Mrs Hawkins, a mainstay of the society, was named the shire's citizen of the year.

She and her husband Bernard have spent a lot of hours, and money, making the society a success.

Mrs Hawkins, who has a talent for encouraging volunteers, works for St John Ambulance and founded Woodend's heritage walk.

Macedon Ranges Council in its citation said Mrs Hawkins' contribution to the Woodend community was "legendary".

But she doesn't think so.

"I was surprised and humbled because there are so many people out there and this [the award] definitely came out of the blue. I've had a long association with the Macedon Ranges and I love this place dearly.

''I have a lot of dreams and one of them was to set up a local history centre and I've been fortunate to have a wonderful and growing band of volunteers who have made it possible to achieve everything I wanted to."

Andrew Beard was named young citizen of the year.

Mayor Henry McLaughlin said Mrs Hawkins and Mr Beard were "truly worthy of their awards as both contribute to the fabric of a community that's undoubtedly one of the best places to live. Janet is well known in Woodend for not only her great work but for encouraging others to get involved and become part of the volunteering community".

Community achievement awards went to Jean Dixon, Eane Whitton, Felicity Morely, Clare McKinnon, Bradley Chivell and Vanessa Meredith.

The Gisborne Old Time Market, managed by the Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism Association, was declared the community event of the year. The market started more than 40 years ago.

Also on Australia Day, it was announced that Woodend's Allan Morton would get an Australian Fire Service Medal for outstanding service and leadership to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in Victoria for more than 26 years.