These residents, who hailed from places such as Canada, the UK, Ireland and the Philippines, and are now living in Moyne, received Australian citizenship.

Among those were Crossley's Michael McGoldrick, a native of County Cavan in Ireland.

Mr McGoldrick came to Australia in 2000 and moved to Crossley nine years ago. He has embraced his role in the community, being a key member of groups such as the Koroit Cultural Flags group and the Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club.

Others to receive Australian citizenships were:

The Deloso family - Bellmar, Anna, Clifford, Lennon, Megan, Pab, Annaliza Fisher, Sam McCarthy, Michael McGoldrick, Peter Moll, Diana O'Brien, Anthony and Valerie Phillips, Maryke Roux, Seif Sakate, Volker, Ingrid and Katharina Teggatz, Rhea Thomas, Nancy Whalen.

The Moyne Shire Council, Moyneyana Festival and Port Fairy Belfast Lions Club combined to stage the awards presentation ceremony.

Nicole Dwyer was the Moyne citizen of the year, Jackson Boyden the young citizen of the year and Port Fairy Winter Weekends was the event of the year.

Michelle Arnold was presented the Lions club's James O'Neill Award for Community Service.