"As a border community we've had daily reminders that these are uncertain times, in many respects state boundaries have taken a greater significance than we have previously realised," he said during the 2020 Australia Day ceremony.

"But in the midst of the ongoing pandemic we have reason to celebrate."

2020 Citizen of the Year Penny Wilson said it was a difficult year, but one that brought people together through fire and distance.

"When the COVID pandemic began not long after bushfire season finished, we came together as a community again to support and protect each other by staying apart," she said.

Ms Wilson, who is succeeded by 2021 Citizen of the Year Lindsay Hanchett, described 2020 as the year of the mask.

"First it was used to protect us from bushfire smoke, and then the transmission of the coronavirus," she said.

The registered nurse and midwife said the impacts and lessons of bushfires and the pandemic would remain in the community for years to come.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ms Wilson highlighted the hard and generous work of organisations like Albury-Wodonga Foodshare, the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners and the Sikh Community for their efforts during the bushfires and continued generosity.

"I would like us to all take away some positives from a very difficult year," she said. "Let's continue to support each other, connect closely with family friends, strangers, colleagues and for now maintain social dist wear a mask where required and try stay COVID normal."

2021 Citizen of the Year Lindsay Hanchett was praised for his role ensuring the city's Carols by Candlelight ran the past 16 years through "grasshoppers, rain, smoke, electrical storm, high temperatures as well as a pandemic".

Mr Hanchett said he was humbled by the recognition but much of the praise should be directed to his wife, Carol. His significant involvement in more than 40 community organisations, including the Brass Band and the Murray Hume Business Enterprise Centre, was recognised.

The Wodonga Australia Day Organising Committee opted not to select a young citizen or community organisation of the year.

"Nonetheless we all know right across the community people and organisations have not stopped over the Christmas and new year period," Cr Poulton said.

"They've continued to deliver and be active in many different ways, and these stories and reflections and celebrations of their own will be held no doubt in the months and years ahead."