Mrs Ker has worked in her current job, based out of the Burnie Community Centre, since 1998.

Her dedication and passion for her job was acknowledged late last year when she received the Highly Commended Award at the annual Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Aged Care Awards.

She had been secretly nominated by her daughter Lyndsay, who is currently studying nursing at university.

"I got a letter in the mail to tell me I had been nominated it was quite a shock, '' Mrs Ker said.

Mrs Ker then made the trip to Hobart to attend the annual ANF conference where she was announced as an award winner.

"They read the nomination (from my daughter) out at the conference it was really nice, '' Mrs Ker said.

Miss Ker had written in her nomination that her mother is the most selfless, compassionate and kind-hearted carer that most of Burnie are excited to have working to care for them.

"My mum has been a carer-cleaner for over 15 years and she dedicates herself to going that extra mile to help her clients out, '' Miss Ker said.

"She is a part of their family, and often gets the most presents under our Christmas tree, because of the love, passion and care that she ensures her clients receive.''

Miss Ker said she is an amazing carer, mother and wife and after her long days at work, she comes home to care for her disabled sister, and grandson who loves grandma.

Mrs Ker's job sees her helping elderly clients in their home with everyday chores like showering, getting dressed and preparing meals.

Debbie has been caring for Burnie woman Pam McKnight since 2001.

Mrs McKnight describes Mrs Ker as being like a daughter.

"She's one of the family.

"I look so forward to seeing her each week, she is just so friendly and lovely, '' Mrs McKnight said.

Mrs Ker has been very humble about her award.

"I am just one of the hundreds of carers who work around the place who all do a lot of work to help the elderly, '' Mrs Ker said.