Neither will many of her colleagues and friends at Orana Heights Public School in Dubbo.

They knew her as Donna Blakemore, a highly respected primary school teacher whose life changed forever after a shocking act of domestic violence.

Donna's then-partner doused her in petrol and set her alight in front of her children.

She spent five-and-a-half months in hospital, 15 months in rehabilitation and underwent 19 operations. He was sent to jail.

Ms Carson moved away from Dubbo to start a new life but she's never forgotten the kindness that was offered to her during her recovery.

"I just want people in Dubbo to know how I have managed to come through all this," she said.

After enduring her own ordeal, Ms Carson has devoted her life to helping men, women and children to not only survive, but move beyond adversities such as crime, violence, injustices, tragedies, burns, disabilities and displacement.

Ms Carson, now living at Wingham on the mid-north coast, was the driving force in the establishment of a victims' safe room for women and children during domestic violence cases at Taree Court House.

Much of her time is now spent at the court house, assisting such victims. She is also in demand as a speaker and victims' advocate across Australia.On Sunday those efforts and her own fight to recovery were recognised when she was named Australia's Local Hero.

She couldn't have believed that she would be standing alongside the Prime Minister at Parliament House in Canberra accepting one of the top four awards made by Australia at this time each year.

The Local Hero award was added to the three existing Australian of the Year categories only a year ago.

The accolades continued yesterday when she made a hurried trip from Canberra to Sydney where she was official guest at the Australia Day State reception hosted by Premier Bob Carr.

Both John Howard and Mr Carr paid tribute to Donna's personal tenacity in overcoming indescribable pain and suffering, and to a life now devoted to helping others.

The minister for citizenship and multicultural affairs, Garry Hardgrave, described Ms Carson as "an extraordinarily deserving recipient" of the award through her efforts to support the victims of domestic violence in NSW.

"She has shown loyalty and commitment to the nation by caring for Australians and ensuring the quality and justice of our way of life.

"Donna moved beyond the horror of such a despicable domestic violence act. Her inspirational compassion following her own ordeal helps people to not only survive, but overcome adversities such as crime, violence or terrible injury."