THERE'S little on the payslip of volunteers, but a look at their time sheets reveal 41 organisations donated more than 60,000 hours to help others this year.
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Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) Gift of Time Awards recognised the $2.5 million economic contribution volunteers make and the smiles they put on faces.
The multi-million dollar benefit pales in comparison to the impact it has on the community, TRC acting mayor Phil Betts said.
"Our social fabric is what makes us one of the best regional cities in the land," he said.
"Volunteering is just absolutely imperative, without volunteers Australia wouldn't be the nation we are today.
"It's absolutely critical to have volunteers, without them the Tamworth region wouldn't function as it does and we appreciate everything that they do to help their neighbours."
At least 40 organisations were recognised at the awards including Serendipity, Tamworth Songwriters' Association, Kootingal Rural Fire Service NSW and the Moonbi War Memorial Hall and Recreational Reserve committee.
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Among them was Community Visitor Scheme member Bill Nichols, who for the last 21 years has visited the elderly, had a cup of tea and listened to their stories.
"You meet lovely people and the smiles on their faces are so bright," he said.
"You don't do much talking yourself, you ask about where they grew up and while there are times they get lost, it's wonderful to spend time with them."
The awards were held on Wednesday.