But upon further reflection he did not want to disrespect the people who nominated him.

The humble man has been recognised for his service to veterans and their families this Australia Day.

Mr Keir has been dedicated to helping veterans, war widows and their children through his work with the Wollongong and South Coast Legacy organisation, which extends from Helensburgh to Bega.

“I am a veteran. I served in Vietnam,” he said. “I served there for 11 months in 1971.

“I was a career banker and in the mid-1980s I was asked to join Legacy. It is an organisation I truly believe in.

“When a veteran passes away then it is Legacy’s role to step in and take the place of the veteran by looking after the widow and children.

“We pay for children to go to university or on camp trips such as to the Kokoda Track.”

Mr Keir said he was “totally surprised” to be nominated because Legacy was a quiet organisation that does not usually seek public accolades.

“I am honoured that someone thinks enough of my 30 years of service to nominate me,” he said.

Mr Keir has held numerous roles in the organisation including president, senior and junior vice president, chairman and secretary.

He was also the Legacy Foundation of NSW chairman from 2008 to 2017.

Mr Keir has been on the board of the Wollongong and South Coast Legacy, Goulburn Legacy, and Queanbeyan Eden Monaro Legacy foundations since 2000.