Northern Grampians Shire Council presented citizens with Australia Day awards on Sunday.
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There was no shortage of pride as members of the community proudly displayed the nation's flag outside their home or waved it high above their heads at Australia Day ceremonies around the region.
The day of celebration was also an opportunity to recognise certain members of the community who had gone above and beyond to demonstrate what it meant to be Australian.
In the Stawell and Central Wards, Ian "Daffy" O'Donnell was named as the local hero, Melissa Sanders as the young citizen of the year, community event of the year went to Stawell Amazing Race and Lois Johnson was recognised for her contribution to the community, named citizen of the year.
Lois Johnson - citizen of the year
Marnoo's Lois Johnson is passionate about helping her community in any way she can.
Mrs Johnson actively works to support in her home town through various other endeavours, including volunteering for sporting groups.
Mrs Johnson thanked the generations before her which has taught the community how important community is.
"It's what inspires me," she said.
"It's not what you do as an individual, but it's what we can achieve as a team which is important.
"It does take individuals to stand up and to organise some things or pick up those loose ends.
"There are many people here today, not just me, who are recognised for the important roles they play in the community."
Ian "Daffy" O'Donnell - local hero
Stawell's Ian "Daffy" O'Donnell has played a crucial role in securing the redevelopment of Stawell's sporting facility, North Park.
Along side the the project given the green light in 2019, Mr O'Donnell also received a National Volunteer award.
Melissa Sanders - young citizen of the year
Miss Sanders was unable to attend the official proceedings. The Stawell Secondary College student will receive her award at a assembly in the near future.
Stawell Amazing Race - community event of the year
The innovative and interactive community event aimed to create a buzz around Stawell with more than 80 participants taking on the course.
A free community event during Youth Week, the race was designed to engage residents and visitors in a fun, dynamic and team building atmosphere.
St Arnaud award winners;
- Franklin (Lin) Postlethwaite (senior citizen of the year)
- Jennifer Lanyon (citizen of the year)
- Belinda Burke (young citizen of the year)
- St Arnaud Norm Simpson Memorial Pipe Band's 70th Anniversary 2019 Victorian Mini Pipe Band Championships (community event of the year)
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