Mr Cooper said he was "overwhelmed" at the offer and the presentation night.
"To be recognised by an organisation, that gives so much of their time for community projects ... it was a very humbling experience."
He said the significance of the award struck home when he discovered his family had been invited to the presentation evening, plus his colleagues from Property Brokers real estate.
Mr Cooper replied to the honour, saying his role as MC for the Golden Shears event built his profile and created other opportunities to help.
He told the audience about his involvement with Relay For Life, a walk cancer survivors and supporters undertake as a fundraiser every two years.
He helped organise the first Relay For Life in 2007, then was diagnosed with cancer that same year.
"I can remember, being in awe of those people wearing the survivor sashes. Little did I know, I would be wearing my own survivor sash.
"By the time of the next one [2009], I had travelled my own journey. Suddenly, without any planning, it became a bit more personal.
"That's the reality of a dirty sneaky bloody insidious disease - you never know when it's going to rear its ugly head with anyone."
The Relay For Life raised $250,000 in 2007.
His work colleague and Rotary member Graeme Sawyer nominated Mr Cooper.
"It's got to be someone pretty special," he said.
The club, in making a nomination, contributes $1000 to Rotary International for causes such as polio or disaster relief.
