In 2023, the Australia Day Committee recognized the need for a second Australia Day Ambassador to share the visits to each of the Shire ceremonies. This year Parkes Shire will welcome two Australia Day Ambassadors to the Parkes Shire.
The first is Mr Graham Ross AM VMM, who has been an Australia Day Ambassador since 2002 and is a Lifetime Ambassador for Next Sense (AKA The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children).
Graham is also widely known as the host of TV's Better Homes & Gardens and for the last 43 years has carved out a media career second to none as a radio broadcaster and television gardening presenter, journalist, and author.
He is Australia's most acclaimed horticulturist being only the fifth Australian to receive the prestigious Gold Veitch Memorial Medal since created by Queen Victoria in 1870.
On Australia Day 2021 the Australian Governor General appointed him a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott said, "we are thrilled to be able to host two Australia Day Ambassadors this year as it allows us to extend our representation across all of the townships within the Shire.
"Graham has acquired an impressive wealth of experience and knowledge as an ambassador over the last 22 years and it is an honour to have him visit Parkes for our Australia day celebrations," added Cr Westcott.
Graham will be attending the Australia Day Ceremonies in Bogan Gate and Parkes.
The second Australia Ambassador being welcomed to the Parkes Shire is Liz Deep-Jones, a multi-media journalist/producer, TV Presenter, published author, public speaker, content creator, art curator, film maker and human rights advocate.
Liz is the producer of the 'We Bleed the Same' anti-racism exhibition currently on exhibition at the Australian National Gallery in Canberra.
Liz is also an Australia Day, Harmony Walk, UNICEF Australia and Walk 2Better World Ambassador, Friend of the Love2Read campaign and Patron of D.I.R.T, a youth theatre group in Kyogle, northern NSW and Patron of the Corrilee Foundation – Bringing Charities and People Together.
Cr Westcott said "Liz is a great role model for the younger generations, addressing important issues occurring across the globe."
"Her anti-racism exhibition, 'We Bleed the Same' is of particular interest for our Shire and the greater community as it celebrates cultural diversity which is what Australia Day is all about," added Cr Westcott.
Liz will be attending the Australia Day Ceremonies in Trundle and Tullamore.
