Australia Day Ambassadors Set to Inspire Communities Across NSW

Eighty inspirational Australians, including innovators, educators, musicians, healthcare professionals, elite athletes, and environmental advocates, will spread a message of unity and pride as Australia Day Ambassadors across New South Wales on 26 January 2025.

Handpicked by the Australia Day Council of NSW, this year’s Ambassadors have been selected for their exceptional contributions to society. The diverse group includes charity founders supporting those in crisis, a sustainable living architect, and an awardwinning children’s author.

Inspiring Communities Across NSW

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JEFF GIBBS

Byron Shire Council is gearing up to tackle one of the region’s most persistent environmental threats: cane toads. Residents and visitors alike are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and join the Byron Shire Cane Toad Challenge from 18 January to 21 January 2025.

Get Involved: HandsOn Training

To prepare participants, Byron Shire Council is hosting a hands-on community information session on 16 January 2025, at Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The session will provide practical knowledge on identifying, catching, and humanely disposing of cane toads.

Claudia Caliari, Council’s Biodiversity Projects Offcer, emphasized the importance of

The Ambassadors will visit towns and cities throughout NSW, from Bega Valley to Blacktown, Griffth to Glen Innes, engaging in events such as citizenship ceremonies, cultural performances, community festivals, and charity initiatives.

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham praised the program:

“These NSW Australia Day Ambassadors represent the heart and soul of our state and showcase the community spirit that we celebrate in NSW. I look forward to seeing this year’s group of accomplished Australians inspire communities and unite us as we come together as a nation to respect and refect.”

Now in its 34th year, the NSW Australia Day Ambassador

Program is the largest in Australia, underscoring the importance of community connection on this national day.

A Time to Refect and Celebrate

Through speeches and storytelling, the Ambassadors will share their personal experiences of what being Australian means to them. Corey Payne, 2013 NSW Young Australian of the Year and former NRL player, highlighted the signifcance of the role: “Being an Australia Day Ambassador is an opportunity to connect with people across NSW and celebrate the resilience, kindness, and inclusiveness that make our country so special. It’s inspiring to witness the pride and passion that NSW communities bring as they refect on what makes our country unique.”

Honouring Diversity and History

Yvonne Weldon, Chair of the Australia Day Council of NSW, emphasized the importance of inclusion and recognition: “Australia Day is a time for inclusion and recognition. It is also an opportunity to honour our shared history, continuing the signifcant contributions and custodianship of First Nations people, while embracing our diversity and strengthening bonds that unite us as a community.”

Sydney’s Australia Day Program

In Sydney, Australia Day festivities will culminate with Australia Day Live, featuring performances by top Australian artists. The full program will be announced on 14 January 2025.

The NSW Government’s Destination NSW, the lead agency for tourism and major events, is delivering the Australia Day in Sydney program, enhancing the experience with cultural showcases and entertainment. For a full list of the 2025 NSW Australia Day Ambassadors and their destinations, visit: Australia Day Ambassadors. This Australia Day, join in refecting on our shared history, respecting the contributions of all Australians, and celebrating the diversity and unity that defne our nation.