NOONGAR woman Di Ryder, of Stratton, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her many years of service to the Indigenous community of Western Australia.
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The award was unexpected, as she has taken the last year off volunteering due to the pandemic and to spend time with her two young grandchildren.
Mention of them brings a glow to her face.
"You can't get these days back, it has been wonderful spending time with them. I just love them," she said.
As president of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Services Association of WA since 2014, Di is dedicated to ensuring the contribution of Indigenous veterans to the army is recognised.
She is part of the Indigenous Veterans Commemorative Service Committee, which organises a remembrance service for Indigenous war veterans at the State War Memorial in Kings Park during Reconciliation Week.
After leaving school Di joined the army because she knew she wanted more from life.
"Growing up in those days we weren't given a lot of opportunity and it was harder to achieve things," she said.
"I am sure a lot of people were scratching their heads and going how long is this going to last, but I lasted over 20 years."
Di's self-discipline and can-do attitude was honed in the army but it began with the example set by her parents.
"They were very strong people. I am one of 11 children and Mum and Dad were always working.
"When I went to primary school Mum went to work. She was just an incredible person and Dad was a beautiful man.
"I think what the army did was enhance what they had already taught me. A strong work ethic and strong commitment.
"If you make a commitment you stick with it. No point going half measures, go the whole way."
After working in Sydney, Di returned to Perth and since 2007 has taken on a wide variety of volunteer roles.
The Noongar Institute of WA, Swan Alliance Communities for Children, Derbal Yerrigan Health Service, the Midland Women's Health Care Place, Kinship Connection Aboriginal Corporation and Midland NAIDOC are among the agencies to benefit from her wisdom and experience.
In 2017 she received the National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Being ex-army and being able to communicate quite well I have been able to help people out," she said. "The rewards are, of course, that you are helping people that sometimes don't have a voice themselves.
"It's been humbling to receive this award, but you can't do anything alone. You are only as good as the people around you."
