The region is set to share its weekend celebrations with a mix of high-profile educators, business operators, doctors and volunteers as councils announce their 2020 Australia Day ambassadors. 

Each year, Australia Day ambassadors volunteer their time and energy to inspire pride and celebration in communities across the country, and help councils present awards and host events.

Among the region’s notable ambassadors for this year is Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation chief executive Neil Soullier, OAM, who will address crowds across Hindmarsh Shire on Sunday.

Mr Soullier won his Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community, particularly as a money-raiser for the Blue Ribbon Foundation. 

He was a founding member of the Tynan-Eyre Memorial Foundation, formed following the murder of two constables in 1988, which later became the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Mr Soullier served as a volunteer and board member for 12 years before becoming chief executive. 

The foundation has gained awareness throughout Victoria and is Australia’s largest police support organisation. 

Mr Soullier introduced Blue Ribbon Day as an annual event and now works with other police agencies and community groups to promote it and other public benefit programs. 

He also developed the foundation’s flagship product, Constable T. Bear, which is now one of the most popular collectible teddy bears in the world. 

Senior sports business professional Sally Tucker is Northern Grampians Shire’s Australia Day ambassador.

Ms Tucker has experience in sales and business development, sponsorship and commercial partnerships, marketing and event management.

She has a family connection to the region, with her mum a librarian at Stawell Library and her brother the head groundsman at Stawell Racecourse.

Ms Tucker said she was incredibly honoured to be the Australia Day ambassador for Northern Grampians.

“I am really excited to be an ambassador and am really looking forward to it,” she said.

“Being an ambassador makes me feel incredibly honoured and lucky to be able to have that connection with rural communities around the state.

“I love connecting with people and love Australians of all walks of life, so to talk about the reasons I love being an Australian is an amazing opportunity.”

West Wimmera’s Australia Day ambassador is Debra Bateman.

Professor Bateman is Dean of the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work at Flinders University in South Australia.

She has received two national awards and a citation, including Australian Teacher Educator of the Year and an Australian University Award for Teaching Excellence and Innovation.

Professor Bateman is also on the board of the LifeChanger Foundation and Kingswood College, and has previously served on the RMIT University board and the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation board, where she retains a life membership.

West Wimmera Shire Council mayor Bruce Meyer said the council was excited to welcome Professor Bateman as the shire’s Australia Day ambassador for 2020.

“She is highly motivated to make a difference in the world and in the lives of others,” he said. 

“We are privileged to have such an accomplished and enthusiastic community contributor as our Australia Day Ambassador.”

Ararat’s Australia Day ambassador is Duncan Stalker, OAM.

Mr Stalker is an educator, leader and community service contributor who has been recognised with many awards.

He was president of the Victorian Secondary Principals Association and the Australian Principals Association.

He also serves as part of the Order of Australia Association, Warrnambool RSL and Rotary Club of Warrnambool.

Horsham’s Australia Day ambassador is Bernard Jenner, OAM, who is a consultant paediatrician and family therapist.

Yarriambiack Shire Council is yet to announce its Australia Day ambassador. 

Wimmera Australia Day services

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