She was speaking to a large crowd, 400 strong that had gathered at the Jubilee Park, Culcairn for Australia Day.

With the trauma of the Gerogery fires in December still fresh in everyone’s mind, she said, “our community members have faced severe adversities over the past years, months and weeks.”

Cr Osborne drew attention to the on-going effects of a lengthy drought, loss of income, loss of employment, and loss through impact of fire.

“As members of Greater Hume Shire, we should be thankful for each other, for having amongst us people who will be recognised as nominees for awards.

“It is this which makes us what we are - Greater Hume, simply greater,” the mayor said.

During the ceremony Heather Johnson of Morven was announced as Greater Hume Shire’s citizen of the Year.

Young Citizen of the Year was Steven Taylor and Trevor Merkel was judged Sportsman of the Year.

Chairman Ken Scheuner said Australia Day provides an opportunity to recognise members of the community who selflessly give of their time to assist others in need.

“The State Emergency Service is a volunteer organisation that plays a major role in road rescue and storm damage,” Cr Scheiner said.

A team of nine Culcairn State Emergency Services personnel received long service medals ranging from Craig Elliott who had 30 years of service to Harry Roden with 10 years service.

School citizenship awards were received by Ben Kotzur, Simon Mott, Timothy Smith, Emily Pinnuck, Claire Gilmour, Shantelle Cocking, Laura Fenton, Nicholas Hayes, Christopher Mather, Robert Anderson, Alexandra White, Jane Heriot, Lucy Zweck, Lauren Lieschke, and Joel Merkel.

Greater Hume Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador Professor Ron McCallum AO said he and his wife Professor Mary Crock had driven through Gerogery where the fire had burnt out five homes in December.

“I’d like to pay my respects to those that lost their houses - we saw where the fire fighters had worked so hard to stop the fire and that’s real co-operation and community spirit,” he said.