At Victory Hall, the ceremony saw the town come together and pay tribute to some of its extraordinary citizens, with Ms Watson acknowledged for her strong work as a volunteer photographer and historian.
Involved with the Tatura and District Historical Society, Tatura Hospital Auxiliary, Rodney Arts Society, GV Tree Society and Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church - and labeled "the Queen of Tatura" by event organisers - Ms Watson called her award "an unexpected honour".
“One thing that hasn't changed is the people and their willingness to participate and to contribute in the local community, and I must say what a pleasure it is to be part of a community that is willing to help itself,” she said.
“Photos are a good record of people and life at that moment in time, whether it's at the Anzac Day march, the arts show or other events around town.
“I've thoroughly enjoyed the friendship I've made, the companionship and the feeling of satisfaction when I've been able to contribute something back to the community.”
The Community Event of the Year gong went to the Rodney CWA's Bushfire Relief Stalls, where the organisation raised vital funds for its sister branch in Tintaldra after it suffered through bushfires early last year.
“We felt we needed to assist these people in some way, hence our street stall that raised much-needed funds,” Rodney CWA member Janette Mason said.
“Within two weeks of our fundraiser, the money was in Tintaldra, with the CWA members distributing the funds. Our donation was of considerable assistance to a small community who found themselves in a very hard to deal with situation.”
Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell was in attendance, and noted the importance of the town coming together post-COVID-19 pandemic.
“This Australia Day it's really fitting that one of our first opportunities to come together as a community again is our Australia Day ceremonies,” she said.
Kylie Hoskins sang the national anthem and performed two songs, while the crowd heard from former local Phillip Eberle, an inspector with Fire and Rescue New South Wales.
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