Lynne Mowbray|

Maclean’s Norma Jenkins was presented with the 2020 Clarence Valley Local Hero Award at this year’s Clarence Valley Australia Day awards at the Yamba Golf and Country Club, on Thursday night.

For the last 9 years, Norma who is 89 years old has visited the Mareeba Aged Care facility weekly, distributing chocolates, lollies and magazines and conversing with as many residents as possible.

Norma, who was nominated for the award by Maclean resident Maureen Castle, said that winning the Clarence Valley Local Hero award was totally unexpected.

“To be nominated and to win the award – well, it was the shock of my life,” Norma said laughing.

“I never ever thought over those nine years that anything like this would ever happen,” she said.