Across the country, millions of Australians were celebrated for their tireless work and service to the community during National Volunteers Week.

But at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, there was a special milestone celebrated with the Zoo commemorating 40 years of volunteering.

Taronga Chief Executive, Cameron Kerr told Dubbo Photo News that National Volunteer Week was a wonderful time to congratulate their volunteer community on reaching the incredible milestone of four decades of service.

"Volunteers are an essential part of the Dubbo community, and likewise an essential part of what we do here at Taronga," he said.

"They support our staff and teams in so many areas from caring for animals through to educating and inspiring guests, supporting conservation projects, animal observations and the list goes on!"

The celebration was held in the Savannah Room at Taronga Western Plains with about 30 volunteers in attendance and for one volunteer, Bob Barden, it was a very special day.

Bob applied to be a volunteer at the Zoo in 1987 when he saw an advertisement in the local newspaper. He was lucky enough to be called up as a volunteer and has never looked back.

"And from there I have just kept at it... one of the greatest things (about volunteering) is the fellowship of the other volunteers," he explained. "You see volunteers come and go but I think it is great character development for those who are interested."

Bob has been volunteering at the zoo for 38 years and says he will keep going until he can't do it anymore.

"It is better to wear out then rust out," he told Dubbo Photo News.

Jackson Schwarz grew up in Dubai, half a world away from Dubbo, but his passion for animals is what drew him out to the gorgeous Golden West where he first started at the zoo as a guest experience officer.

"I was a tour guide here back in 2021 but I really wanted to get more hands-on experience with the animals and that is when I put my hand up to volunteer, so that I could do a lot more around the zoo," Jackson said, hoping for a full-time position.

Jackson is now a volunteer keeper and primarily works in Division Two, the "Aussie" animals, but has worked with meerkats, primates and big cats.

He recommends anyone with an interest with animals to give volunteering a go at Taronga Western Plains.

"You are working with fantastic people who always look out for you and watch your back," he explained. "There is never a dull moment, no two days are the same here at the zoo."