Peter Maytom has been actively involved in shire sport for decades - as a player, parent and a coach.

He said it was an honour to receive the award and thanked all those who volunteer.

"All the kids who play sport, it doesn't happen without a family," he said.

While his first love is rugby league, together with his wife Bev, he has been pool manager at Dungog for 23 years, teaching countless children to swim - and is now teaching their children.

Actively involved in Dungog Swimming Club as a squad coach, swim instructor and volunteer, Maytom gives endless hours to ensure swimmers are prepared both mentally and physically coaching his proteges to regional and state titles.

A pivotal member of the Clarence Town Rugby League Club since joining in 2011, Maytom has held long term positions on the executive committee and coached the Clarence Town Cobras to their first grand final win in 2015. He has mentored players, trainers and support staff, providing his experience and knowledge to help them develop their skills.

Maytom is a life member of the Dungog Rugby League Club where he first played footy as a junior aged 12 when his family moved from Clarence Town to Dungog. He went on to play in the Dungog all age team for an impressive 19 years.

Maytom has worked with the sports ground committee to ensure local facilities are maintained and improved. He was part of the initial committee that secured an infrastructure grant for Clarence Town Sporting Reserve.

Maytom was the coach for Clarence Town's first ladies league tag team to enter the Newcastle and Hunter competition in 2019, with the team finishing in the top five. Receiving his award he paid special tribute to the players who juggled children, schoolwork or full time jobs to be part of the team.

Maytom supports emerging athletes with transport, sponsors and provides further opportunities through the connections he has developed and maintained.

"He gives his time off the field to support and guide where needed, without seeking recognition," said Ellen Maytom in his nomination.

"He is an example for many and his commitment models sportsmanship for young and old."

Hayley Forbes is a name to remember as she eyes off a spot in the Australian volleyball league super league team.

Forbes who did her Higher School Certificate at Dungog High School last year is the shire's Junior Sports Award winner. She has deferred her place at university to work in child care for a year.

As a member of the Dungog and District Netball Association Forbes was a representative level netballer but found her love for volleyball in 2014 when she joined the Dungog High School girls' volleyball team.

Forbes represented the Hunter region in the Combined High Schools Secondary Schools Volleyball tournaments in 2016, 2017, 2018 and captained the team in 2019.

In 2017 Forbes successfully trialled for the NSW Under 17's Volleyball team playing in the Australian Junior Volleyball Championships. She then travelled to Sydney each weekend for three months to train. She captained the NSW U19s volleyball team.