Gerroa's Glenn Kolomeitz has served his country, helped clean up corruption in RSL NSW and successfully lobbied to strengthen laws to protect children from sexual assault.
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Now, he can add another accolade to his long list of achievements.
Mr Kolomeitz was presented with the Premier's Community Service Award by his former political rival, Kiama MP Gareth Ward on Monday.
It was the highest award Mr Ward could present to the dedicated and selfless resident.
"I was humbled and didn't expect to receive the award," Mr Kolomeitz said.
"There are so many groups that do volunteer work. I am very grateful to be singled out for an award of this nature."
Mr Ward said the community should be proud to have Mr Kolomeitz's helping it.
"Glenn has shown courage, hard work and is a deserving recipient of the award," Mr Ward said. "He is someone who has put his service to the community above himself.
"We are very lucky for the work he has done and continues to do."
Mr Kolomeitz thanked Mr Ward for his support and for pushing for legislative change and Mr Ward said he had benefited from Mr Kolomeitz's wisdom.
Mr Ward (Liberal) and Mr Kolomeitz (Labor) candidates battled it out for the seat of Kiama in 2015.
Mr Kolomeitz lifted the lid on the RSL's financial scandals after pushing for a major audit of its spending habits in September, 2016.
He was the CEO of RSL NSW at the time before he was sacked a week after reporting the organisation to police.
The lawyer also did pro bono work with Reverend Bob Cotton when they lobbied the state government to pass legislation which made it an offense to conceal a child sexual assault.
But his work did not stop there, Mr Kolomeitz fought for harsher penalties for the offense.
He successfully lobbied the government to increase the penalty from two to five years, making the crime an indictable offense.
Of his RSL work, Mr Kolomeitz said he was "proud to have opened the can which resulted in reforms and change".
"My work on the child sexual assault legislation will make a big difference in deterring child sexual offenses in NSW," he said.
"Hopefully it will save young people from institutional abuse."
The Gerringong RSL sub-branch president said his drive and passion came from a desire to help out his mates.
"We need to fight the fights that need to be fought," he said.
Mr Kolomeitz said he would continue to help veterans, is taking a break from practising law and is now researching drone warfare at the University of Wollongong.
"I am a practising Christian and student of theology," he said. "My next fight might be around freedom of religion ahead of the federal election.
"I want to ensure the government does not tell religious institutions what to say."
