Doug McColl, 82, took out the top gong at a ceremony at Government House on Friday, with 12 other seniors also honoured for their contributions to their communities.

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Mr McColl received his award from Premier Ted Baillieu, who described him as a “dedicated and passionate volunteer” who contributed selflessly to his community as a fund raiser, gardener and historian.

“Doug is amongst the many older Victorians whose wisdom and energy make a huge difference in our community,” Mr Baillieu said.

“He was the inaugural secretary of the Warracknabeal Promotions Committee, a member of the Townscape Committee and the Warracknabeal Arts Council and a dedicated member of the Warracknabeal Historical Society for more than 50 years.”

It’s not the first time Mr McColl’s tireless work has been recognised.

He was awarded the Order of Australia in 1985.

Since receiving his award, Mr McColl has been busy carrying out media interviews.

Among the other award winners were Bill O’Connor of Croydon who won the Healthy and Active Living Award, Joan Gillespie of Heidelberg West who won the Veteran Community Award and Helen Jurcevic of Lower Templestowe who was presented with the first-ever Promotion of Multiculturalism Award.

Nine other Victorian seniors received a Senior Achiever Award from the Council of the Ageing (COTA).

Mr McColl was one of 13 seniors recognised at the 2011 Senior of the Year Awards, with awards presented by Mr Baillieu, Minister for Ageing David Davis and the Council on the Ageing President Janet Wood.