"My children were all under six," she recalls. "It was about getting a better life and security, finding a safe place for my children and myself.

"I was very happy and so proud. Australia is a really good country."

Ms Baho, 52, has made her mark in Hume and been recognised for the hard work she does.

Along with Elwyn Davis, 74, of Sunbury, she was last week declared Hume's joint citizen of the year at an Australia Day ceremony.

Nadine Kotob, 20, of Craigieburn, was named young citizen of the year.

Ms Baho was recognised for her charity work with refugee women for the past 21 years.

"As a refugee I hope it [the award] will make people realise they can contribute and be recognised. I think it will inspire a lot of people," she said.

Ms Baho said it was a real honour and surprise to be awarded.

"There was a lot of excitement throughout the whole week.

"It wasn't expected. I was overwhelmed. It was a feeling I could never forget. I didn't think I could be recognised with this.

"It's the same feeling I had when I was first accepted to become a resident of Australia."

Ms Baho became an Australian citizen in 1994.

She was nominated for the award by Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS).

"At the beginning when [VASS] asked me to be nominated I was hesitant. I said no, but then I gave it some thought."

Ms Kotob was also recognised for her tireless charity work.

"I got the award for a combination of charity work and being involved with Amnesty International," she said.

"I also helped out with Rise, which is a refugee organisation, and last year was involved with its music and arts festival."

Ms Kotob, also a member of the Hume Action Group,

is studying full-time at Melbourne University but still finds the time to help others.

"I feel extremely honoured and appreciative of the award. I try to be a good role model for the youth and encourage more people to get involved."

Ms Davis thought they had the wrong person when she was told she was the joint citizen of the year.

The 74-year-old, who moved Sunbury 40 years ago, said she was embarrassed to receive the award.

"It's an honour, but I feel a bit embarrassed as there's lot of people who do good things and aren't rewarded."

Ms Davis's passion is raising funds for leprosy victims.

She started the Leprosy Mission in Sunbury 28 years ago and has twice trekked through Nepal raising money.