Highlanders and visitors weren’t deterred by the poor weather conditions for Monday’s event, which was held outside Berrima Historic Court House.

Highlights of the ceremony included the announcement of the shire’s Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.

Berrima volunteering stalwart Harlan Hall won the shire’s top citizen award.

Mr Hall has spent years as Berrima District Historical and Family History Society’s project manager.

Highlights have included leading the project to build an exhibition hall, which is attached to the society’s museum.

Mr Hall said he was surprised to receive the honour.

“We have donors, sponsors and volunteer workers who primarily are people who give to the community – they are inspired,” he said.

Moss Vale High School student Luke Webb was named Young Citizen of the Year.

Luke, 15, was the sole nominee for the honour.

The Year 10 student has undertaken several commitments at the school, including being a member of the Student Representative Council.

Luke regularly volunteers for the Highlands community through Legacy and the Red Shield Appeal.

He said it was a great honour to be named Young Citizen of the Year.

“I’m very proud, but I couldn’t have done it without people behind me in support.”

The master of ceremonies on Monday was Councillor Garry Turland.

Auntie Val delivered the welcome to country, while RSL Rural Commemorative Youth Choir’s Adrian Bishop and OJ Rushton led a rousing version of the national anthem.

Reverend John Livingstone led an Australia Day prayer before Mayor Duncan Gair addressed the audience.

The first award of the day was then announced, the inaugural Alan Terral Berrima Community Service Award (junior division).

The late Mr Terral was a community stalwart in Berrima and a past Australia Day ambassador.

The inaugural award was presented to Berrima Public School student Courtney Harkness, who thanked the school’s community for its support.

Cr Gair then led the citizenship ceremony, with 23 new citizens welcomed into the Wingecarribee Shire.

The 2015 Australia Day ambassador, the Countess Natalie Faber-Castell, was the next guest speaker.

During her speech, Ms Faber-Castell said it was important to take time to appreciate the opportunities Australians had.

“I’m a fan of Australia, I presume that you all are as well,” she said.

After the citizen of the year award presentations, the RSL Rural Commemorative Youth Choir sang “Young and Free” to close the ceremony.

Following morning tea, attendees headed down to Berrima’s main street to watch the annual grand parade.