Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson led a dawn smoking ceremony at the peak of Leanganook or Mount Alexander.

Uncle Rick then started community event proceedings in Castlemaine with a Welcome to Country.

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The Dja Dja Wurrung Elder told the crowd Aboriginal people were killed or taken as prisoners of war when the British invaded the country in the late 1700s.

Traditional Indigenous customs and the carrying of spears were also outlawed at that time, Uncle Rick said.

He told the gathering January 26 was a time to reflect on that history.

"There's a lot of debates going on at the moment about Australia Day, Invasion Day, Survival Day," he said. "It will be a long debate and it will sort itself out in due time.

"We like to refer to this day as Survival Day to celebrate our survival. We survived 220 years of colonisation."

Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Tony Cordy said it was important that Dja Dja Wurrung people were involved in Survival Day events.

"Mount Alexander and particularly Castlemaine is a wonderful community," he said. "It's very inclusive.

"We bring everyone together and be sensitive about other peoples' concerns and issues, but also take the time to celebrate how fortunate we are to be in Australia."

Cr Cordy encouraged other shires and cities to follow suit.

Read more: January 26 a time to reflect and respect, Dja Dja Wurrung leader says

"I think our Indigenous community are a very important part of our national history," he said. "We're starting to see a more unified approach.

"I think we're pretty happy with how we are progressing in Castlemaine, but we want to see signs of a more harmonious relationship with everyone in the future."

Cr Cordy said the Survival Day events went smoothly despite challenges with coronavirus restrictions and the weather.

"I thought our staff did a wonderful job organising the COVID-friendly event," he said. "I'd also like to acknowledge the work Uncle Rick Nelson and his family put into the day.

"It was a huge effort. We have a fantastic working relationship and I hope it continues into the future."

The shire on Tuesday also recognised Ian Gallagher as its 2021 Citizen of the Year.

Lorraine le Plastrier was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year and Jade Bujeya was recognised as Young Citizen of the Year.

The Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show was awarded the Community Event of the Year.

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