Seven high-achieving Australians will be joining celebrations on the Mornington Peninsula as Australia Day ambassadors this year, giving our community the opportunity to hear their inspirational life stories.
The ambassadors are chosen because of their significant contribution to Australia and come from areas as diverse as computer programming, community volunteering, army veterans and media and entertainment.
The ambassadors are:
Alison Harcourt AO – mathematics and computer science pioneer
Lisa Edwards – Australia entertainment industry veteran
Joseph Cannatelli – managing director of J.C.'s Quality Foods
Roy Francis – volunteer health awareness campaigner
Sabihe McDonald – interpreter and community volunteer
Major General David McLachlan AO – distinguished veteran and former RSL State President
George Donikian – ground-breaking television presenter
They will join official proceedings and celebrations across the Peninsula at the Sorrento Bowls Club, Dromana foreshore, Mornington Park, Sorrento-Portsea RSL, Hastings foreshore, Mount Eliza Village Green and Rosebud Village Green and Rye foreshore respectively.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said he was looking forward to a great day with the community this Australia Day.
"I am excited to be welcoming these inspirational Australians to the Peninsula and recognising their important contribution to making Australia a better place.
"They bring their experiences and life stories to our communities, share their passion and commitment to achievement and showcase the values that we share as Australians.
"Australia Day really is a time to acknowledge and celebrate all our people. I encourage everyone to join together with family and friends and take part in our festivities."
The Australia Day Ambassador Program sends high-achieving Australians to over 300 community celebrations each Australia Day, helping to build on the excitement of Australia day activities in local communities.
Event program on the Peninsula, including official proceeding with ambassadors at each location:
Mornington Park 3-9.30pm
Ambassador Joseph Cannatelli
Nickelodeon's PAW Patrol live on stage
Amusements, free activities and roving entertainers
Live entertainment on stage
Feature act Kate Ceberano
Fireworks *weather dependent
Rosebud Village Green 9am-1pm
Ambassador George Donikian
Bendigo Bank free breakfast
Fun run/walk (5.3 or 10km options)
Free family fun including pony rides
Two live stages – Indigenous Hip Hop Projects
Barista coffee and food
Devonshire tea and bar
Sorrento Bowls Club 10am-4pm
Ambassador Alison Harcourt AO
Barefoot bowls for all ages
Live local entertainment
Free sausage sizzle
Mount Eliza Village Green 9am-1pm
Ambassador Major General David McLachlan AO
Free Rotary Club BBQ
Live local entertainment
Free kids' activities
Mount Eliza Farmer's Market
Hastings Foreshore 9am-2pm
Ambassador Sabihe McDonald
Free Hastings 1st Scouts BBQ
Live local entertainment – Matt Katsis, The Whisky Gypsies
Free kids' activities
Emu Plains Market on the Foreshore
Dromana Foreshore 8.30am-1.30pm
Ambassador Lisa Edwards
Free breakfast
Live local entertainment featuring Lisa Edwards and FUSION
Free kids' activities
Rye Foreshore 2-9.30pm
Ambassador George Donikian
Free Lions Club BBQ
Live local entertainment
Feature act The McNaMarr project
Free kids' activities
Fireworks *weather dependent
Sorrento-Portsea RSL 10.30am-5pm
Ambassador Roy Francis
Free BBQ
Live local entertainment
For full details of Australia Day events across the Mornington Peninsula visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/australiaday.
