Nearly 200 family members, friends and community representatives gathered in Rubibi / Broome on Thursday, to celebrate Walman Yawuru Elder Elsta Foy receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia, recognising a lifetime of service to Broome and the Kimberley.

A pioneering Indigenous health worker, Ms Foy was Western Australia's first formally recognised Aboriginal health worker and helped establish vital health services in Rubibi. She advocated for Aboriginal health and rehabilitation services, served approximately 30 years as a Shire of Broome councillor and broke barriers in local sporting life as a keen sports woman.

The family affair, filled with love, pride and community spirit, was attended by Western Australian Governor Chris Dawson as he neared the end of his tour of the Kimberley.

Shire of Broome President Chris Mitchell opened the ceremony, acknowledging Ms Foy's decades of service and her contribution to strengthening Aboriginal representation in local decision-making.

Governor Dawson, who presented Ms Foy with the medal, said Ms Foy's achievements made her an inspiration across the region.

"Elsta Foy has been, for near 90 years now, doing such wonderful work as Western Australia's first Aboriginal health worker. She's not only been groundbreaking, but she continues to serve the community, 30 years as a councillor. It's just a tremendous example, a role model to all of the communities," he said.

For Ms Foy, the recognition was humbling, and the size of the gathering came as a surprise.

"I just can't believe it," she said. "It's been a great honour".

"I didn't realise. I thought we were just having tea and biscuits," she laughed, reflecting on the nearly 200 attendees, including family who travelled from across Australia.

Hearing her achievements recounted left her astonished.

"Did I do all those things? It's really extraordinary. Mind-boggling, really," she said.

Ms Foy's career included working for the Western Australian Health Department for nearly 40 years, helping establish Broome's first Aboriginal-controlled health service (the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service), and founding the local rehabilitation center, Milliya Rumurra.

When National Indigenous Times asked Ms Foy what she was most proud of, she said: "Working for public health. You need to help."

She recalled being entrusted with establishing health services in Broome, despite initially lacking confidence.

"It was my proudest moment that I had that trust from somebody, you know, high up in the medical field," she said.

"It took me three months to agree."

Eventually, she found the courage to take the opportunity. "At the end, I did ... I said, 'Why not?'"

Alongside her health work, Ms Foy was a founding member of the Broome Golf Club and remained the women's club champion for 19 consecutive years.

Her approach was grounded in practical care and a genuine love of people.

"I loved it. I loved doing what I did. I did love people," she said.

That spirit extended to her message for the next generation, whose presence at the ceremony was particularly special.

"Having the school kids was a bonus for me. And they all came, which was lovely," she said.

"They're going to be our future for this town. And I hope they go with a big heart, open heart. You know, enjoy everybody."

Ms Foy was clear about the importance of inclusion.

"I don't like this separation and segregation and all that. It's not nice and does not get anyone anywhere," she said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Daniel Roe, a Goolarabooloo traditional knowledge holder and custodian, celebrated Ms Foy's generosity, resilience and enduring connections with others, highlighting how she had supported families and maintained relationships throughout her life.

Reflecting on his Kimberley tour, Governor Dawson said: "The highlight is actually the people."

The gathering and celebration of Ms Foy's life achievements were a testament to that sentiment.