Among those taking the oath at the Knox Civic Centre celebration was Ramesh Vishram Gorasiya, 27, who stood alongside three of his friends to become an Australian.

Originally from India, Mr Gorasiya has lived in Rowville for six years and said it was "very nice to join a community". "I'm very happy to live in Knox. There are a lot of good people here and it's a nice area."

The council also acknowledged the achievements of residents' contributions, announcing its Australia Day award winners.

Boronia's Ann Heber was named citizen of the year for her work as a volunteer at the Angliss Hospital, Neighbourhood Watch, Interchange, and teaching migrants English.

James Philipsen was named young citizen of the year for countless hours of volunteer time he offered his school, Scoresby Secondary College, where he completed his studies last year.

He was school captain during his final year and was an active participant in school open nights, musicals and the students representative council.

Volunteer of the year was Denise Gravatt, who is a member of Fairhills Primary School mothers club, Boronia Soccer Club, Angliss Hospital Auxiliary and Boronia Country Women's Association.

The local hero award went to Tony Clark for his devotion to helping Australia's homeless population. The Knoxfield resident is the founder and chairman of Swags for the Homeless and designed the world-first backpack bed.

Mr Clark, 37, said the award meant a lot to him because "it was the first time I've been thanked by the local community".

Knoxfield's John Gall, 75, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day honours list for his service to the finance and banking sector.

The former National Australia Bank executive received the OAM for his extensive work in the Asian region, as well as his contribution to the community as chairman of Windana Drug and Alcohol Foundation's marketing committee.