Grammar School

St Andrew's College

The Law