Australia Day 2022 Ambassador Announced
Published on 13 December 2021
On 26 January, Gilgandra will come together as a community to reflect, respect and celebrate – because we are all part of the story.
Join Australia Day Ambassador, Ms Melanie Thomas, as Gilgandra gears up to celebrate Australia Day!
A mother, a two times Australian champion martial artist, published writer and speaker, as well as an Ambassador for the Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation are just some of the feathers in Mel’s cap!
Described as ‘enigmatic’ by Business Chicks and ‘an inspiration’ by Marie Claire Magazine. Mel’s story of triumph over violent adversity has been featured on SBS, ABC, & 7 News and more.
Mel Thomas is a female violence expert and Founder of KYUP! Project, a grassroots campaign to empower the next generation to raise their standards and champion their safety and wellbeing. Mel’s approach to self-worth and self-protection has inspired thousands of teens and adults to bravely break boundaries and believe in themselves.
Mel is proud to be an Australia Day Ambassador and to visit Gilgandra and join in with our community celebrations.
Mayor Cr Doug Batten, is delighted that Mel has taken the time to join Gilgandra for this celebration.
“Australia Day is such a special community day and an opportunity to showcase what’s great about Gilgandra. With COVID impacting our town, the mouse plague and recent rains affecting harvest our community has seen some challenges this year but we also have a lot to celebrate.
Adding an encouragement that all members of our community should participate in the local activities on offer.
“We all have different stories to share about this country and Australia Day is an opportunity to remember how fortunate we are to live together here in Australia. I know that Gilgandra will put on a memorable day for our community, and having Mel here to share her story just makes it all the more special.”
Australia Day Ambassadors generously volunteer their time and share their Australian story at hundreds of community events on Australia Day. Our Ambassadors continue to inspire communities where they become a guest of honour and participate in activities as diverse as the communities themselves. We want the Gilgandra community to get involved this Australia Day:
When: Tuesday, 26 January, 2022 at 7:30am
Where: Hunter Park, Gilgandra
What’s On: 7:30am – BBQ Breakfast
9:00am – 2022 Australia Day Awards Ceremony
12:00pm – 7:00pm – Cool off with FREE entry to the Gilgandra Swimming Pool
See our Events Page for more information.
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Media Contact: Kathryn Larkin
Marketing and Communications Manager
klarkin@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au
02 6817 8800