Captain Chris Brown has a mega-watt smile as Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade accepts the award to the applause of attendees at the Australia Day ceremony held in Port Macquarie on January 26.

The trophy has been hard won by the brigade, who held back ferocious blazes across the region in late 2019 during one of the worst bushfire seasons to date.

Read more: Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade captain Chris Brown thanks the community for its vital support in tough times

The volunteer firefighters were recommended for the award by Revive Lake Cathie, supported by Leslie Williams and acting district manager Guy Duckworth.

Captain Chris Brown said the brigade aren't in it for the glory, even though they've been humbled and very honoured by the selection.

"Our brigade takes their volunteer roles with great pride and community spirit," he said in his acceptance speech.

"The community saw us just doing our job, during the most severe fire season we have ever experienced, but there is so much more to being a wonderful community brigade.

"Most of our members donate years of their time before seeing a fire season of such epic proportions.

Volunteers commit to continuous training, community engagement, fundraising, maintenance and upskilling in their free time, said Mr Brown.

The volunteers favourite activities in the community often don't involve fire at all, he says.

"We all love the Santa run at Christmas where we give out lollies to all the kids from the fire truck. We love chatting with people in the community to assist them to get ready for an upcoming fire season; each year we do traffic control for the Ironman and cheer the cyclists on all day," he said.

"We cannot carry out these roles without support from our workplaces, families and donors. Our brigade has been so thankful of the wonderful community, who during the last 18 months have really shown some amazing gratitude.

"We are truly honoured to have received the award, especially with the calibre of fellow community groups that are standing by our side here this morning. I think all the nominees should be proud of the work they have done to get here."