The Freeman of the City Award recognises an individual for outstanding achievement over their lifetime which advance the values of the local government area.

Mrs Davey has provided many contributions to the community over the years.

She has been a member of the Cessnock Chamber of Commerce for more than 30 years and is a founding member of the Cessnock Tidy Towns Committee - a committee that started in 1986 and has seen Cessnock recognised as the 2018 NSW Tidy Town of the year and winner of the NSW Resource Recovery and Waste Management category this year.

Mrs Davey's involvement with the Business Professional Women's Association in the establishment of Cessnock's Australia Day celebrations was fundamental in the creation of one of the city's most popular events.

She was also central in the creation of the Cessnock Family Support Service Group in 1987 as well as the Cessnock Healthy Heartbeat program. She held the position of treasurer in both groups from 1988 until 2018.

Mrs Davey said it was both a surprise and an honour to be recognised with the award.

She said her phone "hasn't stopped ringing" the past few days.

"It's nice to know so many people want to congratulate me," she said.

Cessnock Mayor councillor Bob Pynsent was among those to congratulate Mrs Davey.

"The distinction, honorary Freeman of the City, is the highest acclamation a city can bestow upon one of its citizens," he said. "Mrs Davey is a deserving recipient for her extensive and continued contributions to the Cessnock community.

"On behalf of the community thank you Alison Davey for your service to the Cessnock community."

The award will be officially presented to Mrs Davey on Friday, August 16.