Mr McAlpine has been involved in the education industry for more than 40 years, holding a number of executive roles within the NSW Secondary Principal's Coucnil.

"It's flattering to get an award but in some ways it is embarrassing in that I know lots of teachers and principals who do really good jobs every day of the year and I'm just one of those," he said.

"It's nice to now be retired and to watch my two granddaughters learning."

Mr McAlpine began his career as a teacher at Nepean High School and went on to become Head Teacher at Orange High, Principal of Tumut High and was principal at Moss Vale HS from 2001-2007.

He has been a Fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders since 2007 and is a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators.

"I have really enjoyed my 41 years in public education. I don't have any regrets whatsoever," he said.

"As long as teachers and parents can encourage children to want to learn and want to extend themselves, then I think we're on a winner.

"The students at Moss Vale High School during my time there were very polite.

"I always found they would say good morning, goodbye, they would hold doors open and they did it because they were naturally polite rather than being disciplined into being polite."

Other positions included president of NSW Secondary Principals' Council, National vice-president of the Australian Secondary Principals' Association and Advisory Group Member of the NSW Office of Educational Leadership at the University of NSW.

He was also the chair of the NSW Digital Education Revolution Taskforce, an active member of the NSW Teachers Federation and a board member of iNet Australia (International Network for Educational Transformation).

Mr McAlpine is currently president of the Rotary Club of Moss Vale.

MURRAY WALKER AM

Mr Walker was recognised for his service to the community through a range of executive roles with conservation, health, educational and sporting organisations, and to advertising.

"I'm absolutely honoured to receive the Award and I certainly didn't expect it, though I suppose one doesn't," Walker said.

"I've been very fortunate to be involved in so many interesting voluntary roles".

"I've always enjoyed being busy and I think a busy person tends to make the time."

Mr Walker was a Committee member of the International Association for Voluntary Effort from 1986-2000 and a volunteer consultant to Volunteer Centre NSW.

He was vice-patron of Meniere's Research Fund from 2003-2006 and a Director of Odyssey House McGrath Foundation from 1988-1992.

He has also been involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mature Australia, Australian Club, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Winifred West Education Foundation.

Mr Walker was president of the Royal Sydney Golf Club from 1994-1999 and a Rear Commodore at the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.

He was a director of Zoological Parks Board of NSW and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife Association of NSW.

He has also worked at the helm of a number of advertising companies during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, becoming a Fellow of Advertising Institute of Australia.

"It would seem to me that this Award acknowledges the vital role played by volunteers in almost every walk of life. Where would our society be without them?" he said.

Mr Walker is currently a Governor of Oxley College, Burradoo.

ROMA DIX OAM

The Frensham Music teacher was honoured for her service to the visually impaired, the performing arts, and to the community of Mittagong.

"It was very humbling. I was very surprised of course and a bit overwhelmed," Ms Dix said.

Ms Dix was a co-founder, co-director and coordinator of the National Braille Music Camp, which has been held in Mittagong for 26 years.

She has been a music teacher for more than 50 years and has also been a major contributor in teaching Braille music in Australia.

"The camp has a tremendous effect on participants. The students of course, but also the minds of the accompanying teachers just boggle when they see what the kids can do at the camp and the way we treat them and how all the teaching and choir work is done by the blind.

"It just changes their lives. It is one of the best weeks in the year for us all."

The camp has about 50 blind people, students and teachers from across Australia and New Zealand and has produced it's own teachers who now run the camp.

Ms Dix is a well-known flautist and member of local orchestras and bands.

She has been the chairperson of Mittagong Memorial Hall Management Committee, since 1999 and a prominent figure in the saving, refurbishing and now managing the Mittagong Playhouse.

"I was just one of a group of people who fought to have it saved and we didn't just save it, we also got it refurbished," she said.

"Seven of us have actually just spent the morning in the Playhouse, painting, doing jobs and staining the stairs. We've got a terrific committee."

Ms Dix is also an active member of theatre and music groups and a member of the Bowral Autumn Music Festival Committee.

She was president of Mittagong Townscape Association in the early 1990s and a member of the Lake Alexandra Reserve Management Committee and is often seen on the Reserve getting rid of weeds.

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