As shocking as the eventual diagnosis was for the Wellington-born teenager, it set her on a journey which, almost 10 years down the track has seen Gemma named as the 2021 Rotary Rural Inspirational Woman of the Year.

The 25-year-old was announced winner at a virtual ceremony on Sunday, which was to be a black-tie event in Sydney.

"It was good in the sense that, my friends and family from across the country could join in, whereas if it was face-to-face it wouldn't have been possible to happen like that," Gemma said.

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"When they announced the winners, I was in shock. My Dad and I watched it together and we had a bottle of wine afterwards."

Gemma's recognition was for her work in establishing a scoliosis support group, called Curvy Girls.

She was working in Sydney when she came across the New York-based group. After reaching out to the founder, the Australian Curvy Girls was essentially born.

Like all success stories, the accolades come once the bulk of the hard work is done, and Gemma devoted countless hours to getting the group up and running. In 2016, the organisation sent Gemma to New York for its annual conference, and trip sparked an idea.

She spent the next 18 or so months fundraising to go back, this time with members of the Australian Curvy Girls branch, so they could meet other people from around the globe who had scoliosis.

She was able to take seven others with her.

"I'm very humbled and feel like I don't really deserve it," Gemma told the Daily Liberal. "I guess it's just really nice to be recognised for the hundreds and hundreds of hours that I put in to make Curvy Girls happen, and for the conference in New York to be attended.

"I've spoken with one of the members of Curvy Girls and she was really excited, she actually attended the ceremony via Zoom as well so it's been nice to be able to celebrate with her."

Gemma's grandparents were able to listen in live as Gemma was announced as winner.

"It's been a privilege to be part of Curvy Girls and watch girls grow up and struggle through something that I struggled with personally and deeply, and to watch them come out the other side of that has been a real privilege and great honour."

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