About 300 people gathered in the Derrinallum P-12 College sports hall for the shire's Australia Day awards celebration on Sunday.

"I am really humbled by this award. I just keep doing what I'm doing," she said.

A breast cancer nurse with South West Healthcare and a breast cancer survivor, Mrs Manifold raised over $20,000 making Christmas cakes for the Peter's Project cancer clinic in Warrnambool, continuing to bake while undergoing her own chemotherapy treatment.

"From chemo to cakes, life kept rolling on," Mrs Manifold said.

"I can't tell you how many cakes I have made, but thanks to the people who donated the fruit, eggs and butter, and the trusted customers, all I had to do was stir.

"The communities of Corangamite are wonderful, I also teach 15 exercise classes every week spread across Cobden, Mortlake and Camperdown.

"Volunteering is amazing, if anyone has some spare time they should volunteer and the community will welcome you."

Nine-year-old fundraiser Piper Kenna was recognised as the young citizen of the year for her efforts to raise over $13,000 for cancer treatment and research.

The primary school student had her hair shaved in 2019 after the deaths of two aunts and a family friend to cancer.

"The original idea was just to cut my hair but then I thought 'I might as well just shave it, it's just hair'.

"No way in my wildest dreams did I think I could raise $13,000, my initial goal was to raise $1000."

Terang Progress Association president Ben Dennis accepted the Corangamite event of the year award for the Colour Terang Festival.

"It's an event we have had in the pipeline for about three or four years, it's great the way it came together the way it did," he said.

"It's an event we are looking at growing and continuing over the next few years. It was great to get the nomination initially and to receive the award is fantastic."

In addition to the award winners, three people received their Australian citizenship certificates.

Ram Punjari and Venkata Yadla, both originally from Hydrabad in India, and Chris Huffadine, originally from New Zealand, recited the oath to become Australian citizens.

Mr Punjari said he liked living in a regional community and a shared love of cricket had helped to break down barriers.

It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.