A social impact advocate, the founder of Shake it Up foundation and a motivational speaker will be the 2026 Australia Day ambassadors in Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly.
Chris Vagg, the founder, Pass It on Clothing, will join the Campbelltown community when Mayo Darcy Lound presents Australia Day awards at the Greg Percival centre on January 26.
Community health advocate Clyde Campbell AM, the founder of Shake it Up Foundation, will be the Australia Day ambassador at Camden.
Michael James Crossland, a motivational speaker, humanitarian and author will be the ambassador for Wollondilly Shire Australia Day on January 26.
Australia Day ambassadors is a tradition that goes back three decades, but who are they and what do they actually do on the day?
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 more than 100 ambassadors this year.
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.
They also take part in 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 versus 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.
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.
They’re always approachable so if you attend an Australia Day ceremony on January 26 go up and say “g’day’’.