The lead singer of The Seekers won the gong for outstanding public and community service. It was announced on Wednesday to mark Victoria Day.

Ceremonies carried out to mark the 164th anniversary of Victoria's separation from New South Wales included a re-enactment of Governor Charles La Trobe's proclamation of the independent state .

There was also a flag raising by acting Lord Mayor Susan Riley, a rifle-fire salute, brass band performance, choirs singing Happy Birthday and cutting of a birthday cake.

A statement by the trustees of the Victoria Day Council said Ms Durham had been anointed Victorian of the Year from a pool of nominees who had "made significant and valuable contributions to the Victorian community".

Ms Durham, a previous Order of Australia recipient who was born and raised in Melbourne and found worldwide fame in the 1960s singing Seekers hits such as The Carnival is Over and Georgie Girl, was cited for support of many not-for-profit organisations.

They include the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Australia, the Small Miracles Foundation, Yooralla, the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation and the Australian Children's Choir.

Among other Victoria Day honours recipients, 31-year-old wheelchair tennis athlete Luba Josevski was named Young Victorian of the Year, the not-for-profit organisation Cabrini Health was awarded Corporate Citizen for 2015.

The 67-year-old not-for-profit organisation Scope, which supports more than 6000 people with disabilities, was named Community Organisaton for 2015, while the Australian Tapestry Workshop was given the Victoria Day Award for the Arts.

Victorian Day Council chairman Norman Kennedy said the recipients had "gone above and beyond their contribution to the community within Victoria".

"On behalf of the Victoria Day Council, I thank them and congratulate them on their truly outstanding achievements and the great work they have done."