The choir was honoured with the accolade at the Maitland City Service Awards at Maitland Regional Art Gallery during National Volunteer Week.

Maitland City Choir founder and president Heather Russell-McLaren said it was an absolute thrill to be awarded after 30 years.

“This is a great honour and it’s a privilege to serve the city of Maitland,” she said.

Ms Russell-McLaren also honoured the other nominees and award recipients for the hard work they do for the community.

Four other groups and individuals were recognised as joint winners of the City of Maitland Service Award.

The winners were St Peter’s Emergency Relief, ComputerPals for Seniors Maitland, Kris Freeman (Maitland Public School breakfast club), and Peter Proctor (Maitland Basketball Association).

The awards aim to recognise volunteers who have made a positive contribution to enhancing the lives of others in Maitland.

Recipients are honoured for their service, commitment, effort and achievements that have made a difference.

Maitland Mayor Cr Peter Blackmore said it was a pleasure to recognise the local volunteers.

“Our community relies on volunteers to help some of our city’s most disadvantaged people,” he said.

“Where would we be in this community if it wasn’t for volunteers? Governments at all levels could not afford to pay for the work volunteers do.”

“Whether it’s national volunteers week or not, they deserve praise.”