Ms Smith said part of her daughter's role was to address people who had been evacuated from their homes as a result of a bushfire.
"She tells them what's going on. She can't really reassure people but she tells them where the dangers are and how to cope."
Mrs Daley was born in Martinborough and later moved to Featherston, where she went to Featherston School before attending St Matthew's College.
She left for Australia more than 30 years ago when she was just 20 years old.
Of 10 Victorian emergency service workers, Mrs Daley was the only woman to receive the award.
"She has been instrumental in improving bushfire awareness and preparedness and facilitating the rapid recovery of communities through her strong links with the tourism industry," Parks Victoria chief executive Bradley Fauteux said.
"Her leadership and collaborative approach with the Grampians National Park and tourism industry has ensured the region is in a much stronger position to respond to the impacts of bushfire and implement plans for recovery."
Mrs Daley returns to Wairarapa at least once a year to visit family. She has three brothers, one of whom remains in Wairarapa as a farmer in Featherston.
