Gilgandra Shire Council Deputy Mayor Ashley Walker has been recognised with a Group Bravery Citation for his role in helping victims of a fatal plane crash near Mudgee.

The Governor-General, the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn, this week announced 24 Australian Bravery Decorations acknowledging the courage of 37 people.

Among them were Mr Walker, Donald Coombes, and David Ribaux, who assisted the two victims of a small plane crash near Mudgee Airport on 14 September 2014.

Two people in their 60s from Victoria died when the single-engine, two-seater aircraft crashed in a paddock while coming into land around 11am.

Mr Walker, a plumber by trade who also runs North West Tanks, was in Mudgee for his mother’s 70th birthday when he came across the scene.

Mr Walker says he is honoured but humbled to be recognised with a national bravery award for his actions following a tragic accident.

“My family and I were driving near the runway, and we noticed a plane that was very, very low and I knew it was in trouble,” Mr Walker said.

By the time Mr Walker turned their car around and reached the scene, the aircraft had already crashed.

“I was the first one there, and then the other guys were there within a couple of minutes,” he said.

“The first thing you think of is, what can we do to help these people?"

"We offered comfort and first aid and made sure the site was safe because aviation fuel was leaking out of the plane," Mr Walker said.

"My wife called the emergency services.”

Gilgandra resident and Deputy Mayor, Ashley Walker will be honoured for his bravery, along with two other men, who assisted others in an aircraft accident at Mudgee in 2014.

For Mr Walker, receiving the award brings mixed emotions.

“It’s a great honour, but you certainly don’t think of the danger that you put yourself in."

"You just act on reflex,” he said.

“Later on, you think, well, if I didn’t get in and help, I hope someone else would have.

“I think there’s a lot of people who have done exactly the same thing.”

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said the recognition was well deserved.

“I congratulate Mr Walker for his actions to help others on that terrible day, and I thank him for his bravery,” Mr Chaffey said

.

“This is the first time in the 50 years of the Australian honours system that a Bravery List has been released on Wattle Day, a day that celebrates national unity, resilience, and diversity.

"It seems a fitting day to pay tribute to people like Mr Walker, who in a desperate moment, run to the aid of someone in trouble.

“This shows the country is proud of this Parkes electorate resident, who is also the Gilgandra Deputy Mayor, serving the Shire of Gilgandra.”

Mr Walker admitted dealing with the publicity has been difficult.

“The worst part is, I’m sometimes quite good and it’s lovely that the community want to reach out, but only yesterday I was doing a radio interview and was in tears at the end of it,” he said.

“I’ve refused a fair few interviews because it really drains you.”

The Governor-General congratulated all Bravery Award recipients on the announcement of the awards.

“The exceptional people we honour today answered a call to defend and protect with unforeseen courage."

"Through their actions they tell us we all matter and that all our lives are precious,” she said.

“We deeply thank and pay respect to these remarkable, brave Australians who will always have our enduring gratitude and admiration.”

Mr Walker and the other men involved in the aircraft incident will be formally recognised at a ceremony later this year.