Ross and Pat Corner were presented with a 2008 Recognition Award for their volunteer work for St Vincent de Paul.

For more than 40 years they have worked with the organisation, and more recently as part of the humanitarian program, which sees them help people settle in Griffith.

Mr and Mrs Corner were nominated by Jane McGrath of Griffith City Council’s migrant settlement services for their work with refugees.

“The work they do is incredible, I had no idea what they did until I needed them,” she said.

Reluctant to be singled out, Mr Corner said he and his wife were part of a large dedicated team of people .

“We are accepting the award on behalf of the Centre of Charity and the team at St Vincent de Paul,” Mr Corner said.

“You don’t do this kind of work wanting anything in return, the thanks you get from the people you see every day is enough.

“It also keeps you very active and busy and that is the best reward.”

Mr Corner said when he first began volunteering for St Vincent de Paul it was not his “cup of tea”.

“But overcoming the generational and cultural boundaries has been incredible and you just learn so much,” he said.

The husband and wife duo were presented with their award by the Member for Riverina Kay Hull and Griffith’s deputy mayor Dominic Testoni at a low-key presentation on Tuesday.

“I am so proud of Ross and Pat’s achievements and volunteer work and I am delighted to be in Griffith today to give them their certificate,” Mrs Hull said.

She said the award was introduced as part of International Day of Older Persons celebrations.