The Novocastrian captain was honoured as part of the community competition for his tireless volunteer work with non-for-profit organisations in the city.

“I love getting involved in things in the community, it lets me get to know so many lovely people,” Traill said. “I guess I’m just one of those people that can’t say ‘no’ to people, so I just get involved in a lot.”

Traill has been involved with the Wanderer’s Rugby Club, Newcastle Shippers, Newcastle Missions to Seafarers, Friends of Newcastle Cathedral Music and the Cathedral Precinct Committee.

It’s more about the love of community rather than earning a ‘cheer’ from the crowd, the captain explained.

“It’s not something that we do for the recognition, but when it does come along it does feel quite nice, and if it raises awareness for the things that I’m involved in as well then that’s a great bonus I think,” he said.

The master mariner received his ‘treasure’ at the Newcastle Mission of Seafarers in Wickham, at the annual Christmas function hosted on November 30.

The prize included an individual $1,000 award, as well as a donation by sponsors David Lloyd Funerals totally another $1,000.

Traill decided to donate his entire award pool to charity, a decision that he felt was “only fair” considering how much they had affected his life.

“I just wanted to give something back to the Mission of Seafarers,” he said. “They are such a fantastic group of people and I came from a family that never really was involved in life on the water so when I got an interest the Mission of Seafarers really helped me get involved.”

“I celebrated 50 years at sea just last week, so it’s really a major part of my life and I’d feel remiss not giving back to the group that got me there in the first place.”

Captain Traill was one of 260 entries into the Local Legends competition that recognises locals and their selfless contributions to the community.

“The Local Legends initiative is great to show off all the fantastic people in the community,” Trail said. “It’s good to see recognition, even if we don’t always ask for it.”