Ken Poulsen, Tenterfield born and bred, at 78-years-old continues to be a driving force for a number of local groups.

He picked up the award in Monday’s Australia Day ceremony which saw Stacey Hayne, Thomas Butler, Daniel Roex, George Jones and two community focused events also receive recognition for their service to the area.

“I’m very proud and humbled – there are a lot of others who do plenty around town,” Ken said.

“I was surprised, very much so – especially when the family showed up.

“I didn’t know until my name was read out,” he said.

Laurie Bell was the one who put Ken’s name forward for the accolade with the help of some others and he claims few are more deserving.

“He does a huge amount for the community – he deserves it thoroughly.

Mr Bell said Ken was coaxed in to going to the ceremony in order to keep things under wraps.

“It was a hell of a lot of work to organise – I told him he had to go in case the Lions club won something.

Two days later and it’s business as usual for Ken.

“We’re in the midst of getting Seniors Week organised and a few other Lions things.

“The family are all very proud and put it all over Facebook – it’s been terrific,” he said.

The rest of the ceremony was heralded over by mayor Peter Petty and his deputy Mary Leahy.

Australia Day ambassador Alex Jones, with the help of an interpreter, delivered a powerful speech.

Mr Jones spoke about the hardships and anxiety soldiers arriving on the beaches at Anzac would have suffered.

“We sent men and women to war to protect our ideals – hopefully not in vain.

“Through the Centenary of Anzac I hope it encourages the community to think back and understand where we came from,” he said.

He didn’t hold back when discussing discrimination and called upon those present to take the challenge in preventing it in all its forms.

“We still have a long way to go – we all have a responsibility to nurture our communities.

“We are one, we are many – I am, you are, we’re all Australian,” Mr Jones said.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, mayor Peter Petty said he felt extremely humbled by the extraordinary achievements of all the award recipients.

“We have such talented and devoted community members. Tenterfield should be very proud.”