About 200 people gathered in the morning sun to watch Heathmont Scouts carry forward the Australian flag, which was raised before Croydon Brass Band played the national anthem.

The crowd headed into the Karralyka Centre, where the Maroondah Australia Day awards were announced.

Jenny Newman was awarded the title of Citizen of the Year for her support of victims of crimes, and

advocacy on behalf of parents of children with special needs.

Michael Higgins was announced Young Citizen of the Year.

The Monkami Centre was recognised for Community event of the Year for its production Titanic: Resunk, which showcased the talents of its drama group whose members have intellectual disabilities.

Mayor Peter Gurr said Australia Day represented a fantastic opportunity to "recognise the efforts of Australians contributing to their community".

He paid tribute to Maroondah's "unsung heroes", who worked "selflessly and tirelessly" for others.

Cr Gurr said Maroondah was lucky to have more than 800 support and community groups and thousands of volunteers.

Also at the ceremony, a mother and daughter were among 22 Maroondah residents - and 13,000 Australian residents from 120 countries - who marked the day by becoming Australian citizens.