The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is the highest award in Rotary and acknowledges individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to their community.

Mayor Campbell has been a Rotarian for around 30 years and has been a member of the Rotary Club of West Kempsey since 2010.

"I first joined Rotary in Coffs Harbour in the early 90's before we moved to Gosford, where women weren't allowed to join the club," Mayor Campbell said.

"Women in Rotary took a long time to be accepted and it's changed a lot over the years that I've been involved. It's no longer a men's club."

Mayor Campbell's family also has a long history with Rotary, both her parents were members of the Rotary Club of West Kempsey.

"My father was in the Apex Club and Rotary when I was younger. I can remember going out to Trial Bay Gaol because my parents were helping clean up the gaol grounds with Rotary, so it was part of my life from a young age.

"I always knew what Rotary was and wanted to become a member."

Mayor Campbell said the three Rotary clubs in the Macleay Valley often work together on projects in the community.

"The Rotary Club of West Kempsey, the Rotary Club of Kempsey and the Rotary Club of South West Rocks work well together within the community. During the bushfires last year, the three clubs worked together which was really rewarding.

"Rotary touches people's lives even when they don't realise. The Macleay Rotary clubs helped get the Slim Dusty Festival started in Kempsey, erected signage and upgrades in Riverside Park and helped with the shelter sheds as well."

Mayor Campbell was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow on September 22 at a meeting which members from all three Macleay Rotary clubs attended.

"It was a really big surprise, I wasn't expecting it. It's a great honour to be recognised by your peers," she said.

Mayor Campbell received the fellowship for her work with Rotary over the years, her work within the Kempsey community and for council's recovery efforts followign the 2019 bushfires.

"Rotary becomes part of who you are and what you do and to be named a Paul Harris Fellow is a real honour for me."