Several locals have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Awards.
Former Geelong Cats recruiter and player Bill McMaster received an Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to football in the region.
Ian Thomson also was recognised for his work in the community, including with the CFA.
Bruce Wilson, who co-founded Southern Farming Systems in 1995 received an OAM for his service to agricultural education.
Other locals honoured include John Bligh, Cathryn Nixon, David Greenwood and Edward Pitfield.
Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer were named joint Australians of the Year during a ceremony in Canberra on Thursday evening.
The researchers were recognised for their work developing a cure for Melanoma.
They have also turned their focus to brain cancer after Professor Scolyer was diagnosed with the condition.
Traditional elder Yalmay Yunupingu was honoured as Senior Australian of the Year.
Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon was named Young Australian of the Year, while David Elliot took out Local Hero.
