The 93-year-old is the latest and the oldest recipient of the Sportsmans Warehouse Community Sports Award. For more than 30 years, her contribution to lawn bowls has been beyond what is expected.

She has contributed in many ways to the South Tamworth Bowling Club and the Central Northern District Bowling Association.

An accredited national umpire since 1987, she has coached numerous people and turned them into accredited umpires. She is still umpiring, as well as tutoring and supporting umpires.

Her 25-year contribution to umpiring was recognised in 2011 when she received a certificate of appreciation. 

Hansen, a patron and foundation member of South Tamworth Bowls Club, has held committee positions and been a selector and a treasurer at the club. As a player, she has played pennants for 35 years, making NSW finals in singles, doubles and triples.

Hansen, who has worked with blind bowlers and taught the game to high school students, said bowls had been her “salvation”. “I worked hard and had a big family and I was looking for something, and someone suggested bowls,” she said. “And it’s been wonderful for me as a woman.”

She wants more women, who have finished raising their children, to take up bowls. “It would be a wonderful thing for them,” she said.