The loyal Scone resident was pleasantly overwhelmed last Thursday when he stood in front of a large crowd to receive the Australian Prime Minister’s National Volunteer Award.

The prestigious accolade was presented as part of the Australia Day celebrations in Scone by Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts.

A very deserving recipient, Mr Brown first started volunteering in 1951 as a Citizen Military Forces personnel in the Australian Intelligence Corps during the Korean War.

After growing up in Bexley North, where he lived for 57 years before moving to Scone, Mr Brown took up the few opportunities available to volunteer, including being a volunteer on the bicentennial committee in Sydney in 1988.

Since moving to Scone more than 20 years ago Mr Brown has proved his passion for the area being a life member of the Australian Stock Horse Society, as well as heavy involvement in various service clubs such as the Rotary Club of Scone where he was president and chairman of the Probus Club of Scone.

In 2005 Mr Brown received Rotary’s highest honour – the Paul Harris Fellowship Medal – for his tireless volunteering within the organisation.

He was the worthy recipient of the Hunter McLoughlin Memorial Scone Citizen of the Year in 2004.

A business man at heart, Mr Brown was also a councillor on Scone Shire Council for more than 12 years and is still involved in committees.

He was auditor of Scone Masonic Lodge and the Wingen-Parkville CWA.

At 81 years of age and fighting fit, Mr Brown is still chairman of the Local Health Advisory Council for the Scott Memorial Hospital and only resigned last year from his role as director’s chairman of TransCare Hunter Ltd after seven years.

Mr Brown said volunteers make the difference and he loves doing what he does.

“Without volunteers the government would be in a lot of trouble,” Mr Brown said.

“I was really thrilled to receive the award, especially as only two people across the shire received one.

“It’s a big deal and something I am truly humbled by.

“To me, Scone is the centre of the world and if you can help someone as you go along, your life hasn’t been invaded.”

Merriwa’s Bryan Baker was also recognised for his commitment to the Merriwa local area with a National Volunteer Award.