Rosie Batty says her son Luke would be proud and a little embarrassed by his mum receiving the Victorian Australian of the Year Award.
"As an 11, 12-year-old boy, he would be embarrassed and say `mum it's not a good look' ... it's not X Factor or Australian Idol," she said in a lighter moment after receiving the award.
But she was a popular winner at a reception in Melbourne on Tuesday night, judging by the standing ovation and minute-long applause she received when her name was announced.
Ms Batty has put the fight against domestic violence on the national agenda since her ex-partner killed their son Luke at cricket training in February.
She became emotional when she dedicated the award to her son.
"I am here because of Luke," she said.
She also firmly voiced commitment to speak up for victims of domestic violence.
"It's important that we understand it's no longer a subject that should stay behind closed doors," she said.
"My commitment is I will continue to push this message and I accept this award on behalf of victims of domestic violence and for those who have no voice."
The other three Victorian finalists for this award were a Paralympian, a paramedic and an artist and indigenous activist.
The awards ceremony also announced the Victorian award recipients for Senior Victorian of the Year and Young Australian of the Year.
They will join other state and territory winners as finalists in the national awards in Canberra on January 25.
VICTORIAN AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2015:
* Victorian Australian of the Year - Domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty
* Victorian Senior Australian of the Year - Neurologist Professor Sam Berkovic
* Victorian Young Australian of the Year - Thomas King, campaigner against unsustainable palm oil
* Victorian Local Hero - Breast cancer fundraiser Louise Davidson.
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