A special Australia Day ceremony held last Wednesday at the Daylesford Town Hall attracted more than 100 community members.

Hepburn Shire Council mayor, Sebastian Klein said Hepburn welcomed nine residents who took the pledge of commitment to officially become Australian citizens.

He also announced the winners of the Hepburn Shire Australia Day awards.

Clunes resident Jane Lesock was honoured as Citizen of the Year in recognition for her long-term dedication to the community.

Among her many achievements since moving to Clunes in 1993 is running a boutique winery with a cellar door and acting as an ambassador for the town.

Ms Lesock is involved with local clubs and committees and last year was named the Clunes Female citizen of the year.

Matthew Stephens was honoured as Young Citizen of the Year in recognition for his involvement in establishing the Trentham Youth Group and the Trentham BMX track.

This category received a record 20 nominations.

The Creswick-Clunes “Thanks to community social event” was awarded Community Event of the Year.

Judy Henderson accepted the award as secretary of the Creswick Railway Workshops Association Incorporated, the sponsoring agency for the event.

Cr Klein said that fostering positive community spirit was an integral part of the shire over the past year and it was great to see this reflected in the award recipients.

“I congratulate all our award winners and nominees; there were so many people in our communities who went the extra mile when helping out with the flood recovery.

“It’s the actions and attitudes of capable, motivated community members that make our communities so engaging and rewarding.

“To be recognised in such a strong field of contenders is truly something to be proud of,” Cr Klein said.