Sue Calwell to celebrate with Colac Otway

THE Colac Otway Shire’s 2018 Australia Day Ambassador has dedicated her career to promoting visitation to Victoria, and for nearly 20 years directed Australia’s premier tourism promotion authority.

Announced by the shire last week, Sue Calwell will bring a wealth of knowledge along with her philanthropic, entrepreneurial and writing experience to Colac as part of the official Australia Day presentations at Memorial Square on January 26.

Directly involved in hallmark events such as the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show where she was its inaugural chair, Ms Calwell has been influential in securing international organisations to choose Victoria’s capital as their preferred destination for conferences and conventions.

She also co-authored a motivational book in 2007, There’s More to Life than Sex and Money, a best-selling book that aims to inspire hope and a willingness to achieve a full and meaningful life.

Shire mayor Joe McCracken said Ms Calwell gathered many people’s personal stories for her book about what constitutes a happy life, making her a fitting choice for Australia Day as it would encourage the community to reflect on the many different stories that are told by the local population.

“Ms Calwell’s work shows us why supporting and encouraging our diversity is important,” he said.

“Australia Day is a time where we can celebrate the rich diversity in our community but we also celebrate what unites us as Australians.

“It’s a time where we stand together, acknowledge who we are and celebrate all that our community has to offer.

“As we welcome new citizens and congratulate our Australia Day award recipients, we remember that we really do live in the ‘lucky country’.”

Ms Calwell continues to dedicate her time to many tourism-related organisations and a number of charities, such as her role as chair of Baker Medical Research Institute Special Events Committee.

The Colac Otway Shire’s Australia Day event starts at 11am in Memorial Square, with citizenship presentations starting at 11.30am. A range of free family activities and live entertainment will continue until 3pm.