That theme continued at Towong Shire's 2021 Australia Day events.

Mayor David Wortmann, addressing the first wet-weather ceremony at Bellbridge in 15 years, acknowledged Granya fire brigade captain Ken Star.

"His selfless nature is unwavering, even in times of significant pressure," he said.

"On a personal note, Ken and I have been in the Granya fire brigade for many years.

"We've been through a fair few fires over the years, but the three that really stand out to me are Mitta/Dartmouth in 2006, Kancoona on the day after Black Saturday, and then last year, Saturday the 4^th up at Walwa and Tintaldra.

"You'd have to be there to believe how bad those fires were.

"Ken is an unbelievable firefighter; when you hop on the truck, you know you're in good hands.

"I cannot thank Ken enough for all his service."

Mr Star said he was speechless, with there being so many others that were also deserving of recognition.

The captain of 19 years and CFA member of 35 was named joint citizen of the year with Bethanga builder David Parker.

Mr Parker, who has been heavily involved in the Bellbridge childcare centre since moving to the area five years ago, organised 40 tool packs with the Apex Tool Group for fire-affected farmers.

"They had machinery sheds burn down and just needed basic tools, so we went out to them," he said.

"In some circumstances, we were the first people that they'd seen since the fires had torn through, and they'd been sitting there for two weeks.

"As much as it was a tool drop, it was a social thing too.

"And actually, I'm still in touch with a few of them, just seeing how they're going and how the recovery is going.

"Insurance has been a big battle for most of them, but it's been a much better year.

"The recovery is still going."

Cr Wortmann said there were many community members who had been involved in firefighting and recovery recognised across five events, which also featured citizenship ceremonies for the first time.

"They are great, community people who put in an enormous amount of work during the fires," he said.

Citizen of the Year Award - Joint: Pastor Carol Allen

Carol is Chaplain to the Corryong Police, provides pastoral support to the residents of Corryong Health Residential Aged Care Facility and is a member of the Corryong Health Community Advisory Group. She is most noticed for her work with the Corryong Food Pantry - a food relief service for the needy and disadvantaged. During last summer's bushfire emergency, Carol co-ordinated relief centre activities and provided pastoral care to those experiencing trauma.

Citizen of the Year Award - Joint: Fay Whitehead

Fay was a founding member of the management committee of the Corryong Education Centre - now the Corryong Neighbourhood Centre - and was instrumental in bringing internet services to Corryong. She developed the concept and obtained funding for the Corryong Browsers Bookshop - an outreach for lonely people to browse and have a chat or volunteer. Fay has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer with Rotary and the Anglican Church, and volunteered at the Emergency Relief Centre in Corryong.

Young Citizen of the Year Award: Sophie Hewatt

Sophie completed her education at Corryong College with a Baccalaureate VCE in 2019. She has represented her school at many sporting events including Regional Championships in swimming, athletics, cross-country, as well as the State Girls Cricket finals. She has been a member of multiple sporting clubs and is a member of the Corryong CFA branch. This year she completed her first year of a degree in Biomedical Science with La Trobe University and has been working with DELWP as a Project Firefighter this summer.

Champion of the Year Award: Ian Williams

Ian volunteered continuously with the Uniting Church Emergency Fencing Team from February to December 2020. During the past year he has volunteered five days a week on 35 properties clearing burnt fence lines. Ian is also a member of the Corryong Men's Shed and the Corryong Baptist Church.

Local Champion Award: Ralph (deceased), Carol, Tracey and Kate Fair - Hotel Cudgewa

During last summer's bushfire emergency, the Fair family kept their business open to ensure there was a place for the Cudgewa community to come together.

Local Champion Award: Paul Karkeek

Paul Carkeek, Captain of the Cudgewa Fire Brigade, has been a volunteer firefighter for nearly 40 years. During last summer's bushfire emergency he patrolled the Cudgewa area day and night, and now represents Cudgewa on the Upper Murray Community Recovery Committee.

Local Champion Award: Pat Spicer

After last summer's bushfire emergency, Pat assisted with relief activities at the Emergency Relief Centre. When the centre was moved to the former Primary School, she was responsible for the setting up and sorting of clothing and household items along with coordinating all the volunteer staff.

Local Champion Award: Joanne Mackinnon

Jo kept records of the farmers who remained behind to defend their properties during the fires. She also became a source of up to date information, with farmers reporting physically to the Tintaldra Station homestead each day. Jo is the Treasurer of the Upper Murray Community Recovery Committee.

Local Champion Award: Jo and Luke Humphrey, Leigh Eeles, Matt Aldridge and Jodie Bonny - Rise from the Ashes

After witnessing the devastation of the fires, former locals Jo and Luke Humphrey wanted to help, organising a two-day music event that raised $55,000.

Citizen of the Year Award: Judy Cardwell

Judy has been instrumental in a number of local committees over the years. She was the first female volunteer for the Mitta Valley Ambulance Service, is a founding member of the Butcher's Hook Craft Shop, Secretary of the Eskdale Swimming Pool Committee, and proactive member of the local Landcare Committee.

Young Citizen of the Year Award: Heidi Brookes

Heidi is a young teenager from the Mitta Valley that is always willing to help out in her community, especially at local sporting events and fundraisers.

Community Appreciation Award: Clive Wright

Clive is a quiet achiever in the Mitta Valley community. He has served many years on the Eskdale Swimming Pool Committee. Clive is a reliable worker who is always willing to help out

Community Appreciation Award: Fran Ellis

Fran and her husband Allan owned the Eskdale Hotel for over 20 year, providing an environment that brought the community together. She is involved in the Mitta North Tennis Club, Eskdale Tennis Club and was one of the founding members of the Eskdale Progress Association Committee.

Citizen of the Year Award: Brad & Mandy Crispin

The Tallangatta Bakery owners have supported various sporting bodies, charities and assisted with fund raising activities. During last summer's bushfires Brad and Mandy worked 24 hours a day for weeks, packing 800 lunches for people on the front line in one day.

Young Citizen of the Year Award: Jack Fenz Mace

Jack has been involved in supplying light and sound for many community events including Australia Day, Anzac Day, Christmas Carols, Tallangatta Show and Tallangatta Secondary College theatre productions.

Local Champion Award: Rob Caddell

Rob volunteered and trained as a BlazeAid Camp Coordinator and has worked tirelessly in areas devastated by last year's bushfires, spending several weeks living 'under canvas'.

Local Champion Award: Vince Ciccone

Vince's successful businesses have provided goods and services that were previously only available out of town - including a home delivery service. He employs many young locals and supports clubs and charities.

Local Champion Award: Rob Main

Rob is involved with the CFA and has been in action on many fires, as well as helping out in last summer's bushfire emergency. He has been instrumental in revitalising the Ice Breakers Swimming Group.

Local Champion Award: Gary Matheson

When Rotary were advised that St Vincent de Paul had donated 30 power generators after the bushfires, Gary instantly volunteered his services as an electrician to install the generators on affected properties.

Local Champion Award: Travis Rohrich

Just before the bushfire emergency last year, Travis travelled to Corryong for work and was stranded there due to the fires. He helped in the Corryong and Tallangatta relief centre.s

Citizen of the Year Award: Sue Martin

During last summer's bushfire emergency, Sue spent many nights sleeping on the Walwa Bush Nursing Centre floor, working many 16 hour days voluntarily. Sue is a long standing member of the Bush Nursing Centre Board and has been nominated as Vice-Chair. She is team leader for the Community Emergency Response Team and is involved in markets and the football club.

Young Citizen of the Year Award: Robert Hanna

Robert is a CFA volunteer and worked tirelessly in the bushfire emergency last year, refusing to return to work until the fires were well under control. He is also a SES volunteer. Robert was a volunteer mentor for the AIME education program which supports Indigenous students.

Local Champion Award: David Hanna & Walwa CFA

Captain David and his team at the Walwa CFA Brigade worked long hours in dangerous conditions during last summer's bushfires. David refused to evacuate the district, and in return saved many homes and properties.

Local Champion Award: Sandi Grieve and Joyce Hunt

During last summer's bushfires, Sandi and Joyce supported local residents by providing meals, attending to their medical needs and providing counselling.