Mr Hartsuyker presented Mr Crofts with his Certificate of Appreciation to mark National Volunteer Week, which recognises outstanding community volunteers across Australia.

“Phil is a well-known community leader who has dedicated many years and thousands of hours to worthy causes, in particular the soup kitchen,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“So many people have benefited from the soup kitchen’s generosity, including many Coffs Harbour residents who mark Christmas at the annual Christmas lunch.

“Phil never beats his own drum and is a quiet achiever who remains humble about his community efforts,’’ Mr Hartsuyker said.

Coffs Harbour Uniting Church Soup Kitchen, which has been operating for 26 years, will be hold its Anniversary Church Service on Sunday 26 June at 9am.

Mr Crofts said the soup kitchen, which is known as the ‘Soupie’, was only possible through the contributions of a band of dedicated volunteers and donors.

“The ‘Soupie’ happens because of the efforts of an energetic committee led by our Secretary Audrey Wright, our team leaders, all our 50 or so wonderful volunteers and the endless support from the wider Coffs Harbour community,” Mr Croft said.

Mr Crofts said donations were important in maintaining regular soup kitchens and also helped to stage one of Coffs Harbour’s most well-publicised and festive Christmas lunches for those less fortunate.

“Some donations are big, some small, some regular, some random, sometimes it’s food and sometimes money; but each and every one of them is a sign from the Coffs Harbour community that what we care in some small way,” Mr Crofts said.

The Uniting Church Soup Kitchen operates 12.30 to 1.30pm on weekdays at 21 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour.