The family didn't have much and would sometimes spend days living on bread and fat when they ran out of other supplies.

It was a humbling experience that would shape the young Mr Murray's attitude towards people who needed help.

The former school teacher and public servant, now of Bulli, will be inducted into the Order of Australia today after many decades of volunteer and community work.

A father to two adopted children, Mr Murray has been a State Emergency Services volunteer since 1978 and an air liaison officer and deputy regional controller with the organisation for the past six years.

He has helped with disasters including the 2012 Gunnedah and Moree Floods, the 2010 Queensland floods, the 2001 Picton bush fires, the Thredbo landslip disaster in 1997 and the state-wide Christmas bushfires of 1994.

He has volunteered at Bulli District Hospital since 2003 and been an examiner for the Royal Life Saving Society for 17 years.

He is also an Illawarra Rugby League referee, and honorary National Park and Wildlife Service ranger.

His experiences have made him a passionate advocate for volunteering.

"Nothing compares to seeing the look of relief on someone when they are given assistance to survive a crisis in their lives or overcome a handicap," he said.

"People in crisis are in desperate need of help and the caring, nurturing nature of volunteers can help them to adapt to many of life's problems and get their lives back on track," he said.