The Hamilton resident was recognised on Friday night for "her determination to prevail through circumstances that were well beyond her control and with an open heart continued to care for her children, while educating herself".

In 1995 Ms McCabe's husband vanished and he was listed as a missing person.

She was left to care for their five children and a business.

Ms McCabe struggled to manage the pizza shop and 24 employees, which she had previously run successfully with her husband.

After months of dead ends, false hope and beliefs he had died, her husband was found.

The family moved to Newcastle in an effort to make a fresh start but eventually the couple separated.

Ms McCabe found a job to support her five children and enrolled in a Diploma of Counselling.

She started with Lifeline as a volunteer telephone supporter, and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Counselling.

In 2011 Ms McCabe became a bereavement counsellor and family support manager with SIDS & Kids Hunter.

In addition to counselling, Ms McCabe takes part in education programmes and fundraising events.