Adaminaby stalwart, Lilibet Stephens, has proven a popular choice for the Cooma region Australia Day Citizen of the Year with praise and tributes coming from across the region.

Lilibet has dedicated decades of her life to improving the Adaminaby and Monaro community, working tirelessly across many organisations. Lilibet is well known for her work with the Adaminaby Red Cross, Adaminaby Op Shop, Monaro arts and cultural scene, plus other endeavours.

Upon accepting her award, Lilibet declared the Monaro the best place in Australia to live.

"I've been in Adaminaby for 61 years and living on the Monaro is one of the great privileges," Lilibet said to a large crowd gathered in Cooma's Centennial Park for the awards ceremony.

"The Monaro is the most inclusive society in Australia, I tell people who come into the Op shop it's Australia's best kept secret."

The awards ceremony recognised outstanding contributions from residents right across the Cooma-Monaro area. Cooma's Ben Hayden and Berridale's Steve Knowles were runners-up for Citizen of the Year.

The Australia Day Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Bredbo's Ken Bowerman for his six decades in the Bredbo Rural Fire Service, plus a long list of other community pursuits.

Miranda McGufficke was named the Young Citizen of the Year for her efforts in the agricultural industry.

Other award winners include:

Community Group of the Year - Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association for its 150th show last year

Arts and Culture award - Yukemboorong Aboriginal Men's Group

Mayoral award for community effort - Suzanne Dunning for promoting Cooma

Positive Impact on Youth of the Monaro award - Cathy Guion through her work at the Y Space

Young Sportsperson of the year - Skye Adams for basketball success and Faith Williamson for soccer talents. Al King and Josie Holfner nominees

Sportsperson of the year - Nathan Thompson of the Monaro District Cricket Association