Cabonne councillor Don Lawrence's mother Doris was Canowindra's first-ever citizen of the year, receiving the inaugural award in 1983.

Cr Lawrence said the awards played an important part in rewarding volunteers for their significant work.

"People should be recognised for what they do, because without volunteers this council couldn't survive," he said.

"It's the same story across the State, volunteers do things for the benefit of the town and they get paid nothing."

Winners are chosen by Cabonne Council out of nominations submitted by the community.

A community group will also be recognised with an award on Saturday.

Cr Lawrence said the contribution of citizens of the year should not be underestimated.

"They go beyond the call of duty," he said.

"Last year's citizen of the year Eddie Roberts gave so much of his time driving people to hospital and doctors in Orange."

Canowindra's Australia Day events organiser Warwick Bowd said the awards gave the community a chance to praise its quiet achievers.

"It's one way of recognising someone who works quietly behind the scenes and doesn't normally get any recognition," he said.