May has devoted her time to many charities and organisations including the chamber of commerce, UHA and the lady bowlers.

May is also president of the darts club and vice president of the auxiliary at the hospital, spending time with the aged and frail

"I've always been an active person in the community - that's just the way I am," she said.

May said she had been contributing and volunteering actively in various communities for around 50 years.

"At Christmas we went up to the hospital and served lunch - I just find it very rewarding," she said.

The Citizen of the Year award went to Cathy Denyer for her commitment to the Walgett shire.

Cathy is involved in the Red Cross, the Walgett Anglican Church, Walgett Meals on Wheels, the Walgett Show Society and many more.

The Junior Citizen Award was shared by Jessica Jackson and Scott Remond who have both contributed to the community through their sporting achievements.

Jessica received the Pierre De Coubertin Award in 2004 from the Australian Olympic Committee in recognition of her sporting achievements.

Scott has achieved great success in sport where he has participated in the Scots College rowing crew and rugby league.

The Community Service Award for an individual went to Jenni McKenzie for her dedication to the organisations and committees she is associated with.

Jenni works as a volunteer for many organisations including Walgett Little Athletics, Walgett Meals on Wheels and CWA Preschool Kindergarten.

The Carinda P & C and Playgroup received the Community Service Award for a Group and Walgett Little Athletics received the sports award for an Organisation.

Carinda P&C and Playgroup have been involved in the landscaping of the school and town hall grounds.

Walgett Little Athletics was recognised for its development to the sporting skills of children aged 3 to 15 years.

Australia Day Ambassador David Butcher used the recent environmental disasters to demonstrate how compassionate Australian's can be.

Mr Butcher spoke about the generosity of Australians over the past month in donating and volunteering for the Tsunami relief effort.

"This is why I am proud of our country, I am proud of our humanity," he said.

Mr Butcher went on to comment on the power of individuals and used the building of the Lightning Ridge Swimming Pool as an example.

"Who could have thought that such a small group of children could organise the building of a swimming pool?" he said.