"The more you give in life, the more you get out of it," she said.

Dianne was named Volunteer of the Year at the Spotlight 2019 Volunteer Awards on May 22.

The Port Macquarie resident received the honour for her work as a carer with Hastings Macleay Community Transport (HMCT).

Ms Gander said it was nice to be acknowledged but it wasn't why she volunteered.

"I find the work very rewarding," she said.

"Now as a retired lady I thoroughly enjoy it.

"I have made oodles of friends as well."

Volunteers are essential for HMCT to allow affordable transport for the elderly, disability, transport isolated clients and their carers.

The service also facilitates day trips for older people who are socially isolated.

"My hat goes off to the people we serve, they are stepping out of their comfort zone and they have a lovely time," Ms Gander said.

Ms Gander's husband passed away four years ago.

"By the time you get the washing done and out you might as well be mixing with the public," she said.

"I get my jobs done in the morning and them I am out."

Ms Gander also volunteers at Sailability and as a tourism ambassador at the Glasshouse.

The runner up of the Volunteer of the Year award was Jackianne Wright from the RSPCA.

Spotlight 2019 Volunteer Awards were run by Volunteer HQ which provides information, referral and training to interested volunteers in the Hastings.