Born and bred 'Gong girl Nikki Gemmell said she was thrilled and honoured to be named the city's Australia Day Ambassador.
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"I was born in Wollongong hospital and spent a happy childhood on the foothills of Mount Keira and my years at wonderful Keiraville Public School inspired me to be a writer," she said.
Ms Gemmell is the internationally acclaimed author of 13 novels and four works of non-fiction, including Shiver, The Bride Stripped Bare, and Why you are Australian.
"An Ambassador for our city from our city is a real bonus," Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
"Ms Gemmell is an outspoken woman in the media and is recognised as one of the 'fifty most important writers' at present. We look forward to hearing her story at Australia Day 2020."
Council's Australia Day activities kick off from 8am on Sunday, January 26 with a range of activities around Wollongong Harbour, Osborne and Lang parks and culminating in a light show at 9pm.
Ms Gemmell will attend the Australia Day launch on January 15, the Awards Dinner, a citizenship ceremony and the official welcome on Australia Day.
"I'm a born and bred Gong girl. I'm thrilled and honoured to be the 2020 Australia Day Ambassador for Wollongong," she said.
"Wollongong represents the best of Australia, and I'm so proud to be a 'Gong Girl.
"Australia Day is a time for celebrating our wonderful region. And it's a special moment where we can welcome new citizens to this treasure of an Australian city with great pride and warmth."
Ms Gemmell will provide the Welcome Speech on Australia Day at the main stage in Osborne Park, from 12.45pm.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
