Illawarra councils name their 2019 Australia Day ambassadors

This January 26, more than 120 Australia Day ambassadors will come together to celebrate the occasion with communities throughout NSW.

As part of the 2019 Australia Day Ambassador Program, Kiama council’s ambassador will be musician and actor Darren Coggan.

The Shellharbour City Council ambassador will be Paralympian swimmer Annabelle Williams.

Wollongong City Council’s ambassador is Nicole Bowman ​(Nicki), a professional speaker, facilitator and leadership expert who was born and raised in the Illawarra. 

Meanwhile, young Illawarra inventor and 2018 NSW Young Australian of the Year Macinley Butson will serve as ambassador for Griffith City Council. 

Also, Paralympian and long-time Wollongong Roller Hawks wheelchair basketball player Brett Stibners will be the ambassador for Mid Coast - Gloucester.

Kiama music journalist Bruce Elder is the ambassador for Bland Shire Council. 

The theme for Australia Day this year is ‘Everyone, Every Story’. 

“The NSW Ambassador Program – now in its 28th year – is a great opportunity to reinforce the diversity of Australia’s high achievers,” Australia Day Council of NSW chairman Angelos Frangopoulos said.

Read more: Have your say on Wollongong’s creative and cultural future