ANYONE who has been involved in the Muswellbrook Red Cross over the past four decades will know, and most certainly respect, Di Keating.
She has been a feature of the organisation for 42 years and has served as president for 27 of them, only taking a break between 1993 and 1997, when she served as vice-president.
Other roles she holds are area coordinator for the Disaster Welfare Plan and Emergency Services Team Leader, as well as still being heavily involved in the Mobile Blood Service.
Her effort and commitment has now been recognised at a national level, with the long-serving member recently receiving an Outstanding Service award.
It was originally meant to be presented to her at the national headquarters in Sydney in October, but after being unable to make it the charity veteran was given the medallion on Thursday, December 12, in Muswellbrook.
Mrs Keating has taken part in many events throughout the years, and noted The Red Cross Ball and the local faction's centenary in 2018 as some of the highlights.
But, ultimately, she said it was a team effort that has allowed her to be so heavily involved for so long.
"I'm very honoured to have received it, but I think this medal belongs to all members of the Muswellbrook Red Cross," she told the Chronicle.
"Because everything I've done, I've done as part of a team."
Originally, Mrs Keating joined the organisation through its auxiliary, which had only recently been formed in Muswellbrook in 1997.
After being involved with that service for a decade, she made the switch to join the local branch and hasn't looked back since.
She said they have struggled for numbers at stages throughout their existence, and is hopeful a new wave of members will come through the ranks shortly, and give her a much needed rest from the president role.
