There are six nominees in the citizen of the year category: Lynne Graham, Phillip McIntosh, Christopher Kanck, Ian Begg, Jennifer Currie and John Mason.

Ms Graham established the community kitchen which operates out of the Baptist Church in Tarcutta Street, providing a hot meal in a social setting once a week.

After realising many people in outlying suburbs were unable to attend, Ms Graham decided the service should be more accessible. From this grew CareVan Wagga, which provides three meals a week in Ashmont, Tolland, South Wagga and Kooringal.

A team of about 70 volunteers now helps with the provision of meals to at least 150 people a week.

"I'm not a person who seeks recognition. [If the award came to me], I'd accept it on behalf of the amazing people who stand behind me and support me. Without the dedicated volunteers, this would be nothing," Ms Graham told The Daily Advertiser.

Phillip McIntosh is chairman of the board of directors of Commins Hendriks Pty Ltd, a current director of the Wagga RSL Club, a member of the Institute of Company Directors, a past president of the Wollundry Rotary Club and chairperson of the organising committee behind the Gears and Beers festival.

He said he was "surprised, but very honoured" at his nomination.

Mr McIntosh, a cyclist himself, was keen to pay tribute to all the volunteers who provided help and assistance to Gears and Beers.

"I don't find organising Gears and Beers a major chore. I see that more as a hobby," he said.

Mr McIntosh said he was passionate about his involvement with the Wagga RSL.

"My dad was a returned serviceman and he always used to be able to go to the club and he always felt he was in a safe environment that was really welcoming, and everybody was friendly and would say hello."

Christopher Kanck volunteers with three community organisations in Wagga: The Demonstration Gardens, Wagga Community Band and the Wagga School of Arts.

He admits to being surprised by his nomination, but passionate about his community work.

"People have better wellbeing when they have a hobby, especially a hobby that can involve performances," he said.

"The extra benefit - of amateur art performances - is that residents don't have to travel to major capital cities to consume quality art. They can just attend local art productions, created by locals."

Ian Begg has long history of volunteering in Wagga and his efforts have helped out Kurrajong Race Day, SIDS for Kids, Clean Up Australia Day, Clean Up Wagga, Respect Week, Baptist Church's community kitchen, and Cancer Council annual activities.

He also gives his time to Wagga community radio station 2AAA.

"I'm so proud of the people of Wagga and my kids who have allowed me to be a part of a wonderful community. It doesn't matter where you're from or who you are, the community will rally for your needs," Mr Begg said.

Mr Begg is also one of three people in the walk of honour category and one of two nominees in the Ted Ryder Sports Memorial.

His nomination for the Ted Ryder category said Mr Begg has volunteered his time with many school sporting initiatives including the Australian football, rugby league, soccer and cricket

Mr Begg also supports youth sporting clubs though his role as coach and referee with Football Wagga Association, and provides coaching to the North Wagga AFL Club.

Jennifer Currie was described in her nomination as a "silent volunteer".

She has given her time in varied roles at The Smith Family and View Club, supported refugee families in their transition process, volunteered at St Aidan's Church, Wagga, and helped out at the Cancer Council's Daffodil Day and with the Wagga City Rugby Male Choir.

Mrs Currie has been heavily involved with the Wagga softball scene and has been named as a life-time member of the Wagga Softball Association.

"I really don't think I do very much. I just do bits here and there," she said.

"You just do it because you enjoy it. You're helping somebody and that makes you feel good too.

"I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe anyone would even think about nominating me."

John Mason is an active member of the Wagga Men's Shed and was a key driver in rebuilding the facility after it was destroyed by an arson attack some years ago.

Mr Mason, who is also a nominee in the walk of honour category, is an active member of South Wagga Rotary whose "The Rock Project" came in for special mention.

Through his Rotary connections, Mr Mason heard about an NDIS request to rebuild a bedroom of a family home at The Rock.

This project turned into the rebuild of half of the house and Mr Mason took on the role of co-ordinating and seeing the project to completion.

"It would be a great honour [to win] but there are so many in the community who do great things that are never seen or heard. We don't do it to be honoured, we just do it to get it done," he told The Daily Advertiser.

In the Ted Ryder Sports Memorial category, Mr Begg is joined as a finalist by Geoffrey Jacobson.

Mr Jacobson is a well-known face in the Wagga volleyball scene and has been instrumental in the growth of the sport in the city.

He was also the foundation treasurer of Wagga Brothers Rugby League Club and secretary of Wagga Swans Junior Australian Football Club.

Two of Mr Jacobson's grandsons are now junior players with Wagga Brothers.

ErinEarth educator Ben Holt, who has been named as the finalist for environmental citizen of the year, said the nomination buoys his courage to continue working in the climate science and sustainability field.

"The recognition is lovely, it gives me confidence, energy and motivation to continue. Whether I get the award or not wouldn't make much of a difference really, the nomination is enough to know the community things the work I do is valuable," Mr Holt said.

Meghan Graham, a student at The Riverina Anglican College, is the finalist for young citizen of the year category.

She volunteers at the Baptist Church Community Kitchen, Kurrajong race day and the Cancer Council's Daffodil Day and has also been involved in Respect Week activities.

The final nominee in the walk of honour category, alongside Mr Begg and Mr Mason, is Michael Henderson.

Mr Henderson, the commodore of the Wagga Boat Club, has been nominated for his efforts to keep the club operating and for his advocacy for the upkeep of the city's Lake Albert.