Ms Cooke, the Cootamundra MP, joined by agriculture minister and Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders and Rural Fire Service Association president Scott Campbell greeted an estimated 1,600 volunteers for the RFS, State Emergency Service, Volunteers Rescue Association, Local Land Services and many other volunteers over picnic lunch at the renowned zoo.

"What beautiful day here at Dubbo and lovely time to see [everyone] as one big family coming together post-COVID to spend time with each other..I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done. It would not have been possible without you, " Ms Cooke told the cheerful crowd.

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"They played an integral part especially in the recent floods in the northern rivers helping us with washing properties in excess of over 700 volunteers coming in day after day. I am so deeply appreciative of the time they give to help people in need."

Mr Saunders described them as "incredible volunteers" who have offered their services during the series of disasters experienced across the state.

Mr Campbell said the volunteers "give up their time constantly to go away from their families" and "do such a big job" in rescue efforts during the series of droughts, 2019 bushfire and floods.

Lyn and Barry Whalan, of Dubbo RFS brigade are among local families who joined fellow volunteers at the zoo, meeting them again on a day without an emergency situation to worry about. "It's wonderful to see many faces of my fellow volunteers," Mrs Whalan said.

"I've been to floods, been up to Lismore several times through to the Tweeds to drive the bus and help clean up the mess. This recent flood is so big and dramatic," Mr Whalan, 73, an RFS volunteers for 46 years of his life said.