The former member for Riverina has been appointed as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday 2015 honours list.

Her recognition is for significant service to the Parliament of Australia and to the community of the Riverina as a leader and advocate.

Mrs Hull said it was a humbling experience.

“For somebody to take the time and effort to nominate me is a great honour.

“It has been an incredible privilege to represent what I believe to be the best electorate in Australia and I’ve had the most amazing amount of support from people all across the electorate.

“I’m happy to fight the fight for the community, but when the attention is on you on a personal level, it’s very nerve-wracking.

Mrs Hull points to saving regional aviation as one of her success stories.

“We were told that regional aviation was just too hard, the government that I was part of told me that. I didn’t accept that and I joined forces with (original Regional Express chief) Michael Jones and worked tirelessly and brought about the government support that was required to put that airline into the sky.

Mrs Hull is now focused on defeating the ice epidemic gripping the region. 

Wagga mayor Rod Kendall thanked Mrs Hull for all her hard work.

“I’d like to congratulate Kay on receiving this honour and thank her for everything she has done for Wagga and the wider community,” Councillor Kendall said.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was thrilled with the news.

“She has been an absolute dynamo for this electorate.”