COLLIE residents turned out in force to celebrate Australia Day.
Award nominees and families proudly marched down Forrest Street waving Austra lian flags.
On arrival at the town centre, Rhiannon Gale took to the podium to sing the national anthem while the Australian flag was raised by last year's Citizen of the Year Wendy Jarman, and Donna Davies, acting on behalf of Rachel Bass, last year's Young Citizen of the Year.
Miss Bass is in Mexico beginning a six-month community development volunteer internship.
In a speech delivered by Mrs Davies, she congratulated Kim Loxton on her nomination for this year's Young Citizen of the Year, saying she was an inspiring lady who had achieved so much.
"I am so excited she shares the same passion, and is giving something extra, making a difference," she said. "Congratulations Kim, you should be so proud."
This year's Citizen of the Year went to Marie Edwards for her work as a stalwart of the Collie Hospital Comfort Fund, working in the kiosk, on the trolley run and selling raffle tickets for 20 years.
She has been a Meals on Wheels driver for about 30 years, a member of Collie Cancer Support Group, a helper at fundraising events and worked for the Red Cross Op Shop.
Ms Edwards said she "just about fell through the floor" when she was announced the winner.
"It was a lovely ceremony and the other nominees were very good too. It was nice to see new faces up there," she said.
"The certificate is on display in my cabinet already."
The 2014 Collie Young Citizen of the Year went to Kim Loxton for her efforts in charitable work.
She was unable to accept the award as she was in the Fijian islands with Volunteer Eco Students Abroad.
Collie Tidy Towns and Fairview Primary School were joint winners of the Environment Award.
Collie Tidy Towns Committee has kept the environment flag flying locally for more than 40 years, leading to its nomination for the Australia Day Environment Award.
Fairview Primary School has had a comprehensive environmental awareness program for several years.
A Wastewise school, it has reduced litter, achieving a three-star rating in last year's Keep Australia Beautiful Star Awards.
Meanwhile, Collie Community Radio and St John Ambulance volunteers shared the honours for the Community Group of the Year.
Collie Community radio was nominated for providing entertainment for the community of Collie, an avenue of free advertising for local not-for-profit groups and a vital service during local emergencies.
Collie's St John Ambulance volunteers were nominated for training to gain the skills necessary to handle accidents and medical emergencies.
