His award was for being “a wonderful achiever and role model in the areas of community service/disability support”.

“I accept it on behalf of all the others who do work in this field,” Mr Halpin said.

He serves on Bathurst Access Committee, presents on 2MCE-FM and sings songs at Illumba Gardens, the Seymour Centre and Bathurst Nursing Home.

Mr Halpin also served on the committee of Glenray for 10 years, with eight of those years as president. He was also secretary for the first group home established in Bathurst.

He said the function had an important role to play in the recognition of carers.

“Do you know there are 15 kids at Carenne in wheelchairs,” he said. “Old blokes like me – we’ve had our time, but those kids and their mums and dads – you don’t know what people have to go through.”

Roden Cutler spokesperson Benedicte Zurstrassen, a carer herself, was in Bathurst yesterday for the presentation of awards.

“I really think this is a wonderful community,” she said. “So many people were very touched at receiving their awards. A celebration like this is very important for the future. The more aware we are, the more help they get.”

Cr John Byrne represented Bathurst Regional Council at the award ceremony.