Mr Gallagher said he hadn't at all been expecting the award, and was' shocked beyond belief' when he heard his name.

"It's very much been a team effort," Mr Gallagher said.

"My thanks goes to all of those who have helped us to deliver the goods."

Mr Gallagher will now move on to the state finals.

The life member has been with the club for just short of four decades and has been the heart of many community groups and causes from Dunedoo Rugby League, swimming and sports clubs to the Arts Unlimited event and the Kahkama House, a hostel in Dunedoo for aging community members.

During the announcement Mr Gallagher was described as being the 'driving-force' behind the Dunedoo Lions Club, in short, a highly valued member.

Mr Gallagher has been a fan of the sports and the supporting community his entire life and has met a network of people within the Dunedoo Lions Club that he can now call forever friends, including fellow Life Member Ian Jenkins who celebrated 35-years of service at the club alongside Mr Gallagher four years ago now.

The Orana virtual ceremony for the 2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards was lead by Minister for Families, Communities and Disability services Gareth Ward.

Mr Ward said volunteers are the essence and flavour of our communities.

"Congratulations to all of the award recipients, and thank you for all you have done and continue to do," he said.

A Gala State Ceremony will be held at the end of the year for all of the award recipients who are now finalists and will go up against other award recipients across the state. Each volunteer is selected from within an array or organisations including emergency services, drought and bushfire relief and healthcare to the sporting fields and the arts.

Orana region winners also include, Adult Volunteer of the Year St John's Ambulance volunteer Megan Hamblin from Wongarbon, Young Volunteer of the Year, Dubbo SES volunteer Joseph McDonnell-Amatto and the Volunteer Team of the Year award winner, the Rotary Club of Cobar.