MORE than 50 years has passed since Patricia Burns first started volunteering with ESA International.

On Monday her life commitment to the charity organisation was acknowledged by the Australian Commonwealth, after she formally received an Order of Australia award.

The Proserpine resident said she was humbled, proud and a little embarrassed to receive one of Australia's highest honours.

"I couldn't believe it (when I was notified), I was amazed because I don't think I have done anything special," she said.

ESA (Epsilon Sigma Alpha), is a non-profit service organization that makes a difference in the lives of others through fundraising and community work.

In Proserpine, ESA members have helped as volunteers at the Proserpine Nursing Home, Meals on Wheels and the Seniors Shopping Bus, and each week they deliver the Whitsunday Coast Guardian to the residents of the nursing home.

Ms Burns said she was grateful to ESA for providing her with a means to give back to her community.

"In a small community you give back and it's good if you have an avenue through which to do that."

"I am very proud ESA (member).

"My mother was the Australian founding member 53 years ago and I have been in it for 52 years now and just love it.

"We have done a lot for our communities and I think that is something to be proud of."

There will be an investiture at Government House in Brisbane in September or October, where Ms Burns OAM will receive her medal for "service to charitable organisations."

She said it was "very exciting" that a Proserpine local had won such a prestigious award.