Community service stalwart Nerida Hoy was given $2,000 to distribute amongst her choice of community groups.

"There are many deserving community groups in Walcha," said Mrs Hoy.

"But these are the three organisations that are closest to my heart."

A cheque for $500 was given to the Walcha Hospital Auxiliary Group, and another $500 was handed to the Walcha Historical Society. Both said they were very grateful and expressed how important it was to receive these donations.

"With the current drought conditions our donation revenue has dried up a bit," said Walcha Historical Society treasurer Kerry Dickson.

"The upkeep of the Pioneer Cottage Museum is never-ending, and this money will be well spent."

The other $1,000 was given to the Friends of the Old Stone Church to go into the fund being used to repair the historically significant stained glass windows of the old St Andrews Church. St Andrew's Anglican Church was the third church to be built in Walcha and is now the earliest church still standing on its original site.

Mrs Hoy said she also wanted to acknowledge the many other people who work behind the scenes at local not-for-profit groups.

Mrs Hoy was nominated by Col King who said she was "my hero" at Tuesday's presentation.

"Nerida volunteers for many organisations with great enthusiasm," said Walcha Vet Supplies proprietor Peter King.

"Dividing her time between the Walcha Tourist Information Centre, The Pioneer Cottage, The Walcha Library, Westpac Helicopter, Walcha Handmade, The Anglican Church and Friends of the Old Stone Church, she is exactly the kind of unsung hero we want to see recognised through these awards."

A $300 Ariat voucher was also given to Mrs Hoy, and Mr King said nominations were now open for the next local hero award to be announced at the end of the year.

Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes concluded the morning by thanking Mr King and congratulating him on making the generous donations in a challenging local economic climate.