This long weekend we celebrate 13 people who have made a difference to central Victoria and the wider Australian community through sharing their time, knowledge and skills.

There is Dr Penny Davies, who has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her extensive contributions to community health and higher education.

Anne Conway, a founding member of Phoenix FM who has served the Aboriginal community and contributed to Eaglehawk, receives a Medal of the Order of Australia.

She is joined by long-time lawn bowler Kenneth Gloster, who has been involved in the sport for 66 years and has now been a member of the East Bendigo Bowls Club for 50 years.

There is also historian James Lerk, who works to preserve and celebrate the Bendigo's history, and sailor Jack Carroll, who even in his 90s continues to mentor young sailors.

Sedgwick's Audrey Drechsler's contributions to agriculture and the wider community are also recognised.

An Australian Fire Service Medal has been awarded to Heathcote's Pat McCarthy for his long and dedicated career with Forest Fire Management Victoria, while Dr Rodney Syme from Yandoit Hills has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to social welfare initiatives and law reform.

Also recognised are Graeme Nelson, for his service to Rochester; Mount Alexander's Eileen McDonald for her contributions to her local community and to apiculture; Craig Opie, who has given much to Victoria's tourism industry; Eric Scoble for his contribution to the Kyneton community; and Wycheproof's Eleanor Pollard.

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