Cr Hannan was highly commended for her work advocating for improved medical facilities for breast cancer sufferers at the award ceremony at the University of Western Sydney's Campbelltown campus last Friday.

Penrith woman Helen Walker, who founded a community transport charity organisation, took the annual title.

Cr Hannan was humbled and said there were many women who were not recognised for their work in the community.

"The carers they walk somebody's dog, look after someone's children," she said. "The volunteers, they're often the ones who deserve it more than those who are paid."

Cr Hannan was "stoked" when she received the commendation but said it was more deserved by her family, in particular her husband.

"My family deserve the award they were there all the time," she said.

"My mum died when I was very young. I wish she could have been there [at the awards]."

Local resident John Macrae decided to nominate Cr Hannan for the award after he saw her on television talking about her breast reconstruction after the cancer forced her to have a mastectomy.

"She cast aside all her own dignity and embarrassment for the benefit of human nature," Mr Macrae said.

"She gained nothing from it, but other people will."

Mrs Hannan successfully got breast cancer drug, herceptin on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) after seeing women denied the drug because they couldn't afford it.

Mr Macrae said her work for the early detection of cancer was perpetual.

"She is a remarkable humanitarian," he said.

"She's up there with Mother Teresa."