Holt federal MP Anthony Byrne also honoured two community organisations at the annual event held to recognise the spirit and commitment of volunteers.

"The people that we honoured with an award demonstrate what it means to be Australian," Mr Byrne said.

"Their generosity in the large amount of time they give to their community, in a typically understated way, cannot be measured."

Recipients included Betty Merrett who celebrates 50 years of service with the CFA ladies auxilary in Doveton-Hallam this year.

Sister Ann Halpin, who died last month, was recognised with a posthumous award for establishing the landmark Wellsprings for Women program in Dandenong.

■ Other award winners included Jean Westerman (Doveton Baptist Church), Leslie Vincent Hughes (Dandenong Cranbourne RSL), Mohammad Aschna (Afghan Australian Philanthropic Association), Adolfo Crespin (Doveton Special Soccer School) and Paddy Hamill (Cornerstone Contact Centre).