On the 160th anniversary of Dubbo’s proclamation as a village, the city proved it still had individuals willing to work for the community’s benefit.

Dubbo mayor Allan Smith and awards committee

chairman Wally Flynn sung the praises of the 25 people

who received Dubbo City Community Service Awards.

The council conference rooms were packed with award recipients and it was the smiles of family and friends that put a special touch on the day.

Local people were honoured for a variety of endeavours, nominated by their peers.

As the Dubbo identities received their awards from councillors, cheers and claps came from the audience.

Certificates were passed to neighbours to read with interest and praise, before returning them to their proud and sometimes bashful owners.

Cr Smith praised the recipients.

“You may be gracious and humble, but you are all fitting recipients,” he said.

Mr Flynn thanked council staff, nominators, the awards committee and St John’s College who provided the musical entertainment.

The awards are now in their eighth year, and Cr Smith also took the opportunity to thank assembled councillors and former councillors.

Wilma Ryan and Margaret ‘Peggy’ Bruton were both nominated for their years of volunteering for the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre and walked hand in hand to receive their award from Cr Greg Matthews.

Shirley Langbien’s sentiments may have been shared by her fellow award recipients.

Her citation said that Ms Langbien liked volunteer work because it always made her feel better when she went home.

Cr Smith, Mr Flynn, Cynthia Foley, Mary Mathews, Daily Liberal editor Aaron Lakin and Derrick Edwards sat on the awards committee.

They selected local teacher Robert Newton as the Dubbo City Tony McGrane Public Service Award winner, which was announced as the ceremony’s finale.