Dookie's Australia Day celebrations started with people flocking to deckchairs underneath the centenary clock at the CWA Gardens and ended with rousing applause for community hero Allan Shields.
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Not only was he Dookie Citizen of the Year, but was awarded overall Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year.
Mr Shields, holding back tears, said he was “humbled” to be honoured.
“It’s just been a privilege to win it, and didn’t expect to win the council one,” he said.
“I like working for the community and all that - what else do you do?”
Mr Shields has been the main organiser for the Lamb Drive, an event which has raised more than $60 000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital and was awarded Dookie Community Event of the Year.
He was also acknowledged for donating blood every month for the past 40 years and his 26-year contribution to the Dookie Lions Club.
Other award winners included Senior Citizen of the Year Roderick Harmer, awarded posthumously, for his commitment to the Dookie community, and Young Citizen of the Year Tim Doornkamp for his commitment to the Dookie United Football Club.
Dookie CWA treasurer Marjorie Shields said this year's event had a “really good” turnout, attracting the immediate Dookie community and some further afield.
“I think they enjoy coming to see who’s won it and just getting together,” she said.
While many stayed after the ceremony to enjoy the sunshine and the scones, Mr Shields was hoping to keep his celebrations quieter.
“I would like to get a scone and then I’m going to have a little sleep,” he said.
