The 2020 Australia Day Ambassador for the Central Coast is Central Coast Rural Fire Service District Superintendent, Viki Campbell.
Central Coast Council made the announcement on its Facebook page late on January 23, just days before the national day of celebration. Campbell is known for her tireless work in the emergency response field including her role as Incident Controller for the 2019-20 bush fire emergency on the Central Coast.
Her service within emergency response organisations has spanned 30 years with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW Ambulance. She is currently responsible for the overall coordination of RFS firefighting capability and bush fire risk management across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie Local Government areas.
This incorporates 57 brigades, 20 staff and over 2,300 volunteer members. Campbell joined the NSW Rural Fire Service initially as a volunteer in 1990 and then as a staff member in 2015. She has extensive operational experience in firefighting including field operations, Incident Management and air attack coordination.
A strong advocate of volunteering, Campbell also volunteers with the caves rescue squad where she holds the position of President. The theme for Australia Day 2020 is ‘Everyone, every story’, with this year signalling the 29th year of the Ambassador program. NSW Australia Day Council Chairman, Andrew Parker, said the Ambassador program was remarkable. “Drawn from diverse fields, Ambassadors share common traits of achievement through hard work, talent and a strong sense of community.
“It is important to highlight inspirational contributors within our communities and this is what the program aims to do. “Australia Day is a day to reflect on what’s great about our country and our people – particularly our strong sense of community in times of crisis.
“This year we want to bring people together to reflect on and celebrate the Australian Spirit, as well as honour and support those who are facing extraordinary hardship. “The NSW Ambassador program aims to spread the message of national pride and inclusion, whether it’s in our cities, regions or remote country towns.”
Source: Media release, Jan 20 NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet Media Unit Central Coast Council Facebook page, Jan 23