Horsham will welcome former Victoria Police chief commissioner Christine Nixon as its Australia Day ambassador.

Horsham Rural City Council is planning a return to its popular in-person event at Sawyer Park on January 26, pending COVID-19 restraints. 

A free barbecue breakfast will start at 7am followed by a flag- raising ceremony and presentation of Australia Day awards at 8am. 

The morning’s formalities will include a citizenship ceremony and Auntie Anne Moar performing welcome to country.

The council is supporting Australia Day celebrations at Dadswells Bridge and Brimpaen.

Proceedings will start at Dadswells Bridge at 11.30am followed by a light lunch.

A free barbecue breakfast and entertainment will be on offer at Brimpaen at 8am, before formalities start at 9am.

Natimuk will not host a ceremony this year.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the council was honoured to have Ms Nixon at the Horsham event.

“Christine has dedicated her career to serving our Victorian community, playing a pivotal role in assisting people during times of emergency,” she said.

“Christine will be an inspiring ambassador who has a wealth of experience. 

“I look forward to having her join us for our Australia Day celebrations.” 

As Victoria Police commissioner, Ms Nixon was accountable for 14,000 staff and more than 500 stations with an annual budget of $1.7-billion.

She oversaw a decrease in the state’s crime rate and a proactive response against corruption among senior police officials in the state.

Following Black Saturday, Ms Nixon led the largest recovery in the state via the Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, helping communities recover.

Cr Gulline said Australia Day was a chance to say thank-you and congratulate various award winners for their contributions to the community.

“Wherever you are and whatever you do, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in Australia and especially the Wimmera,” she said.

“It is important to remember that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and some members of our community do not see Australia Day as a day of celebration. 

“It is important that we acknowledge this and continue to build greater understanding, respect and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.”

Cr Gulline said all events would follow COVID-safe guidelines and be managed according to coronavirus restrictions and the council’s event policy.  

The council has stressed attendees must be vaccinated and must check-in using QR codes.

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