VICTORIA’S first female police Chief Commissioner is one of five Australia Day Ambassadors to take part in celebrations throughout the Gannawarra Shire next Friday.
Festivities will be held at seven locations to mark the 130th anniversary of the landing of the First Fleet.
Former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Christine Nixon is the most prolific of the guest speakers, with the former chairman of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority to speak at Quambatook’s celebrations.
Futurist and strategist, Peter Ellyard will spend the morning at Barham and Cohuna, with emergency management specialist, Tony Murphy to be in attendance at Kerang’s celebrations.
Accountant and business director, Don Abell will speak at Murrabit’s gathering, with the former managing director of Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant and Eureka Skydeck, Craig Opie to attend the municipality’s only evening event, being held at Leitchville.
“It is an honour to have five special guests visiting the Gannawarra Shire on Australia Day this year,” Gannawarra mayor, Cr Brian Gibson said.
“Myself and fellow councillors look forward to welcoming Tony, Peter, Christine, Don and Craig to Australia Day celebrations across the Gannawarra Shire.”
A gathering will also be held at Lalbert during the morning, with Kerang-based Love Me Love You Youth Champion, Jorja McDonald the event’s special guest.
All celebrations will feature a breakfast or dinner put on by local community organisations, the raising of the Australian flag and confirmation of council’s major Australia Day award winners – Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event/Organisation of the Year.
Other community awards will also be announced at each ceremony.
“Each community hosts fantastic Australia Day events and I am sure the ambassadors will enjoy their stay in Gannawarra and will be made to feel very welcome at all of the community celebrations,” Cr Gibson said.
