Mrs Barnes, 86, was named on the national honours list for her work in preserving Australian heritage, and service to the community as an art teacher and volunteer.

‘‘I think it’s strange to think you can be rewarded simply doing something you love,’’ she told the Weekly. ‘‘When I told my son he picked me up in the air and danced around with me and all my grandchildren are thrilled to bits.’’

Closer to home, several other outstanding Yarra Ranges residents were awarded in the Yarra Ranges Council Australia Day awards ceremony.

Lilydale resident Leslie Skate was one of seven award winners at the ceremony held at the Burrinja cultural centre, and received the Yarra Ranges Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 83-year-old has immersed himself in sporting and community ventures. ‘‘I was so shocked when they told me I’d won. I’m quite proud of the achievement but I was very shocked at the beginning of it all.’’

Yarra Ranges mayor Graham Warren said the winners of the Australia Day awards represent the hundreds of others who give tirelessly to the community.

‘‘Many of these are unsung local heroes so Australia day is just one opportunity to recognise their hard work.’’

Look out for full coverage of Australia Day in the Yarra Ranges in next week’s edition of the Weekly and on this website Tuesday.

The Yarra Ranges Australia Day Award winners:

Citizen of the year: Andrew Fullagar

Young citizen of the year: Joshua Watson

Community group of the year: Millgrove Residents Action Group

Environmental achiever of the year: Irene Pearey

Ken McIntosh memorial award (Young Environmental Achiever of the Year: Jordan Crook

Ian De La Rue community leadership award: Margaret Brooks