THE winner of this year's Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award was noticeably absent from the Australia Day ceremony yesterday.

Born and bred Warwick man Robert Keogh, or Bob to most, received the prestigious award for his lifelong commitment to the Warwick community.

Bob is well known as one of the founding members of the Southern Downs Steam Railway Association, having spent many hours lobbying and working on the project.

Bob was unable to attend the awards ceremony as he had committed to a steam train trip to Nobby, which coincided with his birthday.

Proud daughter Julia Keogh accepted the award on her father's behalf, overwhelmed with emotion at the honour.

Cr Neil Meiklejohn commended Bob's dedication to the steam railway.

"He is so committed he's even out driving the train today," he said.

Julia and her mother Kate had arranged with family and friends to celebrate Bob's birthday on the train trip.

"He told the council he would not be able to attend due to the train trip," Kate said.

Arrangements were made for Julia to attend in his absence, with Bob completely unaware he had won the award.

Julia then met the train at Greenmount to present the award to her father to the cheers of family and friends.

When presented with the award, Bob was clearly emotional.

"Didn't they have any other nominations?" he said.

"I'm absolutely chuffed."

Kate said the award would mean a great deal to her husband.

"It's definitely well deserved," she said.

"He's put a lot of time, effort and money into it.

"It's not only restoring the engine, but to train a team and have that living heritage."

Cr Meiklejohn said Bob was a humble but well-deserving winner.

"Bob is an exemplary role model and a very worthy recipient of the 2016 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award," he said.

Mayor Peter Blundell said the award was a wonderful recognition of Bob's service to the community over many years.

Cr Meiklejohn said the Southern Downs Steam Railway had carried in excess of 3000 passengers in 2015, showcasing the Southern Downs to tourists and locals alike.

"Bob's volunteer work showed vision, commitment and strength of leadership in his many community achievements," he said.

"Bob was heavily involved in the enormous task of not only restoring the locomotive and carriages, but lobbying government to achieve sufficient funding."