A Beaufort resident has been recognised for her long term commitment to community service.
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Sandy Watkins received an Australian Government Volunteer Award from Wannon MP Dan Tehan at a presentation ceremony in Colac on Tuesday.
Ms Watkins has lived in Beaufort for the past 27 years and has been heavily involved in community service during that time.
"I like to help people. There is a need," she said.
Ms Watkins' focus is running programs targeted at engaging young people, five to 25-years-old.
She is a Girl Guide leader for 23 girls in Beaufort and is a driving force behind the Beaufort Friends of the Pool Inc.
As a swimming teacher, she aims to get more children and teenagers in the pool, and engaged in other social activities like basketball and cricket at the site.
Ms Watkins's other roles cover involvement with the Beaufort Community Garden, Beaufort Football Club, CSIRO's Scientists in Schools program and Blue Light Discos.
Last year she was a driving force behind the Rainbow Arts and Culture Foundation's community based project working with nine community groups to create colourful bunting and flags to decorate Beaufort and Lexton for the Australia Day long weekend celebrations.
Ms Watkins said expanding programs and opportunities for young people was becoming increasingly important as Beaufort's population continued to grow.
"I want to keep youth involved and off the streets," she said.
Ms Watkins said she and many other community volunteers worked hard to create change and progress in Beaufort.
Mr Tehan said the awards were his favourite time of the year as a chance to celebrate the people who are the 'heart and soul' of community.