It is for this reason and his commitment to his community that Mr Chalmers was the recipient of the 2010 Australia Day Medal of the Order of Australia.

The Swansea resident used to be the Caves Beach Surf Life Saving president, and would spend nearly every day, without fail at the beach.

Mr Chalmers represented Australia in surf boat rowing in international championships and has also been Australian champion.

It was during a surf boat rowing competition 21 years ago, Mr Chalmers suffered a major stroke.

The stroke permanently paralysed the right-hand side of his body and he spent eight months in rehabilitation in Sydney and about six months in rehabilitation in Newcastle.

During this time Mr Chalmers learnt to walk again and achieved limited use of the right-hand side of his body.

He was told by doctors told it was the best he could expect.

However, the 64-year-old did not let this deter him from what he loved most – helping people.

Instead of leaving the surf club, Mr Chalmers decided he wanted to do more.

Through the young offenders program he found a way for the club to be regularly maintained.

Mr Chalmers then volunteered to supervise the young offenders, who are sentenced to community service, to do odd jobs around the club.

In recognition of his contribution to the surf club, Lake Macquarie Council named a reserve adjacent to the club the Stuart Chalmers Park in 1996.

However, Mr Chalmers community contribution goes much further a field than his local beach.

He is also a mentor to people who have suffered a stroke.

After his recovery, Mr Chalmers wanted to motivate and guide others through rehabilitation.

“Stroke sufferers I go and see think they have nothing left,” he said.

“I want to show people that if you put your mind to it, you can do it, you can become motivated and get on with life.”

A man that practices what he preaches, Mr Chalmers is a founding member of the Stroke and Disability Information group, director of Stroke Recovery Association NSW, Hunter Stroke Service Committee consumer representative, a founding member of NSW Aphasia Association and under-takes public speaking roles on behalf of stroke organisations.

He has helped hundreds of young and old people in the Hunter recover from stroke.

Despite his Herculean contribution to the community, Mr Chalmers said he felt humbled to receive the medal.

Mr Chalmers will travel with family and friends to Sydney Government House in April to receive his Australia Day insignia.