From athletes to advocates, entertainers and entrepreneurs, singers to scientists, this year’s announced NSW Australia Day Ambassadors come from all walks of life.
However apparently from the Central Coast, is one of the only LGA’s in NSW without an official Ambassador just five days out from the event. An initiative of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), Australia Day Ambassadors share the common goal of uniting their communities in solidarity and reflection as part of their LGA’s Australia Day activities, with NSW DPC formally revealing their list of more than 120 Ambassadors on January 20, but a representative for the Coast was notably absent.
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. “All efforts, large or small, go a long way, ” Parker said.
“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, ” he added. The Chronicle put questions to the NSW DPC Media Unit as to why the Coast was seemingly ambassadorless, with a spokesperson advising that Central Coast Council had opted not to participate in the program and would instead be electing their own “local ambassador.
A spokesperson for Central Coast Council confirmed on January 21 that Council had indeed selected its own ambassador and would be revealing their identity closer to Australia Day. That revelation did not arrive before this publication’s deadline.
Source: Media release, Jan 20 NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet Media Unit Interview, Jan 21 Central Coast Council Media Reporter: Dilon Luke