Best-selling author and business leader named as Australia Day ambassador

LISMORE will welcome best-selling author and business leader Catherine De Vrye as the ambassador at this year’s Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.

De Vrye, 75, arrived in Australia jobless after completing university, having grown up in a Canadian orphanage, before going on to build an international business career.

She was later named Australian Executive Woman of the Year and has worked as a university lecturer and international keynote speaker.

De Vrye has spoken at conferences across five continents and is the author of nine books, including Hot Lemon and Honey, Hope Happens! and her memoir Who Says I Can’t?

Lismore City Council mayor Steve Krieg said De Vrye reflected the values of unity, optimism and perseverance.

“We are honoured to have Catherine De Vrye as our Australia Day Ambassador, someone who believes that while we can’t always control change, we can control our attitude toward it,” he said.

The Australia Day ceremony will also recognise the achievements of local residents and formally welcome new citizens.

“It is a great privilege to honour the remarkable individuals in our community through the Australia Day awards and to welcome our newest citizens,” Krieg said.

Fifty-two new citizens from 20 countries will be welcomed during the Citizenship Ceremony, to be held at the Whitebrook Theatre at Southern Cross University from 9am.

Awards will be presented across eight categories, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Services in the Community, Sportsperson or Team, Environment and Arts and Culture.