On Thursday morning a handful of Tamworth’s most dedicated volunteers gathered at the community centre where they were officially recognised for their hard work.

Young people, adults, seniors and community groups were nominated by members of the public who thought they all made a difference to the lives of residents.

Nominations came in from across all parts of the Tamworth district including Barraba and Nundle.

Among them was 20-year-old Aimee Caulfield who was named Youth Volunteer of the Year for her work with Youth in Search.

There was also Suzanne Gardiner who accepted the award for Group Volunteer on behalf of Ronald McDonald House, and then there was Stephanie Tutt-Steer of Rebloom Flower Recyclers who was named adult volunteer of the year.

Taking out the Senior volunteer and overall volunteer of the year award was Suzanne Turner of News on Wheels who was unable to make the ceremony.

The award was accepted by Ann Sumner on Mrs Turner’s behalf.

Tamworth Deputy Mayor Helen Tickle opened the awards ceremony with a tribute to the volunteers who often worked behind the scenes unnoticed.

“We are very, very fortunate in our area that we have a lot of volunteers providing wonderful service and making our community a better place to live,” Cr Tickle said.

“Volunteers also love what they do and they too form a lot of friendships along the way. It is a big commitment and an input into our communities from our volunteers.

“It is very important to recognise our volunteers in a special ceremony such as this even though throughout the year we continually appreciate and acknowledge the efforts that the volunteers put in.”

Nominees and winners joined Tamworth councillors and staff for a special morning tea in their honour after the ceremony.