Dubbo volunteer and health advocate Elizabeth Allen has received the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia's prestigious Max Gardner Award for Distinguished Service.
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Since co-founding the Dubbo Prostate Cancer Support Group in 1996 she has dedicated over two decades to support those impacted by the disease.
Mrs Allen said she felt very "honoured" and "privileged" to receive the award.
"You don't do it for an award or reward," she said humbly, adding that being a volunteer was one of the most rewarding things you can do.
"The satisfaction you get out of being a volunteer, whatever role that may be, is so good."
She hopes more people within the city can volunteer their time to helping others.
Mrs Allen said she was brought up in a community minded household that were dedicated to helping others.
"And when my husband was diagnosed 25 years ago... we, with another couple, formed the group and continued to be supportive of anyone with a diagnosis," Mrs Allen said of the local support group.
She would like to see more acknowledgement for carers, adding that many men don't want to talk about their diagnosis so oftentimes many women are in need of support too.
Mrs Allen said her ultimate goal is to get awareness to the men within the wider community of the importance of seeing their GP and getting tested.
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Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO, Professor Jeff Dunn said Mrs Allen was an inspiration to others.
"We are tremendously grateful for Elizabeth's meritorious contribution and service," he said.
"Over many years she has served as a community leader to ensure that men and their partners do not have to walk the journey of prostate cancer alone.
"Elizabeth has played a vital role in providing men and their partners with information, comfort, and support, calling on her own personal experience to make a difference in the lives of others."
Mrs Allen is also organising a national Prostate Cancer Support Group conference to be held in Dubbo next year.
It will be the first conference of its kind to be held in Dubbo and Mrs Allen said preparations were going well.
If you would like to find out more information on the Dubbo Prostate Cancer Support Group please visit www.prostate.org.au