Surf Coast Shire’s Australia Day ambassadors revealed

ANTI-tobacco crusader Dr Bronwyn King and business leader and philanthropist Dennis Banfield will share reflections and inspiration as ambassadors at Surf Coast Shire 2020 Australia Day celebrations.

Dr King will speak at Torquay’s community gathering starting in Taylor Park near the rotunda at 10am, while Mr Banfield will speak at Anglesea’s event beside Anglesea River starting at 8am.

Both free events will include presentations of Australia Day awards to recipients and nominees, recognising extraordinary contributions to community.

“Our Australia Day events are always such wonderful warm gatherings, encouraging us to come together in recognition of what we love about our country,” shire mayor Rose
Hodge said.

“They provide opportunity to salute our amazing award recipients and nominees, and our ambassadors never fail to inspire each year with their insights and reflections.

“At the same time we acknowledge and respect that the day can represent great hurt for our First Nations people.”

Cr Hodge said she was looking forward to hearing Dr King speak at Torquay.

Dr King was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to community health and is on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

“An accomplished health professional and 2019 Melburnian of the Year, she has shown extraordinary leadership in encouraging more than 35 Australian superannuation funds to divest from tobacco stocks.”

Deputy mayor Clive Goldsworthy said people at Anglesea’s event would be able to join ambassador Dennis Banfield in celebrating his Australia Day birthday.

“I encourage people to join us beside the river to acknowledge our community champions and what the day means to us.

“Mr Banfield is distinguished by more than 30 years as a senior leader in business and not-for-profit sectors across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia. It will be great to hear his insights and help him celebrate the special day.”

The Australia Day events are organised in partnership with Lions clubs of Torquay and Anglesea.

The Torquay celebration will include a citizenship ceremony.

The National Australia Day Council assigns distinguished ambassadors to share messages of inspiration at hundreds of celebrations across the country.