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The award recognises Mr Smith's services to the Country Fire Brigade spanning more than 50 years, and his involvement in various community events, and member of organisations including Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival, Canterbury Carols and Australia Day Committee.
Mr. Smith is a highly decorated CFA member having held several roles at Eaglehawk from training officer and coordinator, second lieutenant, group delegate and captain.
"Eric is a fine example of putting service above self and is highly regarded for his comjmunity passion and people skills," said Geoff Gallagher, Community Services Director with Rotary Eaglehawk.
"In 2009, Eric was on the first fire truck to arrive on the scene in Bracewell Street at what became known as Black Saturday and worked on the ground for several weeks to protect our community.
On behalf of the Eaglehawk community and the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk, I congratulate Eric on becoming this year's Citizen of the Year and thank him for his dedication to his community," Mr Gallagher said.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's celebrations will take the form of an invitation only event at the California Gully Mechanics Institute Hall on Tuesday 26 January 2021 rather than the traditional community event at Canterbury Park.
The Rotary Club of Eaglehawk will host a COVID-19 Safe reception for 50 invited guests including Mr Smith's family and friends and representatives from the Victorian Government and City of Greater Bendigo.