Dawn raised a family of 4 and one foster child and dedicated considerable time to supporting community services in Beecroft / Cheltenham. Her volunteer work included supporting Beecroft Public School, Cheltenham Girls High School, and Beecroft Brownies and she started the Girl's Friendly Society where she is currently the GFS Executive member representing the Diocese of Sydney and the North Western District. She is a life member of the Linnet Girls' Choir and she has been awarded an OAM and the Centenary Medal.