Fifty of the Port's volunteers enjoyed a 'thank you' morning tea hosted by Port Stephens Council on May 21 where 18 volunteers and committees were recognised for their work in the community.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer, councillors Sarah Smith and Paul Le Mottee, plus the council's acting general manager, Tim Crosdale, presented volunteers certificates of appreciation and flowers.

Recipients included Walter Lamond and Carol Ridgeway-Bissett from Mambo Wanda Wetlands Reserves and Landcare Committee, Margaret Lamond for her work with Soldiers Point-Salamander Bay Landcare Group and Jan Freeman, Pam Hill, Pauline Eltoft, Sue Oldham, Brian Casey and Robyn Brennan from Lemon Tree Passage Parks Reserves and Landcare Group.

Leonie Auld from Tilligerry Landcare Group was recognised alongside Doug Cross and Warwick Mathieson (Nelson Bay Australia Day Committee), Bruce McVey (Salt Ash Sports Ground Committee), the West Ward Cemeteries Group, Richard Davis and Keith Woodley (Corlette Reserves and Landcare Group).

Keith Green and therapy dog Indy, who listens to and watches children read at Tomaree Library, were recognised alongside Peter Kincaid for his work with the Art Space and Tomaree Library volunteers Verena Cunningham and Lesley Filmer.

"The morning tea and presentation was a celebration and acknowledgement of the invaluable contribution our volunteers make to our community and to recognise some of their achievements and long term commitment," a Port Stephens Council spokesperson said.

The morning tea followed the adoption of an all new Volunteer Recognition Policy at the May 14 council meeting.

The policy is now on public exhibition through the council's website.

"This policy demonstrates the value council places on its volunteers who do lots of wonderful work on behalf of council for the benefit of the community," the council spokesperson said.

It was fitting that the policy was adopted during National Volunteers Week (May 20-26) as this year the theme was "making a world of difference".