The Orange general practitioner was nominated for more than 20 years of service to Camp Quality - he has served as a camp doctor at most camps the organisation has held for young people with cancer, and their families.

Dr Howe was presented the Citizen of the Year award alongside tireless volunteer Denis Mullen at a ceremony in Cook Park on Australia Day, and said receiving a nomination in itself was humbling.

“Standing up there as they read out all the other nominees and their achievements, I felt quite small. I thought ‘there are plenty of others out there who deserve this award more than me’,” he said.

Australia Day is a little longer than two months away, and the Orange Australia Day Community committee is looking for nominations for Citizen, Young Citizen, Community Group and Community Event of the year.

Nomination forms can be picked up from Orange City Council chambers or downloaded from www.orange.nsw.gov.au/australiaday, and must be returned by December 13.

Dr Howe encouraged anyone to nominate a work colleague, friend, family member, organisation or community event deserving of an award.

“A nomination is as good for recognition as the award itself. I’m very humbled by it,” Dr Howe said.

Citizen of the Year 

2010 - John Pritchard

2011 - Paul Cox

2012 - Verity Williams

2013 - Dr Peter Bilenkij

2014 - Denis Mullen and Dr David Howe

Young Citizen of the Year

2010 - Emily Carroll

2011 - Grace Garretty

2012 - Kyle Ostini and Bryce Ostini

2013 - William Parish

2014 - Elizabeth Clarke

Community Group of the Year

2010 - The Voices, Brass and Pipes Spectacular

2011 - Orange Colour City Running Festival

2012 - McCormack Barber Party Under the Stars

2013 - Crusin’ Along Car Rally

2014 - Camp Quality Tractor Trek

Community Event of the Year

2010 - Orange Community Broadcasters

2011 - Orange Senior Citizens Association

2012 - Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak

2013 - Orange and District Historical Society

2014 - Kinross Wolaroi School fundraising group

alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au