The Viewhaven Lodge resident, blessed with musical talent, still brings joy to those around her with her well-honed piano playing skills.

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Her generous contribution to Crookwell's musical life over many years was recognised with the town's Australia Day Citizen of the Year award on Wednesday. Governor General David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd) and wife Linda presented the award to Mrs Campbell's granddaughters.

"It means an enormous amount. I'm overwhelmed," Mrs Campbell said via Facetime.

"Music is so important in life."

Mrs Campbell was unable to attend the day's ceremony at Memorial Oval but was 'beamed in' thanks to her very proud twin granddaughters, Kathleen and Emily.

Kathleen said her grandmother was surprised by the nomination.

"What did I do to deserve that? I wanted to do it," she had said.

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It all started after her mother gave her a piano as a young child. Mrs Campbell studied a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University and subsequently taught English and Maths for many years at Crookwell High School.

Over the years she has taught music to numerous students, directed 22 musicals over 30 years with the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society and loaned her expertise to the Kids Acting on Stage (KAOS) group.

In her spare time, Mrs Campbell played the organ at the local Uniting Church. She was 90 when she played her last children's show but has continued 'tickling the ivories' as a Viewhaven resident for the past year.

A large crowd packed into the oval for the afternoon proceedings, for which former SBS commentator Mike Tomalaris was Australia Day ambassador.

He announced 2021 Trinity Catholic College vice-captain and Laggan teenager Tyson Allright as Crookwell's young citizen of the year. Tyson was recognised for his leadership and initiation of the school's inaugural Harmony Run.

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Manly hooker Lachlan Croker credited his community for a large part of success as he was named Upper Lachlan Shire's sportsperson of the year. He formerly played for the Crookwell Green Devils and the town's junior cricket association. Croker was nominated for being an "exceptional role model and for showing that hard work and commitment can achieve your sporting dreams."

"It's truly humbling and to be back here on the oval where my football started is pretty special," he told the crowd.

Croker presented another Trinity Catholic College student, Jack Page, with Upper Lachlan's Young Sportsperson of the Year award. It recognised his representation with the Rugby Sevens and the Brumbies.

The Crookwell Men's Shed took out event of the year for its art exhibition 'Bauhaus to My House.'

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Other Australia Day awards throughout Upper Lachlan were:

Citizen of the year - Prue Burfitt - for her involvement in the Taralga Progress Association, management of the Memorial Hall and involvement in numerous committees.

Event of the Year - 100^th annual Taralga Show.

Citizen of the Year - Kathy Johnson - for her involvement in Gunning Roos Rugby League Club and tireless work raising money for charity, as well as membership of numerous other committees.

Young Citizen of the Year - Angus Mackay - for his involvement with the Gunning Community Association and willingness to lend a hand to those in need with his own mowing business.

Event of the Year - Gunning District Community Health Association for its 'Gentleman's Lunch.'

Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society for its production of Vicar of Dibley.

Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman, Member for Hume Angus Taylor, newly appointed Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor Pam Kensit, deputy mayor Mandy McDonald and several councillors also attended the Crookwell celebrations.

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