Mrs Ker is a long-standing volunteer with the Culburra Dolphins Junior Rugby League Football Club and senior club the Culburra-Greenwell Point Pirates.

Like many other volunteers she gives up her time without expecting anything in return.

However, the Dolphins committee had different ideas and nominated her for the annual Country Rugby League (CRL) Holiday Inn Everyday Hero Volunteer of the Year award.

Mrs Ker, when told about the nomination, was shocked and emotional.

“I was just blown away,” she said.

“Normally I know what the boys are up to and they did well to keep this from me.”

The Greenwell Point resident shed a few tears, after she learnt about the nomination, because it meant so much to her.

Her involvement with rugby league started in 1997 when her son Danaan started playing for the Colyton Colts in the strong Penrith district league.

She put her hand up to help the club straight away.

She saw volunteering as way to share something fun with her sons Danaan and Brandon, while husband Lance is also a willing volunteer.

Danaan and Brandon no longer play rugby league but their parents are still involved.

“I stayed because I just love being involved,” she said.

Mrs Ker is the Dolphins registrar and secretary for the seniors.

She loves how the Dolphins sole purpose is to help and support local children.

She has taken on a numerous roles, like being team manager, and it if was not for time constraints she would love to coach.

She said being a shift worker meant she could not dedicate enough time to be a coach.

Mrs Ker said more people should become volunteers.

“You definitely get more out of than you put into,” she said.

If her sons were not into sport – she would have volunteered in some other area.

“Volunteering is really a good way to get involved in your community and also make friends,” she said

The CRL Holiday Inn Everyday Hero Volunteer of the Year award will be announced on Saturday, August 23 at the Holiday Inn Potts Point.

A total of 22 volunteers are in the running to win the award.