Velma Walker doesn't volunteer for the accolades - but she gets them anyway.
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The Shoalhaven woman has racked up 30 years with the RFS, as well as donating her time and energy to the CWA, Rotary, Quota, the Albatross Music Society and State Choir.
But it all began with the NSW Ambulance Service Woman's Auxiliary.
At a picnic with her best friend, aged 14, a book of raffle tickets was pressed into her hand.
"That was it for me," she said.
"I just love it. I enjoy meeting people and if I can help someone I like that too."
When her name was called out at Rotary's inaugural Shoalhaven Emergergency Services Community Awards in 2019 Mrs Walker said she "nearly died of shock".
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It's not her first award - she has previously received has received the RFS Commissioners Commendation for service; the National Medal and First Clasp for diligent service; the Long Service Medal; South Coast Local Woman of the Year; and was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List to receive the Australian Fire Services Medal.
However, Mrs Walker said she still thought "why me?"
"Surely there are other people out there who are just as worthy, or more so," she said.
"Volunteers go above and beyond, even though they don't realise it at the time."
She said highlighting the efforts of local volunteers and emergency services encouraged more people to give back to the community.
Mrs Walker urged anyone who knows an emergency service worker who has gone above and beyond over the past 12 months to nominate them for this year's Shoalhaven Emergency Services Community Awards.
The awards are open to all Shoalhaven-based personnel, both paid and volunteer, from the NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Ambulance, Surf Lifesaving NSW.
Nominations can be made online at www.sesca.org.au. Nominations close on Thursday, June 9.
