They have made lasting, selfless contributions to the city and touched the lives of a huge number of residents.

Much of the work they did was as volunteers.

A city is made by its people and the winners have shown how one person can make a big difference to their society.

The scope of their activities was wide ranging and impacted history, research, charity work, community organisations, cancer support, animal care, sport, war veterans, war widows, women's groups, music and fundraising.

And that would not be the entire list.

Often residents involved in community service do not get sufficient recognition.

Normally they are the kind of people who would not expect it or ask for it.

They work away quietly bringing help to fellow residents, performing tasks and projects that might otherwise not be done and turning their experience, life skills and knowledge into a community asset.

They see their contribution and its benefits to others as reward enough.

The 16 winners are only the tip of the iceberg.

Dubbo has huge numbers of volunteers supporting almost every aspect of life.

They keep the community vibrant and secure, they are the glue that holds it together.

They are our finest.

They all deserve our respect, congratulations and heartfelt gratitude.