Just as the NSW Emergency Services Awards wrapped up on Friday night Mrs Hennessy was presented with her fifth Paul Harris Fellow sapphire pin.

It was in recognition of her role in establishing and driving an awards project for emergency services personnel that started as Pride of the Illawarra.

The annual event recognises men and women who stand up to help the community in times of disaster and emergency.

Friday's event was the first statewide awards ceremony that will become an annual event in Sydney.

But within the next few years Mrs Hennessy wants to see it become a national awards for emergency service personnel all over Australia.

She wants everyone who works in the emergency services to have an opportunity to be publicly recognised for their work.

Mrs Hennessy said being presented with her fifth sapphire pin at Friday's emergency services awards was a big honour.

"I have to say a very big thank you to my two partners in this process Ian and Carole Johnston who have been with me since day one," she said.

And in true Rotary style, she acknowledged everyone else involved.

"Thank you so very much for allowing us to make this idea become a reality," she said. "It is a great honour to work with so many amazing people [in the emergency services] to bring us to where we are tonight.

"I also have to especially thank my family and my husband Bob who is my best mate. As well as my friends and colleagues in Rotary who trust me and honour me to be able to do the things that I do each year in vocational service management.

"It is really important that through our vocations we are able to make a difference in people's lives every day through our service above self."

She added it was special that Rotary has been able to implement vocational service programs to Police Citizen Youth Clubs as well as the police and emergency services.