The 78-year-old was one of seven nominees for the prestigious award which was presented to him by Australia Day ambassador Lilian Spencer.

This was Ms Spencer’s first year as an ambassador who said she was a “very proud adopted Australian”.

Originally from California, she moved to Sydney at the tender age of 17 to attend university, and liked it so much she never looked back.

After completing degrees in politics and journalism, Ms Spencer joined GetUp in 2005 – then a tiny but audacious start-up hoping to create a powerful new way for everyday people to have a say on a whole range of issues, without having to join a political party.

Lily also co-founded Make Believe, a company dedicated to exclusively to helping passionate people ‘do good, better’.

“What I love about Australia is the free health care, laid-back people, beaches and lifestyle and I’m very lucky to be a part of it,” she said.

“I’m so grateful for the values I’ve seen and experienced since I’ve been here.

“The rest of the world has a lot to learn from Australia.”

In accepting the award Ray Neilson said it was “a great honour” and he thanked Lara (Dungog Retirement Living) for nominating him.

At the annual general meeting of Dungog and District Retirement Living held recently Ray was re-elected unopposed to the position of chairperson, a position he has held since the formation of the organisation back in 1980.

With the support of the two other executive and six additional elected board members, Ray lead the organisation during 2011 with continued vision and enthusiasm and willingly shared his time and expertise in commonsense strategies to ensure long term survival of this much valued community not-for-profit organisation.

“I am very grateful for what the community has done and the support they have given Lara over the years,” he said.

“Over the years many people have given their time to keep the home going.

“There were many other nominees for the award and to give it to just one person doesn’t add up.

“Their communities are better off for t heir involvement.

“With the support of the community Lara will continue to remain strong for many years to come.”

Kaitlyn Forsberg received the Young Citizen Award and the Lions Club of Clarence Town were honoured with the Community Service Award.