Barrister named Vic Australian of the Year

Leading up to the execution of Bali Nine ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, their lawyer Julian McMahon solely focused on their case.

Refusing to take on any new paying clients, the 2016 Victorian Australian of the Year worked tirelessly to try to save them from the death penalty.

For more than 12 years, he has worked without payments for Australians facing the death penalty abroad.

His clients include Van Tuong Nguyen in Singapore and George Forbes in Sudan, among others.

Leading up to the executions of Bali Nine ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, Mr McMahon remained wholly focused on their case, not taking on any new clients.

Premier Daniel Andrews attended the Victorian Australian of the Year Awards on Wednesday night and applauded Mr McMahon and other recipients for their work in the community.

"They are truly inspirational and great role models for Australians young and old," Mr Andrews said on Wednesday night.

"Their dedication and commitment each of them shows to their chosen field is something for us all to truly admire."

Indigenous elder Jack Charles was awarded the Victorian Senior Australian of the Year at the ceremony hosted at the Aerial Function Centre, as was university student Robert Gillies named Victorian Young Australian of the Year and social entrepreneur Rebecca Scott, who was named Victorian Local Hero.