Former mayor Peter McArthur, 73, was named the Maroondah citizen of the year for his commitment to volunteering over four decades and his work in community media.

"I'm not usually short of a word but I was speechless when I won," he said.

A community television and radio entrepreneur, Mr McArthur was one of the driving forces in forming Radio Eastern FM 98.1 in 1974 and a volunteer at Channel 31 for more than 20 years.

"Myself and Herb Lilburn and Gerard Smart lobbied the Whitlam government for months to start the first eastern suburban community station," he recalled. "We didn't want it to be like other big city Melbourne stations at the time. We wanted it to be something people like us could relate to."

Last Thursday Maroondah's most outstanding citizens were recognised during the city's Australia Day celebrations.

ore than 1500 people flocked to Ringwood Lake to enjoy the community festivities.

Croydon High School student Frances Rowlands was named young citizen of the year. The 16-year-old was recognised for volunteering in Charlton following the 2011 floods, her work at the Croydon Primary School environmental sanctuary, and as part of the Maroondah young leaders program.

Ms Rowlands said she was overwhelmed by the honour.

"There were so many candidates up for the award who were so worthy of winning," she said. "I was surprised but excited when I won."

Maroondah mayor Rob Steane said Mr McArthur and Ms Rowlands were just two of the hundreds of people who gave their time to the community. "Each of them provides a valuable service to our community and it's important that their efforts don't go unrewarded."