AXEDALE citizen of the year Terry Hoctor is excited to see the town grow.
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"It's only really taken off in last the few years. It's always been bit of a sleepy hollow," he said.
"I don't know half the people here today and I used to know everyone in Axedale."
Mr Hoctor was named Axedale's citizen of the year by City of Greater Bendigo councillor Rod Campbell while the CWA Youth Award was presented to Alex Hermens.
"It's something I've never really thought that much about," he said.
"I suppose I knew they'd ask me one day but didn't think I would accept (the award). But it's Australia Day and that's what all about."
Mr Hoctor has lived in Axedale for 37 years and been a part of its CFA for 36 years.
He was pivotal in the development of the Axedale CFA and served on the committees of the Longlea and Axedale tennis clubs as well as the Axedale Hall, school and recreation reserve committees.
"When I came here my neighbour came round one Sunday morning and said, 'you're coming with me to the fire shed'.
"We always went round there on Sunday morning and that's where (my CFA volunteering) started.
"There were only a few of us but before knew it I was on the hall committee, school committee and recreation reserve committee."