Mayor Bernard Gaffney said Ms Dunn brought people together. 

Ms Dunn has lived in Rutherglen for more than 50 years and in that time has volunteered or played a vital role in dozens of organisations including Rutherglen primary and high school, Rutherglen Hockey Club, Rutherglen and District Garden Club and Meals on Wheels.

Ms Dunn had an integral role in developing the annual Rutherglen and District Flower Show. 

Her work has brought regional gardeners together and put the town ‘on the map’ for green-thumbed visitors. 

Ms Dunn’s passion and dedication has already resulted in her life membership in many of the town’s clubs. 

MORE AUSTRALIA DAY NEWS: 

Tangambalanga’s Val White, Beechworth’s Jan Morey and Chiltern’s Eileen Collins all received a certificate of achievement.

The Kiewa Fire Brigade was named Community Organisation of the Year, while Callista Race-Sterling, 15, was awarded the Emma George Sporting Scholarship. 

Callista, of Beechworth, is a running and athletics champion who loves distance running and competes in regional, state and federal competitions. 

In April, she will be competing in the Australia Track and Field Championship in Sydney before taking on the Junior Cross-Country Championships in Adelaide later in the year. 

Cr Gaffney said Australia Day was a day to celebrate the shire’s unsung heroes. 

“I am particularly honoured to announce Mary Dunn as Indigo Shire’s Citizen of the Year,” he said.

“Mary has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping others and bringing people together.

“All of the award recipients are passionate community members and organisations, committed to serving others in their own unique way.

“It is their community spirit that makes Indigo Shire a great place to live.”

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