Mr Chambers' family history in Wagga goes back about 100 years when his grandfather, Maurice Geddes Chambers, and his grandmother, Maude Chambers, moved to the then-small town.

Maurice Chambers was a foreman at The Daily Advertiser and Maude Chambers became Wagga's first female alderman in 1944.

After his own 25-year career as a commercial printer with the Advertiser, John Chambers established the Chambers-Whyte design and print business with Ron Whyte in 1977.

It is his sizeable contribution to the community as a businessman over the past 33 years that resulted in yesterday's honour.

He has voluntarily forfeited accounts and discounted printing costs to assist in raising funds for community organisations.

For more than 20 years, he has printed at no cost many thousands of song sheets, candle holders and posters for the annual Kurrajong-Waratah Christmas spectacular.

Mr Chambers, 76, has made a similar contribution to the Miss Wagga Quest.

His community contribution through Rotary has been recognised through a Paul Harris Fellowship.

And Mr Chambers was instrumental to the success of the initial fundraising to establish the cancer patient and family accommodation centre Lilier Lodge.

In receiving his award, Mr Chambers said he was surprised, overwhelmed and very proud.

"I have always tried to do something for the community, and I thank you for this wonderful award," Mr Chambers said.

The other nominees for the award were orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kerin Fielding, general practitioner Dr Alan Cotterill and Australian Truck Drivers Memorial contributor Ron Pullen.