The 90-year-old from North Nowra was congratulated on his many years of service to the community.

He said he was humbled to win.

“If I had my life over again I would live much of it the same,” he said.

“I was very surprised.

“You get a lot of satisfaction out of volunteering and I think that’s the way to be happy.”

The awards ceremony on Friday night at the Shoalhaven Entertain-ment Centre celebrated the vast achievements and dedication Mr Chittick has shown within the community since he was 16 years old.

Mr Chittick has given around 30 years of service to Meals on Wheels, 11 years with Bushcare and 30 years as a volunteer at Camp Koloona.

Since 2007 Mr Chittick has also been Nowra Men’s Shed assistant secretary.

“This is a man of whom his community can be truly proud,” Cr Allan Baptist said.

“He is a man of commitment, whose actions serve as a model for all.

“We are all the richer for his endeavours.”

Jim Dorrington and Nellie Mooney were awarded the silver medals for their services to the community.

Mr Dorrington has devoted 30 years to Havenlee School, providing music lessons to children with disabilities.

Ms Mooney, known as Aunty Nell has dedicated her life to the betterment of Aboriginal children in Ulladulla and formed the Wandarma Aboriginal Consultative Group in the 1980s.

Inga Browne, Jeanette Galbraith and Pattie Yates were awarded bronze medals.

Ms Browne was awarded for her dedication and involvement with the Girl Guides, View Club, Rotary, as the director for Inasmuch and for her fund-raising efforts for cancer research.

Ms Galbraith was noted for her work with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, the Show Society and Berry’s Masonic Village.

Ms Yates who has served the Milton/Ulladulla community for 30 years was thanked for her volunteer work with the Community Resource Centre, as a pianist for school concerts and as a talented fund-raiser for Milton/Ulladulla Entertainers.