The Salvation Army's Major Brendan Nottle says he's truly humbled to be named Melburnian of the Year.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle called him a "great bloke" when he handed out the 2013 award to recognise Major Nottle's service during a ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall.
"His devotion to strengthening Melbourne's social fabric is an inspiration to us all," he said.
Major Nottle, the commanding officer for Melbourne, has spent the past decade helping the less fortunate, especially vulnerable wards of the state and homeless youths.
He said the Salvation Army was built on the values of compassion, hope and human dignity.
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"It is a great honour and a truly humbling experience to be acknowledged for my role in promoting these values," he said.
Photographer Matt Irwin, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival and St John Ambulance were among those who received awards.
