Hundreds of people gathered in the Warrnambool Botanic Garden to celebrate Australia Day with 28 people recognised as new citizens.

Warrnambool's James Mepham was named as the 2020 citizen of the year.

Mr Mepham, who works with the RSL Active program and is a member of Rotary, said he thought it was a prank when he first received notification of the award.

"I feel undeserving of this award," Mr Mepham said.

"There are so many incredible people in this community, I am so lucky to work with a lot of Rotarians and a lot of community groups and I think 'wow, I don't think I stand up to that measuring stick'.

"But if this award gives us the chance to continue the conversation around veterans' mental health and veterans' families and what they go through, then I will take that chance.

"We can do so much from Warrnambool in the international space to help others as well."

Mr Mepham said he was nominated for the award by a neighbour.

The Fiddler's Green in Port Fairy hosted Moyne Shire's event, with 20 residents becoming citizens.

Port Fairy's Nicole Dwyer is the citizen of the year.

Mrs Dwyer has been a prominent member of the Port Fairy surf life saving and football netball clubs, and is also a founding member and board member of the Port Fairy and District Community Bank.

Mortlake's Jackson Boyden is the young citizen of the year and the Port Fairy Winter Weekends the community event of the year.

Mr Boyden is a member of the Moyne Shire Youth Council and the Mortlake and Community Development Committee.

The Port Fairy Winter Weekends hosts close to 150 events over four weekends throughout June and July, helping stimulate the town's economy during the off-peak visitor season.

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.