Moorabool Council chief executive Rob Croxford was acting CEO at Murrindindi Council that scorching February day.

He says although the emotional scars will never fully heal, he finally feels ready to reflect on the tragedy and acknowledge the work he and his fellow council workers did.

Mr Croxford was recently awarded a National Emergency Medal, presented by Prime Minister Julia Gillard at a ceremony in Flowerdale.

The award honours his contribution, commitment and service during and after the emergency.

" I feel very honoured to receive the award, and I feel honoured that those who nominated me feel that I was of assistance in some way," he said.

Mr Croxford was heavily involved in the recovery and rebuilding of infrastructure in the area, and was involved in the delicate act of helping to heal the community's wounds.

"It was a tough situation to work with. All of us ... various affected townships and communities were going through different stages of grief at different times: anger, despair, acceptance.

"To watch people who had lost their families, who had lost homes gather themselves together and begin to rebuild their lives, and to witness the support everybody gave each other was inspiring."

Mr Croxford says he learnt much from the experience and feels confident the fires created greater awareness and planning in fire-prone areas like Moorabool.

He says he's relieved that the tragedy and the subsequent royal commission instigated changes in fire plans and services.

Moorabool mayor Pat Griffin says Mr Croxford is worthy of the recognition.