INNOVATORS, educators, musicians, healthcare professionals, elite athletes and environmental advocates are among 80 inspirational Australians who will take part in events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors on January 26, 2025.

Co-founder and president of Bangalow Koalas, Linda Sparrow, has been named Moree Plains Shire Australia Day Ambassador.

Ms Sparrow is a passionate environmental advocate whose work is helping to safeguard the future of Australia’s iconic koalas.

Christine Mastello, a Local Hero Nominee and Founder of Southlakes Inc and the Community Hair Project will speak at Narrabri Shire Council’s Australia Day event.

At other Australia day functions across the north-west and New England, ambassadors include children’s author Ms Susanne Gervay (Uralla Shire Council), foster carer advocate and anti-violence campaigner Astrid Alice Hocking (Gunnedah Shire Council), 2023 NSW Senior Australian of the Year finalist Terrence O’Connell (Walcha Council), motivational speaker Steve Widders (Liverpool Plains Shire Council), keynote speaker and golfer Gary Dawson (Gwydir Shire Council Warialda), and screenwriter and producer Peter Herbert (Glen Innes Severn Council).

These outstanding citizens and local heroes are handpicked each year by the Australia Day Council of NSW for their exceptional contributions to the community to inspire national spirit. This year’s cohort features charity founders helping people in crisis, an architect committed to sustainable living and an award-winning children’s author. The Australia Day Ambassadors will participate in citizenship ceremonies welcoming new Australians, community festivals, cultural performances and charity events.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said the ambassadors represent the heart and soul of New South Wales and showcase the community spirit celebrated.

“Our ambassadors are an integral part of the Australia Day in NSW program and will take part in events and activities in communities right around the state,” Mr Graham said.

“I look forward to seeing this year’s group of accomplished Australians inspire communities and unite us as we come together as a nation to respect and reflect.”

Hosted by NSW local councils, the Australia Day Ambassadors will share personal stories of what being Australian means to them.

Australia Day Ambassador, NSW Young Australian of the Year 2013 and former NRL player Corey Payne said being an Australia Day Ambassador was an opportunity to connect with people across NSW and celebrate the resilience, kindness and inclusiveness that makes Australia so special.

“It’s inspiring to witness the pride and passion that NSW communities bring as they come together to reflect on what makes our country unique,” he said.

Now in its 34th year, the NSW Australia Day Ambassador Program is the largest in the country. The program bolsters the Australia Day events and activities in Sydney with Australia Day Ambassadors encouraging communities across NSW to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate.

2025 Australia Day Council of NSW Chair Yvonne Weldon said the program is one of the most impactful Australia Day initiatives.

“Every year I am inspired by these exceptional individuals who volunteer their time to connect with communities and celebrate the spirit that defines us as Australians,” Ms Weldon said.

“Australia Day is a time for inclusion and recognition. It is also an opportunity to honour our shared history, continuing the significant contributions and custodianship of First Nations people, while embracing our diversity and strengthening bonds that unite as a community.”

A full list of 2025 NSW Australia Day Ambassadors and the communities they will visit is available here: OzDayAmbassadors2025

Media Release