Hundreds of thousands of hours of volunteering were honoured with presentation of certificates to 27 present and one past resident.

The mayor, Cr Mathew Dickerson said he “felt inadequate” when he saw some of the achievements those receiving the awards had accumulated.

“Then I remember they are Dubbo people,” he said.

Awards committee chairman, Wally Flyn OAM, added his praise, with “special thanks to those who nominated the quiet achievers”.

“They are worthy recipients,” Mr Flynn said.

Those receiving community service awards included:

* Ken McMahon, who was described as giving selflessly to the Dubbo Community over the past 30 years, particularly as a member of the Dubbo Macquarie Lions Club.

* Barbara Goodman, who was unable to be at the ceremony and was represented by her daughters Victoria and Samantha. She was recognised for her dedicated 13 years of volunteering to the Dubbo North Public School.

* Norma Williams, was described as having given her time to the Dubbo community through various organisations. In particular the Dubbo Arts and Craft Society and the Dubbo Jazz Festival.

* Pamela and Brian Cooper were the first of several joint awards. For 18 years they have donated their time, energy and considerable expertise to the Dubbo RSL Youth Club.

* Retired surgeon Dr Robert North has been involved in volunteering in some medical fields since his retirement and volunteers his time on a monthly basis to oversee the implementation of the treatment patients at a clinic. He reviews each patient to ensure that the treatment that they are receiving is of benefit to them.

* Pat Munro was unable to be at the ceremony, but was recognised as being an invaluable member of the Talking Daily Liberal for the past 15 years. She has been a reliable and trustworthy member of the production team.

* Albert and Nena Stevens, have given their time to the Dubbo community for many years. They were both involved in raising funds to build the Church of the Good Shepherd in West Dubbo, the West Dubbo Rotary club, and the Dubbo Choristers.

* Susan Noonan has been volunteering at Dubbo North Public School for the past six years and is committed to all the students and staff and community of Dubbo North Public.

* Geraldine McMahon has been volunteering for more than 30 years, serving Meals on Wheels to the elderly members of the community. She has also volunteered with the Red Cross Blood Bank for seven years.

* Phillip Knight has been involved with community and charity service for 35 years, with organisations such as Riding for the disabled; Pony Club; junior swimming and as a junior touch football coach.

* Joy McLean has been an active member of the Dubbo Base Hospital Pink Ladies Auxillary for the past seven years.

* Lindsay Cafe’s posthumous award was accepted by his wife Wendy.

* Lorraine and Peter Croft are currently the Secretary and President of the Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie, and along with running their businesses they dedicate their time to Rotary.

* Ineke Welch has devoted 10 years of selfless service to the wildlife of the western region by volunteering with WIRES (Wildlife Information and Rescue Education Service).

* Robert Chenhall has been a member of the Dubbo Rescue Squad for 10 years.

* Muriel Cusick, has volunteered for Lourdes Hospital for the past 11 years, for the Palliative care team twice a week.

* Lloyd Giffin has been involved with the University of the Third Age since 1996 and has the arduous responsibility of organising the programs and time tables for the many classes that are held.

* Elaine Denning has been involved with the University of the Third Age for more than 10 years, and has been the assistant class co-ordinator for this period.

* Iona Miller has been contributing to her community for more than 50 years and has no thought of slowing down, in fact she is still doing twice as much as volunteers half her age.

* Claire Barden has been volunteering in our community for 13 years including for organisations like the Dubbo Visitors Centre, Meals on Wheels and the Dubbo Family History Society.

* Robyn Lappa has been part of the Dubbo Netball association for the past 18 years. She has held the positions of senior recorder for five years, umpires convener for two years, secretary for two years and registrar for three years and also canteen for three years.

* Rowena Parish has been involved with the Dubbo Netball Association for seven years and has been on the committee holding various positions.

* Rhonda Sutton began as a volunteer driver for Dubbo Community Transport in 2002 and 10 years on she is still helping the aged, people with disabilities and their carers within Dubbo.

* Janne Doyle is one of the most devoted volunteer guides at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, conducting both early morning walks and coach tours.

* The winner of the 2011 Dubbo City Tony McGrane Public Service Award went to David Arnold who has worked for TAFE Western since 1978, and is deeply passionate about his industry and learning and passes this on to his students.