"And in the end I said I'll do it, and I didn't have a clue how to run a meeting or anything like that so that's really where it all started," he said.

More than 50 years later, Mr Macneil's service to primary industry and the community has encompassed the NSW Farmers Association, Grain Producers Australia, the then Urana Shire Council, Landcare NSW and numerous committees in Rand.

"I just wanted to contribute back to society that had given me such a good start in life, I guess that was really the motivator," he said.

"Often the giver gets more out of it than the receiver ... it might be the smallest little thing ever, but I go to bed that night sort of feeling happy that I've done something for somebody."

Mr Macneil nominated an Alzheimers fundraiser that attracted 700 people to Melbourne Town Hall about 15 years ago as a particularly satisfying project.

Meanwhile, Ian McLeod has served the community of Lockhart for more than 50 years.

Involved in establishing Woodhaven Aged Care Hostel, he was its chairman between 1990 and 2016 and also a former secretary.

Mr McLeod has been willing to take on leadership roles for a range of Lockhart groups like the aged care association, Rotary, serving 10 years as treasurer on the hospital board and the golf club, where he was president for about seven years in total and treasurer from 2002 to 2012.

In 1974 he was a founding member and inaugural president of his town's Apex branch.

Part of the Law Society of NSW since 1968, Mr McLeod has provided philanthropic support to events such as the Spirit of the Land Festival, Pedalcure 4 MND, Lockhart Picnic Races and Lockhart Show.

Lockhart Council presented him with an award for outstanding community service on Australia Day 2017.