The Avenel Australia Day celebrations attracted 180 residents under the wonderful shady trees at Jubilee Park.
Guest speaker was district farmer and grazier John McCracken, who shared some history of his farming days in Avenel and the many associated shop keepers and service providers who once lived and worked in the town.
Entertainment was provided by the Avenel Primary School choir and the comperes for the day were school captains Lilli Fowles and Will Lynch.
Lucy Steer was named Avenel’s junior citizen of the year for her contribution to primary school life and sports. She is also a mentor to junior school children.
She also took out the Strathbogie Shire junior citizen of the year award.
Finbar O'Sullivan, 15, was awarded the young citizen of the year award. Finbar is one of the top 10 under-17 cyclists in the state and competes in the Victorian Junior Road Race Championships.
He was also named Strathbogie Shire's young citizen of the year.
Avenel's citizen of the year is Jim Billings who, along with his other voluntary support for Avenel residents, initiated a 'get me to the shops' weekly bus trip for older citizens.