Victoria is celebrating 165 years of separation from NSW by naming Australia's chief scientist as Victorian of the Year.
Alan Finkel, who advises the prime minister on science, technology and innovation, received the top nod alongside other notable Victorians on the historic occasion.
Adding Victorian of the Year to his name after being announced as the eighth chief scientist of Australia has been overwhelming for Dr Finkel.
"I have been fortunate enough to receive awards for things I have done in science and engineering, but now I'm right up there with the doyens of sport, art and business ... and I'm just extraordinarily honoured," Dr Finkel said on ABC Radio on Friday.
Victoria separated from NSW on July 1, 1851, forming its own government and setting up law courts after growing increasingly frustrated by the way NSW was governing the region.
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Victorians felt they were being short-changed by Sydney, and calls for a hospital, courthouse, proper police stations and a dam for clean water were being ignored while Sydney flourished.
Ten years after separation, Victoria's population quadrupled, industry was booming and the discovery of gold made the state very rich.
On Friday the city was abuzz with celebrations, even hosting a re-enactment of the separation at Town Hall, before the Victorian Flag was raised by the Lord Mayor.
Also named as part of the Victoria Day Council's awards was 20-year-old Khurram Jahangir Khan, who was announced Young Victorian of the year for his volunteer work mentoring new Sudanese migrants.
Not-for-profit organisation St Kilda Mums were awarded the best community organisation for repurposing old baby goods for families in need.
The arts award went to Bendigo Art Gallery, and the corporate citizen of the year went to superannuation fund Vic Super.
VICTORIA DAY CELEBRATION HONOURS:
Victorian of the Year: Dr Alan Finkel
Young Victorian of the Year: Khurram Jahangir Khan
Good Corporate Citizen: Vic Super
Community Organisation: St Kilda Mums
The Arts Award: Bendigo Art Gallery
