Australia Day Ambassadors

Australia Day Ambassadors are inspirational Australians from all walks of life, who demonstrate excellence in their chosen fields. They are role models and leaders who make positive and significant contributions to their communities, our state and the nation.  

Since its inception over three decades ago, the Australia Day Ambassador program has grown to become one of the longest-running and most successful national Australia Day programs. The NSW Australia Day Ambassador program is the largest in the country with a cohort of over 100 Ambassadors.

Each year the Australia Day Council of NSW invites Ambassadors to take part in local Australia Day events across NSW to tell uplifting stories of their personal journeys, share knowledge and insights from their extraordinary achievements, and speak about what it truly means to be Australian. These handpicked Ambassadors immerse themselves in the communities they visit, celebrate our diverse culture, promote community spirit, encourage participation and inspire national pride. 

Roles and responsibilities

Australia Day Ambassadors come from a variety of fields and backgrounds from previous Australian of the Year Award recipients, celebrity chefs, elite athletes and Olympians, inventors, world-renowned academics, environmental warriors, and authors to charity founders, social justice advocates, entertainers and local heroes. 

These high-achieving individuals generously volunteer their time and energy to travel to all corners of the state, from Bega Valley to Broken Hill from Tamworth to Yass, to support Australia Day ceremonies and festivities on January 26. They take part in a variety of events to connect with communities and encourage locals to come together on Australia Day to Reflect, Respect, and Celebrate the Australian spirit.

Their roles and activities are as diverse as the communities themselves. Ambassadors participate in all manner of activities from delivering the official Australia Day Address, presenting Australia Day community awards, and participating in citizenship ceremonies welcoming new Australians. To joining more uniquely Australian traditions like judging lamington competitions, and thong throwing challenges, sheep shearing, and cooking sausage sizzles. Ambassadors can even be seen taking to the field for the annual City vs Country cricket match, taking on the stage to sing the national anthem or perform at the evening's Australia Day concert, reading to children at the local library, visiting local hospitals and nursing homes and connecting with locals over a cup of tea.

Whatever the engagement, Ambassadors become part of the community, sharing in their kindness and hospitality, learning their stories, taking their experiences to the people they meet to help shine a light on these communities and regions. 

2026 Ambassadors

Thank you to our 2026 Australia Day Ambassadors who will be visiting communities across NSW leading up to and on Australia Day! 

* Please note this information was current at the date of publishing but may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Local towns who are hosts to Ambassadors are notified separately of any changes to their assigned Ambassador.