The married Lavington Rural Fire Brigade members didn't just volunteer their time on the back of fire trucks, they were instrumental in turning the fire brigade into a makeshift donation and support centre for firies and victims of the bushfires.

And despite their tireless efforts, sometimes 24 hours at a time, the pair remain humble and dedicated to the community they protect and love.

It is for this effort Mr and Mrs Barnes were named 2021 Albury Volunteers of the Year.

The Lavington Rural Fire Brigade were also named 2021 Albury Community Group of the Year.

The pair helped turn the fire station into a drop off point where they received hundreds of donations including everything from food and water to power tools and trailers as well as cash donations.

All went to help support those fighting the fires as well as those who had lost everything.

"We turned our fire station into a shopping centre within about five hours and had hundreds of people come to us to help out," Mr Barnes said.

"It was a big community effort and what surprised me most out of that was all the different cultures that came and offered their support."

Mr Barnes said there was one community donation that stuck out to him.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"One family came in with a big cheque, and he had a bit of paper with him," he said.

"I asked what was on the bit of paper and he said 'that is my community who donated' and it had included the kids who had donated money out of their piggy banks out of the kindness of their hearts.

"I said to this bloke why did you do it - he said 'the country I come from wasn't a nice country and Australia came to me when I was a kid and it is my turn to give back'."

Around 20 members of the brigade attended the Albury ceremony on Tuesday.