Mr Hunter received the accolade at yesterday's official Australia Day ceremony at Cato Park.

For decades Mr Hunter has been a tireless community worker and is dedicated to helping others.

Despite having to overcome some serious health issues in recent years, he has continued to undertake pastoral care duties and remains actively involved in several groups and service clubs.

Since arriving in Stawell in 1975 to take up the role of vice principal of Stawell Primary School, his voluntary community involvement has included becoming a church elder in 1981, serving on the Church Council until 2011, teaching Christian education in local primary schools after his retirement and assisting in choir and music during church worship services.

He has also taught guitar, coached at netball and football clubs and helped transport players to sporting venues.

Groups to benefit from Mr Hunter's contributions include the Stawell Lions Club and Stawell Probus Club where he held various executive roles, Stawell Golf and Bowls Club, Stawell St Matthew's Tennis Club and the now disbanded Stawell Rose and Garden Club.

In addition to all of this, he has volunteered his time to Meals on Wheels, Driver Reviver programs and clean-ups after the 1983, 2011 and 2006 bushfires.