While he was delighted with the award, it was not one to be taken lightly.
It was an honour to receive it, because it was serious recognition for the work he had done in the Dunedin community, he said.
He was humbled to be in the company of all the other award winners who had made "amazing'' contributions to the community, he said.
The Kiwibank Local Hero Awards aim to identify and reward everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local communities.
The awards recognise the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of Kiwis who make their local communities a better place.
Nominations exceeded 460 this year, and a judging panel selected 292 Local Heroes to receive medals.
All recipients of Local Heroes awards have been presented with a Kiwibank medal in recognition of their inspiration and contribution to their communities.
Mr Usher operates six Z Energy service stations in the Dunedin and North Otago area but outside his successful business career he has been a member of many community organisations.
A member of the Rotary Club of Dunedin, he has held the offices of president, past president and governor of District 9980, and has been a director of ShelterBox New Zealand, an international disaster aid organisation.
Mr Usher also supports the Cancer Society of Otago as chairman of the Relay for Life organising committee, and is a member of the Saddle Hill Community Board, where he is serving his third term.
He is past trustee and chairman of the Malcam Charitable Trust, a trustee of the J. R. McKenzie Trust and a volunteer with Keep Dunedin Beautiful.
Mr Usher is also one of New Zealand's leading comedy magicians and performs about 200 shows a year across New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.
He has used his talents to raise funds for many charitable causes, both in New Zealand and overseas.
