THE people of Quambatook were out in force for the Australia Day breakfast to celebrate Sue Dunne being named one of two Gannawarra Shire Council 2012 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Some residents believed it was the first time in the past 30 years that they had made it to the breakfast.

Mrs Dunne claimed she didn't do photos or interviews, but seemed to enjoy the occasion as she was recognised for the enormous contributions she had made to the community alongside her husband, John since they moved to the area in 1989.

As one resident, Malcolm Knight put it, "You see her at all these things, but you don't add it up until someone puts it like this."

Joe Cannatelli was also warmly received as the Australia Day Ambassador and was very proud to be Australian.

"You only have to go overseas once for one day to know how lucky we are here," he said.

He also reminded people of the many Australians working for others on this day.

"For some it's just another day of work - those nursing in emergency departments and aged care homes."

He also spoke of what he saw as some of the most important Australian qualities.

"It has been a hallmark of Australian history to give a future to those who are down on their luck and need a break," he said.

"Very fittingly, 2012 is the Year of the Farmer. Many people don't realise this, but when the farmers go well the country goes well. We produce 27 per cent of the GDP."

As a former farmer, he was also impressed by local farmers' dedication to stick it out during tough times.

"Only one crop in every four is a successful crop and during the drought it was worse than that,” he said.

Many of those same farmers also gave up their time to put on the day.

"Let's have a cheer for the organisers of Australia Day, so many of which are here today," Mr Cannatelli said.

Mrs Dunne also spoke briefly about the need for people to get involved.

"We all need to stick together. With a struggling football club, and a great school with small numbers, and a tennis club which has just folded."

"If every person in town joined one committee, imagine how big our committees would be.

"People don't have to do much. They can just turn up to meetings and share their ideas to help things".

For many Australia Day is about sharing stories and remembering.

It seemed fitting that the winner of the Australia Day award runs a general store where many people meet to do exactly that.