Mr Meehan was presented with the RSL and Services Club Association National Spirit of Anzac Award for 2015 for the most outstanding community member.

The award was announced as part of the association’s national conference in Canberra.

“I’m both humbled and embarrassed by the award,” Mr Meehan said.

“I didn’t even know I had been nominated.

“I was told the day before the announcement that I had to attend the national conference in Canberra.

“It wasn’t until I arrived I was told I was a finalists.

“To be awarded the National Spirit of Anzac Award, especially in the centenary year of Anzac, is very special.”

He was nominated by secretary manager of the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club Chris Allen and director Fred Campbell, who is also RSL Sub-Branch vice-president.

As well as his everyday activities with the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch, the award recognises his efforts of the past 12 months when he was chairman of the Shoalhaven Anzac Centenary committee; was the driving force behind the highly successful 2015 Digger Day; was convenor for all Anzac Day services in the Shoalhaven; his work with the Iraq Afghanistan Association of Australia; his involvement with the In Memory Exhibition which honoured Shoalhaven indigenous servicemen and women; and work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission where he and his son Luke maintain the Nowra War Cemetery.

“I’m really proud of what the club and the RSL does for the community and veterans,” he said.

“I’m passionate about what I do.

“The award also showcases the Shoalhaven and its long, and proud, military history.”

This year’s Centenary of Anzac Digger Day event has been hailed a huge success, raising $60,000.

An auction of the specially designed rugby jerseys at Shoalhaven Rugby Club on Saturday evening raised another $7500, pushing the total raised past $60,000 which will be distributed between Soldier On, DefenceCare and the Nowra RSL Sub-Branch to maintain its many services.