
WITH the festive season now done and dusted, attention has turned to Australia Day celebrations in Leeton shire.
Australia Day will again be marked in Leeton through a variety of events, including the annual official ceremony which is highlighted by awards honouring residents and groups, as well as an address by the 2022 ambassador.
This year's Australia Day ambassador for Leeton shire has been announced as Andy Paschalidis.
Known for his work as a sports presenter and soccer commentator, Mr Paschalidis is proud to be an Australia Day ambassador and to join in with the Leeton shire community celebrations.
Mr Paschalidis has decades of experience working within the media with several well-known organisations such as SBS Television Australia, Fox Sports Australia, Nine and many more.
He has taken on a variety of roles over the years and will no doubt have many interesting tales for the Leeton shire community to hear.
Council said Mr Paschalidis plans to offer inspiration and share his optimistic messages and stories during his address at the ceremony in Mountford Park.
Leeton Australia Day Committee chairman, councillor George Weston, said Australia Day was an opportunity for everyone living in the shire to think about what it means to be Australian.
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He said it was also a chance to reconnect with each other.
"Australia Day 2022 is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian spirit and the best of this vast country; mateship, a strong sense of community, resilience, and looking forward with optimism and hope," Cr Weston said.
"In Leeton shire, we recognise and acknowledge our Wiradjuri people and respect the contributions of all Australians."
Leeton shire's new mayor, councillor Tony Reneker was also looking forward to hosting Mr Paschalidis.
"Australia Day ambassadors generously volunteer their time and share their story at hundreds of community events," he said.
"Over 30 years, ambassadors have inspired thousands of people in activities as diverse as the communities themselves, and 2022 will be no different."
Leeton's Australia Day celebrations traditionally kick off around 7.30am with a breakfast in the park, followed by the official ceremony and a pool party in the afternoon.
Towns such as Yanco and Murrami also typically host their own barbecue breakfasts.
A full program of events and plans for the day will be released by Leeton Shire Council's events teams in the near future.
Nominations are also still being sought for this year's awards, but the January 10 deadline is fast approaching. For more information visit www.leeton.nsw.gov.au.
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