ENCOURAGING more locals to take the step into volunteerism is a focus for the Rural City of Wangaratta's 2025 Citizens of the Year, Wendy and Peter Lester.

"The more you can do, the better the place is for everyone," Wendy said.

The couple, whose business Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway employs 80 people, received the honour at Sunday's Australia Day celebration in King George V Gardens.

"I was really humbled and surprised, it was a bit of a shock," Wendy said.

"In my way of thinking, there are so many wonderful people who are deserving of this honour, and I got a bit overwhelmed."

Wendy and Peter moved to Wangaratta from Albury just over 30 years ago, when they bought the Gateway.

"We didn't think we would stay this long, but we loved the community and just like everything about Wangaratta," Wendy said.

"It's the ease of being able to operate in business and life here - there are so many great things about it."

Wendy and Peter contribute to care packs for various Wangaratta initiatives, and provide sponsorship for groups within the community ranging from arts to sport.

"Pete does so much stuff behind the scenes; we're a great team," she said.

Wendy spent time as president of the Wangaratta Chamber of Commerce, was closely involved in the staging of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues for more than 20 years, was on the advisory committee for development of the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, and has previously been part of the Rural City of Wangaratta's economic development and tourism advisory groups.

She was an AFLNEB commissioner for five years, but decided she could do more for local football at club level, and has since become co-president of the Wangaratta Rovers Football Club, encouraging the involvement of others with business skills, and delighting in seeing the Hawks take home the 2024 Ovens and Murray senior and thirds flags.

Wendy also became a Justice of the Peace several years ago, after recognising a need for more people in the role and realising her availability lent itself to the position.

She said the motivation to volunteer came from a love of the community, and from others in leadership roles.

"There are so many people in Wangaratta who are icons of the community, and it makes you want to follow what they're doing," she said.

"I always encourage my staff to volunteer in different areas; it can be two hours, but what you put in can make a real difference.

"There is always something for people to do, for everyone from young people starting out to older people who have just retired and have some time; some want to be the front people, and some at the back, but you will always find something.

"We just want to see things get bigger and better."