THE Dubbo community has issued a heartfelt thanks to one of its community-minded octogenarians, in the nick of time.

Ted Mortimer, who arrived in Dubbo in the 1970s as a senior technician and supervisor with Telecom, yesterday accepted with humility the title of 2014 Senior Citizen of the Year.

After decades of community service to individuals in need and wide-ranging organisations, the 83-year-old has sold his home and is moving away from Dubbo to live with family.

Children and grandchildren stood proudly beside their much-loved father and grandfather yesterday at the city's annual Seniors Expo to hear mayor Mathew Dickerson call out his name.

Up to 500 senior citizens put down their cups and cake to applaud service above self.

Cr Dickerson reeled off the resume of a community volunteer extraordinaire who wasn't the type to seek "recognition or reward".

All the better for Mr Mortimer's interest and toil are the Probus Club of Dubbo Macquarie, Masonic Lodge, Wagon Wheelers, Dubbo Anglican Church and Dubbo RSL Youth Club.

Cr Dickerson told of the lay preacher becoming a national coach for junior archers and serving as the national range officer for the Dubbo RSL Smallbore and Air Rifle Club.

"When not helping out with sporting teams, Ted drove the Lourdes Hospital bus, Bracken House bus, PCYC bus and War Widows bus for a number of years until he recently turned 80," the mayor said.

Mr Mortimer's generosity towards his fellow man and woman extended to helping set up and pull down charity street stalls, and mowing around the hall where Talbragar CWA members meet monthly.

"Perhaps most impressive is Ted's continued care for his neighbours and everyone he comes into contact with," Cr Dickerson said.

"Ted is only too happy to share his home-grown veggie garden, pick up the mail for his neighbours when they're away and assist in any way he can.

"He is the best neighbour anyone can wish for."

The mayor said Ted Mortimer's community spirit helped make Dubbo "a truly great place to live".

After receiving the 2014 NSW Seniors Week honour, Mr Mortimer revealed that the death of his wife Beryl in 1995 had led him into the community.

"I was looking for something to do beside looking after my own garden and house," he said.

Now he can't imagine not being a volunteer and encourages others to "give it a go".

His move from Dubbo will not shift his focus on community.

"I'll soon get involved wherever I am," Mr Mortimer said.