Lois Symes, who nominated Ms Wall for the award and was in Melbourne last night to see her accept it, said Ms Wall epitomised what the awards were all about.

"I heard someone on the radio talking about these awards and I said to my husband `if ever there was a local hero in Woomelang that would have to be Bev Wall'," she said.

"I'm sure she doesn't realise just what she's done for the town."

Mrs Symes said not only had Ms Wall taken over the post office when it was about to close but had also helped organise groceries and fuel for the town when those services folded.

Woomelang Police Leading Senior Constable David Kelly said Ms Wall had `thrown herself into the town' since she arrived.

"She's been the one who pushed to have a lot of things initiated in the town in regard to the new shop; she took over the post office as well," he said. "She does things above and beyond what's required of a post mistress."

Yarriambiack Shire Council staff have also congratulated Ms Wall on her efforts.

"Bev Wall has been a wonderful support to the Woomelang community," Cr Helen Ballentine said.

Chief executive Ray Campling agreed.

"Bev has the idea that `it's not what my community can do for me but what I can do for my community'," he said.

"And it's important for people to support and nominate people for awards like this, so that they are recognised for the work they do.

"I think that it would be an award which Bev would receive on behalf of the township."

Ms Wall is now a contender for the national Australian of the Year Awards with winners to be announced on January 25.