"It was an overwhelming experience when I found out, and a rather humbling one. It's not the sort of thing I'd set out to achieve," he said.

John Douglas Mills OAM has dedicated 40 years of voluntary service to the Nambucca Valley, in numerous capacities. But he believes this pales in comparison to "the many people out there so richly deserving of this award".

And John would know - he was a proud member of the Newee Creek Brigade for 10 years.

John first ventured into volunteerism in the midst of running a bustling pharmacy in Nambucca Heads.

"When I was in business I didn't have a lot of time out of hours. I first started barbecuing with the Valla Lions Club on weekends as that was my only time off," he said.

"I enjoyed it because it was something to do outside of my work, and I wasn't a great sportsman. I suppose it became my recreation and a way to get out into the community and meet people," he said.

"If I hadn't volunteered I wouldn't have made the amount of friends I have."

He has served in both the Valla and Nambucca Heads Club during his 40 years of being a Lion, and is proud of the clubs' achievements during that time, including the construction of the Bicentennial V-Wall to Bellwood walkway, ANZAC park and jetty, the Nambucca Headland Lookout, and the successful organisation and running of many of the community's favourite events.

For 26 years John acted as Chairman of the Salvation Army (Nambucca River) Red Shield Appeal, and collected for most of those years too.

And he served on the Macksville Hospital Board for 12 years, including as Chairman for six of those years.

When John retired from his pharmacy practice, it afforded him the chance to fill his time with more service to the community, including as a runner for Meals On Wheels which he continued until 2018.

Twelve years ago he was invited along to the Nambucca Valley Parkinsons Support Group to deliver a talk on the medications available for Parkinsons sufferers.

"At the end of the speech I put my hand up and said 'if you need any assistance at any time...' and they grabbed me with both hands," he said.

He's been a passionate advocate for the group since he joined, including as chairman for six years.

John is also a patron of the Nambucca Valley branch of the Red Cross, and a representative on the Mid North Coast Local Health District Advisory Committee.

The list of contributions to our community would be impressive to most, but John just sees himself as a product of his time - one which allowed and encouraged individuals to be an active part of the greater good.

John believes volunteering is increasingly necessary in our society, with more and more community members having to step up to fill the roles that government traditionally filled.

In a time when so many volunteer organisations are feeling the pressure of dwindling memberships, John would like to "suggest to all young people to think about volunteering and to just put forward what time they have - no more than that".

John said he is very grateful to have been nominated, even if it means he'll now have to purchase a new suit when he goes to Sydney in April to receive the award in person.

"They have stipulated that you can't come along in shorts and thongs," he said, smiling wryly.

And while he still feels a little uncomfortable about it all, he said this award has buoyed his motivation.

"I'm 84 next birthday. This award's giving me encouragement to go on as long as I can with both the Lions and the Parkinson Support Group," he said.

Another Family Fun Day put to bed

Body washes up north of Coffs Harbour