Festivities began at 7am with a barbecue breakfast provided by combined service clubs; the Rotary Club and Lions clubs of Horsham and the Horsham APEX Club.

Just before the formal ceremony began, members of the Voices of the Wimmera Choir entertained the crowd with renditions of classic Aussie songs.

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In a special citizenship ceremony, Chamya Aberathna, Lah Day, U Hla PE, Neri Tiamzon and Sandra Wills became Horsham's newest Australian citizens.

The citizenship ceremony was followed by an address from Horsham's 2022 Australia Day ambassador - Christine Nixon.

Ms Nixon spoke about respect, unity and how Australians from all walks of life can always come together to celebrate the fact they're Australian.

After Ms Nixon's speech had concluded, Horsham mayor Robyn Gulline presented Horsham's 2022 Australia Day Awards.

The award for Community Event of the Year went to the Commissioner's Dinner & Gala, represented by Kelly Schilling and Dale Russell.

Mr Russell said he was shocked to received the award when he was notified prior to the ceremony.

"It blew me away when they told me," he said.

The award for Young Citizen of the Year went to Philadelphia Rowe, for her tireless effort in volunteering her time and energy throughout the community.

Susan Hobbs was named Horsham's 2022 Citizen of the Year for her work as a pastor and funeral care coordinator.

Upon being presented the award, Ms Hobbs gave a moving tribute to Wimmera volunteers and dedicated her award to all those help others, and who have done it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This award is for all of you," she said.

To conclude proceedings, the Horsham Rural City Band performed on stage.

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