Sister Carmel of Rosebud West founded the Southern Peninsula Cancer Support Group in 1987 and has been a driving force in lobbying governments for oncology and radiotherapy resources for the region.

Born the youngest of a large family in Kew, she studied mothercraft but "then God stepped in" while she was training.

With an older sister a Good Shepherd nun, she admired the work the Abbotsford-based order did for the disadvantaged, "whatever their need".

It was her nine years at a Springvale diocese that alerted her to the needs of people with cancer.

In 1986 she established a cancer respite centre at the convent in Portsea and the following year she started the Southern Peninsula Cancer Support Group, which continues today.

"I didn't mean to be still here 23 years later," Sister Carmel said.

"It has been a wonderful journey; I've been energised by the people, the children especially. People are so special and to be able to alleviate some of the stress involved with cancer is wonderful."

SPCSG organises drivers for people to get to their appointments and the nun's relentless lobbying has seen those services provided at the oncology unit at Frankston Private Hospital.

Good Shepherd provides a range of services across the peninsula and Sister Carmel says people don't realise the dedication and generosity of volunteers, staff and the broader community.

"People don't appreciate what a caring community we have on the peninsula.

"Good Shepherd receives so much support. We have eight cars on the road today, and we don't actively fund-raise or ask for money yet the broader community, service and sporting clubs included, come to our aid.

"This award is for those people who help directly and for the wider community who support Good Shepherd to help give people the dignity they deserve.

"I'm a very proud Australian and I am touched to be receiving this on Australia Day."

Sister Carmel is working to establish a short-stay accommodation centre for patients and their families on the peninsula and in Frankston.