QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS: Phil's a quiet achiever

Whether it's cooking a barbecue, driving buses or accompanying elderly people on medical visits, Mr Passmore has made life easier for others through his volunteer roles over the years.

That commitment earned the 84-year-old a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia OAM in the Queen's Birthday honours for service to the community of Port Macquarie through aged care and service groups.

A career as a piano tuner and repairer kept him busy seven days a week in Sydney until 35 years ago when Mr Passmore and his wife Patricia swapped Sydney for Port Macquarie.

They were seeking a different lifestyle and their new home town delivered.

Within 12 months of moving here, Mr Passmore joined Port Macquarie City Lions Club and he recalls the days when members would help out pensioners with odd jobs.

Friendships flowed from the Lions Club, and when the couple travelled, they often looked up Lions members along the way.

Mr Passmore's long list of volunteer roles over the years included Meals on Wheels, driving buses and coordinating driving rosters at Bethany Hostel, helping on pancake day and taking residents on outings at Garden Village, and assisting with activities through Catholic Care of the Aged.

Mr Passmore estimates he cooked up to 5000 sausages during barbecues at Maryknoll House over a 10-year period.

Then there is his involvement in St Agnes Village Residents' Committee and social committee, and he also drives the bus to take residents to and from church.

Mr Passmore describes volunteering as something he fell into.

"I don't think I gave it much thought, if there was something that needed doing or I was asked to do, I just did it," he said.

Mr Passmore is a familiar face at Port Macquarie Base Hospital after joining the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW (Pink Ladies) last year.

He drives the buggy in the car park to get patients and visitors to and from the hospital quickly and safely.

"It is really appreciated," Mr Passmore said about the shuttle service.

And, as for the future, Mr Passmore hopes he will be able to continue volunteering in his current capacity for a couple more years yet.

A lifetime of caring - Dr Natarahan Subbiah

Serving the community - Ken Fletcher