Armed with a winning smile and a positive mindset, the former Sydneysider is planning on taking Cootamundra’s ex-servicemen and women by storm with her multi-faceted military background and care-giving skillset.

“I just love caring for and looking after these beautiful people,” Mrs Smith said.

“I’ve been helping all my life: in New Zealand, in Sydney, and now I want to do the same here.”

Born and raised in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region, Smith grew up immersed in the armed forces and destined for service.

“My father was in the army, my brother served in the police force and my sister and I were involved with the air force,” Mrs Smith recalled.

“Then I met my husband, a beautiful man, who served in the Australian Army.”

“He always told me he was going to get me, and he did.”

Love may have brought her across the Tasman, but Ivy’s dedication and passion for serving others in need has taken her all across Australian, including a stint with the Australian Air Force.

“I spent time down in Melbourne working in administration and making sure everyone was looked after, sandwiches and all,” she said.

Nowadays, the twinkle-eyed Smith plies her trade in community and veteran services, giving much-needed care and assistance to those in need.

“You’ve got to look after them (ex-servicemen and women) and I’ll always help them out,” she said.

“I’ll look after their money if they can’t hang onto it properly and give them a hand if they’re short, no matter what.”

However, the former netball extraordinaire wouldn’t hesitate to pull on the boots and serve overseas for her country. “Women have such fantastic opportunities to go away with the forces these days. If I had the same opportunities when I was in the Air Force, I’d be overseas helping right now.”