The Parkes Australia Day Committee formed with just four people 40 years ago.
And one of Parkes' biggest supporters Michael Greenwood has been there since the beginning.
On January 26 he was recognised for his long service and dedication to the Parkes Australia Day Committee.
Michael started as secretary for the committee in 1984 following on from joining the Parkes Bicentennial Committee, and in 1985 the first Australia Day Committee was formed under the guidance of Stan Kingham.
A whole committee of four ran the Australia Day celebrations for the next few years before Colin Mills joined them.
"We did our first Australia Day flag raising ceremony in 1986 so this is number 40," Australia Day Committee president Tim Keith said during the official ceremony in Cooke Park.
"In those days we didn't have a particular meeting place, we'd just arrange that everyone would take it in turns to have it at their house and one particular meeting at Stan's house some red wine got spilt on Gwen's nice white carpet.
"Needless to say the next meeting we had was out on the verandah."
Michael remained secretary of the Australia Day Committee for the next 26 years, and stayed on the committee for a further 12 years.
"And to show real commitment to the celebration of Australia Day, dedication to council and various committees that incorporated his job, in 2011 he was [awarded Parkes Citizen of the Year] and he has continued to support our town and our community," Tim said.
Those who know Michael well know he loves a joke, his sense of humour shining on Australia Day, so too his gratitude.
"Thank you to you and your big twin brother Ken because those two have been with us for 40 years - 40 not out at the moment and I'll assume they'll both continue with the Australia Day Committee for at least another 10 years so I look forward to being able to acknowledge their contribution in 10 years' time," Michael said to Tim during his speech.
"There was no shortage of wise men in Parkes in the mid-80s... the two gentlemen I'd like to acknowledge are the late Ron Harrison and the late Stan Kingham," he continued.
"...Two colourful characters, they had a great love affair with Parkes, they had a great commitment to this community.
"As Tim said when the first meeting of the Bicentennial Committee was held, Stan couldn't get there quick enough and he couldn't get his hand in the air quick enough to become chairman of the Australia Day Committee.
"Because these two had a vision and at Parkes at that stage Australia Day was very much in its infancy, particularly in regional NSW and it was slow... it was a slow trend towards councils formalising Australia Day celebrations.
"Ron and Stan saw the need for Parkes Shire, they were able to formally acknowledge our national celebration and away they went.
"So if you get a chance... raise a glass and spare a thought and thank people like Stan Kingham and Ron Harrison, in this case for their innovation in starting Australia Day," Michael told the crowd.