President of the Boorowa Lions Club, Roger Stewart, said that Mr Whale was given the award for his hard work and dedication to the Boorowa community.

"I take great pleasure in calling Patrick Whale up for the Lions/Apex Citizen of the Year," he said.

"This award goes to someone described as a great community member, who in the past years has been involved in the Frogmore Hall committee and the bushfire brigade.

"Since moving to Boorowa he has been involved in the Boorowa Musical and Dramatic Society, Men's Den and volunteer for Driver Reviver.

"He is a reliable and capable gardener and handyman in the district, he does a lot of charitable work and visitations and knows who needs help in Boorowa," he said.

Mr Stewart highlighted Mr Whale's work within Boorowa's religious communities of all denominations after being ordained as a deacon at St Patrick's parish ten years ago.

"He fulfills this role with much dedication and passion. The Catholic community as well as the wider community of Boorowa appreciate what he does, especially as there is no resident priest located here," he said.

"Apart from his role at mass, he conducts baptisms, marriages and funerals not only for Catholics but other denominations as well. In this way he embraces the true spirit of ecumenism.

"Along with other ministers of religion he takes part in the Blessing of the Fleece at Woolfest, as well as Anzac and Remembrance Day services and Australia Day ceremonies," he said.

Mr Whale said it was an honour to receive Boorowa's most prestigious Australia Day award.

"Thank you very much everybody, I find this very humbling," he said.

"I didn't expect to be rewarded or recognised in this way, but it's nice to be recognised and appreciated for what you do. So thank you very much.

"I was wondering why my wife was conspiring to get me here, I've been busy this morning taking communion to the home bound but I made it here in plenty of time," he said.

Mr Whale said he was very appreciative of the award.

"I am pleased (to receive the award) it's human nature, you like to be acknowledged and appreciated," he said.

"I didn't see it coming, I thought maybe further down the track I might be recognised.

"It means I'm liked and as I've already said to be appreciated is only natural. A lot of people go through life where they are not recognised or appreciated and to have this happen to me is amazing.

"Thanks to the people who nominated me and the Lions Club," he said.