Kiama MP Gareth Ward made the presentation on Friday, saying Mr Irwin was a "very deserving recipient."

"Les has dedicated his whole life to Penwood, promoting local tourism and helping people in Berry and the Shoalhaven," Mr Ward said.

"These awards are personally commissioned by the Premier and each MP is only allowed to present two each year.

"Les is just such a worthy recipient."

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Mr Irwin purchased his original property 25 years ago, with the Penwood Miniature Railway opening in 2000.

It was temporarily closed after a stoush over road access, but reopened in August 2013.

"Penwood provides a nostalgic experience of travelling on a steam railway through a rural property at Penwood just south of Berry providing a fun day out for big and little kids," Mr Ward said.

"In August 2013, I recall driving the first train out of the station at the official reopening of Penwood and all the kids and families in attendance that day really enjoyed it."

Mr Ward was at it again Friday afternoon, taking one of the trains for a spin around the beautifully manicured five and a half acre property.

"Les has put this whole operation together and he is to be commended for doing so. He has spent thousands of hours working on his miniature railways and model trains pursuing his hobby," Mr Ward said.

"But he has also ensured that members of the public can enjoy this facility. It really is a remarkable facility.

"We are very lucky in our region to have quite a number of rail enthusiasts, of which I am also one.

"Les has always put his hand up to help others and I am absolutely delighted to be able to present him with the Premier's Community Service Award,"

Mr Irwin was taken aback by the honour.

"It's not just the kids who have fun over here, the big kids enjoy it too," he said.

"At the moment we are closed to the public due to COVID - we probably could do it but the problem is getting the spacing between people. If we have 50 or 60 kids here plus their parents how do you make them stay apart ?

"We've knocked back four birthday parties just of late - but it would be just too hard, cleaning and disinfecting everything all the time.

"We'll just wait until things clear up a bit more."

However they are still holding members events to get "their train fix".

He said his vision was just to provide a model railway for friends and the club and also to give something back to the community.

"I never made any money out of this," he said.

"It's all come out of my pocket - the club runs out of here and they pay for the things like mowing and bring their own engines."

He revealed the property is actually on the market.

"I'm trying to sell the place at the moment," he said.

"We've had a development application approved for three cabins, each with two rooms, and a three-bedroom manager's residence," he said.

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